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You will almost never hear this particular town in Switzerland brought up in interviews or mentioned by celebrities. Gstaad (pronounced Shtad or, more accurately, Kshtaat) has been a unofficial hidden kept secret in the star-studded world for a long time. And why not? With its European resort town design, sceneries right out of a fairytale, scrumptious food offering and luxury boutique chalets and hotels, it offers an escape amidst its four gently sloping valleys. One of its draws is that Gstaad is a friendly car-free village. In terms of size, it is just your average Swiss village, lying in the south west of the country, about two hours' drive from Geneva or Zurich on the boundary between the Bernese Oberland and the Vaud Alpes. For the better part of the year, Gstaad plays host to numerous world-class festivals and tournaments including the Menuhin Classic Music Festival, the ATP Tennis Championships and the Polo Silver Cup. In January, don't miss the hot-air balloon festival in Chateau-d'Oex. The summer will see tongs of local and international tourists visiting this sleepy little town for its endless hiking paths. The Swiss Maestro himself, Roger Federer is a fan of its hiking trails as "It’s not so brutally up and down, it’s more of an even slope, which is great for hiking." 200km of slopes situated between 1,000m and 3,000m above sea level await skiers and snowboarders in winter. Guests can choose from several snowparks, numerous tobogganing runs and 42 kilometres of perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails – half of which are classic trails and half of which are designed for skating. There are around 185 kilometres of winter hiking trails. The more unusual activities include Bavarian curling in the centre of Gstaad or glacier and helicopter skiing. Cable cars ferry you into the mountains – and the local tourist travel pass, the Gstaad Easyaccess Card will save you money on these as well as giving you a range of other benefits. Be sure to get one of those when you arrive in Gstaad. There are heaps of accommodation options in Gstaad and who knows - you might just run into A-list celebrities such as Anne Hathaway, Bernie Ecclestone, Johnny Hallyday and Julie Andrews, who was made an honorary citizen of Gstaad-Saanen in 2014. So if you have your eyes step on Gstaad as part of your travel plans to the Swiss, get in touch with Sedunia Travel to make your travel dreams come true.

Gstaad, Switzerland - where superstars and celebrities retreat to

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Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oy Oy Oy! If you're like us and absolutely in love with this country, then you would be overjoyed to hear that Australia will finally be reopening its borders to tourists on 21 Feb 2022, according to Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison Australia had already begun to loosen restrictions in December 2021 when it opened its borders to those with student and working visas. Now that it’s welcoming foreign tourists back, Australia marks the end of one of the world’s strictest border lockdowns. “If you’re double vaccinated , we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia,” said Morisson. Travellers who are fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine , will not have to quarantine on arrival. Visa holders who are not fully vaccinated will still require a valid travel exemption to enter Australia and will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements. There are also several important pre departure requirements for international visitors travelling to Australia, further details of which are available on the Department of House Affairs website here . Unvaccinated travellers who have a medical reason for not being jabbed will still need to apply for a travel exemption and, if successful, will be required to quarantine at a hotel. Despite most of the country opening up, the state of Western Australia (WA) still has tight measures. It is currently closed to non-residents, including those from other Australian states, unless they have permission to enter. P lease note that some states and territories have specific requirements for visitors arriving from overseas so please refer to the latest advice for more details. Do check with Tourism Australia on which states are opened to international tourists and what are their SOPs. Or when in doubt or just too befuddled, check with Sedunia Travel to make your travel arrangements to Australia!

Australia set to welcome back international tourists on 21 Feb 2022

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Frasers Hospitality, a member of Frasers Property Group, has expanded its footprint in Asia Pacific with the launch of Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang a smart new hotel residence for #SeriouslySocial living in KL’s most dynamic downtown district. A tech-savvy, lifestyle-led property, this is where art and technology combine to create seamless, 24-7 stays. Soaring 43 storeys high and surrounded by luxury retail malls, upmarket restaurants, vibrant bars and exciting attractions, Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang elevates every stay to new levels of comfort, convenience and connectivity. Guests can enjoy expedited arrivals with a fully automated car park and self-check-in kiosks. The Den is the social hub of the property, where guests can sit back, chill out, plug in and catch up with their fellow travellers Stays at Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang are centred around The Den, a stylish social hub that spreads across two levels and where travellers can chill out, catch up with friends, play board games, listen to music on the digital jukebox, or dine in style. Guests can work out at the high-tech 42nd floor gym, which frames jaw-dropping views of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, or cool off into the healthy saltwater pool. Even chores like the laundry have a fun twist at Spin & Play, the guest laundrette and games room. To make every stay run smoothly, The Fixer – a friend, guide and all-round cool character – is on hand to manage any requests, offer insider tips on KL’s lively local social scene, or simply make guests feel at home. The property’s interior design features bold artworks that reflect the vibrant culture and heritage of Bukit Bintang The 319 contemporary studios and one-bedroom apartments range in size from 30 to 50 square metres and are fully furnished with living areas, bedrooms and well-equipped kitchenettes – perfect for short breaks, urban escapes, extended stays and family vacations in Kuala Lumpur. The interior design reflects Bukit Bintang’s heritage as a hotspot of entertainment, with wavy walls depicting cinema hall curtains and artworks featuring movie motifs, and each apartment is integrated with smart technology, including fast and free Wi-Fi, a large flatscreen IPTV with Chrome casting, a mobile charging dock and Lola, the personal digital concierge. All 319 studios and one-bedroom apartments are infused with art-inspired interiors and smart technology With round-the-clock services and high-speed internet in every corner of the property, Capri by Fraser is ideal for the new generation of digital nomads, free-spirited urban adventurers and anyone who needs to stay in touch with their home, office or social media platforms. For guests staying in the chic Studio Premier and One Bedroom Premier apartments, an extra level of personalised hospitality is available at Pow Wow, the dramatic top floor lounge with 360-degree views. To keep guests safe, all team members at Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang have been fully-vaccinated and Frasers Hospitality’s global #FraserCares programme comprises a wide range of world-class health and safety protocols, including the use of a patented, chemical-free, child-friendly cleaning system to eliminate germs. “Capri by Fraser is one of the most innovative concepts in the serviced residence sector, catering for explorers who have a millennial mindset and lead ‘always-on’ lives that blur the boundaries between work and play. Since the opening of our first Capri by Fraser property in 2012, this intuitive, socially-inspired concept has emerged in many of the world’s most fashionable urban districts. This makes it the perfect fit for Kuala Lumpur, one of Asia’s most iconic and engaging cities. We look forward to welcoming our community of experience-seeking guests to Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang,” said Ms. Tonya Khong, Senior Vice President, Head of Asia Pacific, Frasers Hospitality. A new landmark to the KL city center Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang becomes the 10th Capri by Fraser property in a global portfolio that now includes trend-setting cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, Brisbane, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore. It also becomes Frasers Hospitality’s third property in Malaysia, joining Fraser Place Puteri Harbour and Capri by Fraser Johor Bahru. To celebrate its launch, Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang is offering discounted rates starting from just MYR 238 nett per night, valid until 31st March 2022. For more information, please visit www.frasershospitality.com/en/malaysia/kualalumpur/capri-by-fraser-bukit-bintang .

Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang Brings #SeriouslySocial Living to the Beating Heart of Kuala Lumpur

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As a winter destination, Switzerland is home to some of the most beautiful ski spots in the world. From quaint mountain villages and rich cultures to dramatic peaks and spectacular snow conditions, here are some of Switzerland's best ski destinations to include on your winter bucketlist. Zermatt Located at the foot of the Matterhorn is the town of Zermatt. With 54 mountain railways and lifts as well as 360 kilometers of pistes, it's no surprised that the region where Zermatt is located in was dubbed " Matterhorn glacier paradise " and also Europe's largest and highest lying summer skiing region. The rest area of Zermatt has maintained its original character as a no-vehicle zone and offers almost limitless travel possibilities. In winter, the snow-assured ski region offers 360 km of pistes in three varied ski areas: the Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, Schwarzsee and Matterhorn glacier paradise. Those in search of something different can try their hand at paragliding or off-piste heli-skiing accompanied by an experienced mountain guide. St. Moritz St. Moritz is more than just a holiday resort. It was also the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism (in 1864) and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. 154 years ago, the hotelier Johannes Badrutt made a bold bet with his English summer guests, promising them mild Engadine sunshine in mid-winter. Badrutt won the bet and St. Moritz went on to become one of the world's most exceptional winter sports resorts. For winter sports enthusiasts there are 350 kilometres of pistes with a state-of-the-art infrastructure in the surrounding area. St. Moritz's 'house mountain', the Corviglia, boasts the steepest start slope in Switzerland with the Piz Nair Wall's 100 per cent vertiginous drop. Toboggan riders plunge down the icy run which is one of the oldest natural ice bob runs in the world. For winter hikers there are 150 km of winter walking trails and for cross-country skiers there is a track network of about 200 km. The snowboard fun park, curling and altitude training are just some of the other winter sports facilities. Grindelwald The Eiger village of Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland lies embedded in a welcoming and green hollow, surrounded by a commanding mountainscape with the Eiger north face and the Wetterhorn. This mountainscape and the numerous lookout points and activities make Grindelwald one of the most popular and cosmopolitan holiday and excursion destinations in Switzerland, and the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region. The two ski regions of First and Kleine Scheidegg – Männlichen – Wengen offer 160 kilometres of pistes with around 30 lifts reaching up to an altitude of 2500 m. The Schilthorn near Mürren, also part of the Jungfrau region ski arena, even reaches 2971 metres. But the most spectacular piste of the region is without doubt the Lauberhorn piste near Wengen, popularised by the World Cup circus. Saas-Fee Up until the 14th century there was only one community in the Saas Valley: Saas. Four villages arose out of Saas - of those four Saas Fee, also known as "The Pearl of the Alps", is the most renowned; 13 four thousand meter peaks surround the glacier village, which is located at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. Saas Valley is distinguished by 350 kilometers of thematic and hiking trails as well as special offerings for families and children. The ski region has 150 kilometers of pistes of all levels of difficulty, which are considered to be snow-assured. With its 22 lifts and 100 km of prepared pistes, the winter ski region of Saas Fee forms the heart of the entire ski region. In addition to Saas-Fee, there is a further ski area in the nearby region of Kreuzboden-Hochsaas above Saas-Grund. Twenty kilometres of winter walking trails and an 8-km-long cross-country ski trail are provided for non-Alpine skiers. Various toboggan runs, such as the 11-km-long toboggan run from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund offer alternatives to skiing. Engelberg Engelberg is not just a winter resort – it’s a winter paradise. The town offers such a variety of things to do that you will be tempted to extend your stay long enough to try everything. The two sides of the valley couldn’t be more different and they provide pure enjoyment to both athletes and those who like to take it slower. Engelberg: the largest - and as the locals like to boast – probably also the most beautiful ski area in central Switzerland. Spread over an altitude of 2000 meters, there is room for snowboarding, skiing and sledding, a varied winter program to make your holiday exciting. The long, snowy winter begins as early as October and lasts into May. The 35 km of cross-country ski trails meandering through the lovely Engelberg area make cross-country skiing a fantastic experience! Davos Davos in Grisons is a place of superlatives: this holiday destination with international ambience is the largest resort in the Alps for mountain holidays, sport and conferences, at 1560 m the highest town in the Alps and a high-altitude health resort with a long tradition. Davos is a winter sports metropolis for skiing and snowboarding fans from all over the world. At altitudes between 1124 and 2844 m, guests will find 58 ski lifts, 300 km of slopes, 100 km of cross-country ski tracks, over 150km snowshoe and winter hiking trails, two artificial ice rinks with ice hockey, ice skating and curling fields are available. And no fewer than eight sledging runs to have fun on! Arosa The tradition-rich Grisons holiday resort of Arosa is located at the end of the romantic Schanfigg Valley at an altitude of about 1800 metres above sea level. With its impressive range of mountain peaks all around, Arosa Lenzerheide is just as attractive for extended hiking tours in summer as it is in winter, offering a great variety of snow sport activities. Skiers and snowboarders can choose from 225 km of slopes with guaranteed snow in the winter sport region of Arosa Lenzerheide, making it the largest interconnected skiing region of Graubünden. Thanks to the cable car joining the two resorts, the visitors can get from the Arosa Hörnli to the Lenzerheide Urdenfürggli in just 3 minutes. The modern Urden cable car can now also be used by pedestrians who will be able to enjoy a total of 140 km of well-maintained hiking and walking trails. Two snow parks and a fun slope await the freestylers for some fantastic jibbing. Those who love snowshoe hiking, (night) sledding, cross-country skiing, curling and Bavarian curling will also find everything their hearts desire in Arosa Lenzerheide. Crans-Montana These twin towns have much to offer, including an impressive view of the chain of mountain peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc and a particularly wide programme of activities all year round. The ski slopes stretch from the high plateau up to the Plaine Morte Glacier at 3000 m. Directly beyond the edge of the forest the pistes are broad and open, ideal for beginners and deep-snow skiers. In Winter the golf courses become a paradise for cross-country skiers and hikers. In addition to classic cross-country ski trails, there is also an extra piste especially for skaters. Verbier Verbier, the most cosmopolitan holiday resort in Valais, is situated on a sunny plateau and offers a unique panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc and the Combins massif. In winter, the extraordinary skiing region offers limitless pleasure for advanced skiers from all over the world as well as for beginners. As soon as the first snow falls, Verbier becomes a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. The "4 Valleys" ski zone − with no less than 410 km of ski runs and over 89 ski lifts – embraces five resorts: Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon and La Tzoumaz. A cable car takes skiers to the summit of Mont-Fort (altitude: 3330 m), from where the descent is one of the most superb "black runs" in the Alps. Leukerbad The Romans were among the first to recognise the healing properties of the hot springs of Leukerbad. This thermal spa resort lies well protected in a Valais side valley and is now a popular destination for wellness and sports’ enthusiasts. Every day 3.9 million litres of hot water gush from 65 thermal springs in the mountain spa resort of Leukerbad. These thermal springs have led to the development of tourism in Leukerbad and made it one of the biggest spa and wellness resorts in Switzerland. Apart from a medical rehabilitation centre, its attractions now include numerous public thermal baths. Now that you have a few destinations to visit for a ski vacation, here are some need to know to help with your planning. When to go skiing in Switzerland The winter ski season in Switzerland typically runs from December to April, with the slopes buzzing with skiers and boarders until Easter. Prices skyrocket during school holidays, so avoid the crush and visit during the shoulder seasons (early December, January and March) for quieter pistes, slightly cheaper rooms and a greater choice of accommodation. Find your slope Ski runs are colour coded according to difficulty: Blue Easy, well-groomed runs that are suitable for beginners. Red Intermediate runs that are groomed but often steeper and narrower than blue runs. Black For expert skiers with polished technique and skills. They are mostly steep and not always groomed, and they may have moguls and vertical drops. If you need someone to take care of all the logistic and planning then look no further than Sedunia Travel. In partnership with Swiss Tourism , Sedunia Travel can assist you with the planning and bookings! You can always opt for their on-ground packages and customise it to include any one of these ski destination for winter dream holiday on the Alps!

10 Winter Destinations in Switzerland for the Ski Enthusiast

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2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, a year made for bold action. The Tiger is known for its power, courage, and ability to do everything on a grand scale. The team at Heavens Portfolio has chosen inspirations for your next holiday destination based on each Chinese Zodiac sign. Year of the Rat - Paris, France People born in the Year of the Rat are clever, curious, and highly resourceful. They crave variety on their holidays. Paris beckons with its bustling river banks, the beauty and charm of its architecture, cuisine, and countless opportunities to explore art, culture, and history. WHERE TO STAY: Cheval Blanc Paris Overlooking the Seine, in the heart of the capital, Cheval Blanc Paris embodies the French art de vivre: epicurean pleasures, hospitality for family and friends. As is fitting in Paris, the gastronomic capital, Cheval Blanc Paris gives pride of place to the culinary arts with an inspired approach. Year of the Ox - Corfu, Greece The hardworking Ox prefers quiet and calm holidays. Tranquility is the first word that springs to mind when you think of Corfu, and if you are craving some time spent in peaceful contemplation, you will find solace in the breathtaking views of Greece’s Ionian Sea. WHERE TO STAY: Ultima Corfu Overlooking the Ionian sea, Ultima Corfu (part of Ultima Collection’s unique property collection with luxury design and services from hotels, residences, and villas to spas, and private clinics, across the hottest locations in Europe) is an ocean-front villa located on the emerald island of Corfu, Greece. Offering spectacular 180 degree views of the Greek and Albanian coasts, it comprises a main villa and a guest villa with 6 en-suite bedrooms, private balconies and terraces overlooking the sea. Year of the Tiger - Lausanne, Switzerland People born in the Year of the Tiger are confident, passionate, and ambitious adventurers yet even the boldest of beasts need to stop to smell the roses! Take stock and indulge in moments of reflection in Lausanne. WHERE TO STAY: Beau-Rivage Palace Ideally situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, Beau-Rivage Palace is nestled in natural beauty, just a stone's throw away from the centre of Lausanne. The hotel's four hectare large garden and splendid terrace form an oasis of calm, ideal for recharging one's batteries. The view onto Lake Geneva and the Alps exudes a unique serenity, as if outside of time. Year of the Rabbit - Hua Hin, Thailand In 2022, Rabbits will seek out holistic experiences to bring them peace of mind. A sanctity they might find in Hua Hin, Thailand; where they will want their own minds to reflect the clear waters as they relish moments of relaxation in paradise. WHERE TO STAY: Chiva-Som Chiva-Som, a pioneer in transformative wellness practices to global acclaim. Asia's first comprehensive wellness resort, Chiva-Som is a beach front property spanning across seven acres of paradise. The resort has six modalities, offering guests the opportunity to focus on fitness, spa, nutrition, physio, ascetic beauty or holistic elements. Chiva-Som means 'Haven of Life' and this truly embodies the goals and philosophies of the resort. Year of the Dragon - New York, USA The powerful Dragon is the single mythical creature among the Chinese zodiac signs. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are strong and courageous leaders, with a love for adventure and romance. There’s no city that fits the bill like New York! WHERE TO STAY: Baccarat Hotel New York Baccarat Hotel New York is the first hotel and global flagship of the 255-year-old crystal brand Baccarat. The Museum of Modern Art and shopping on Fifth Avenue are just steps away. Designed by the Parisian design team Gilles & Boissier, the 114 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites emphasize luxurious décor and exquisite craftsmanship, like Baccarat's crystal craftsmanship. Year of the Snake - Samarkand, Uzbekistan This year, good fortune awaits the Snake on the Silk Road and where else to start but in Uzbekistan. Many of the top sights of the Silk Road are to be found in Uzbekistan, which served as a central crossroad for traders and travellers plying the routes between the Far East and Europe, Persia and North Africa. WHERE TO STAY: Silk Road Samarkand Silk Road Samarkand, a multifunctional tourist complex designed to become a modern attraction not only of the city of Samarkand, but also of the entire Central Asia, will be opened for visitors in 2022. The complex will combine cultural, gastro, medical and business tourism facilities. The new complex will house world-class hotels, specialized boutique hotels, contemporary public spaces, parks, recreation and sports areas, authentic restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as an international congress hall and sites of cultural interest. Year of the Horse - Graubünden, Switzerland Horses feel the need to run free and throw caution to the win this year instead of continuing with their daily routine; instead of pinning themselves to an itinerary they crave freedom. The Swiss Canton of Graubünden calls to the Horse with its limitless possibilities. WHAT TO DO: Holidays in Graubünden are varied and diverse. Discover the interplay between pristine wilderness and top notch, modern tourism infrastructure – from tranquil mountain villages in the Bergell region to the sleek and sophisticated hotels in St. Moritz which has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, as well as famous European towns such as Chur, Laxx, and Tschiertschen. The Graubünden is "the largest canton in Switzerland" and also the number one holiday destination in Switzerland. The hometown of Little Heidi and a paradise for ski enthusiasts. Year of the Goat / Sheep - Milan, Italy Goats/Sheeps are social creatures. They are uniquely aware of how doors open through relationships and are eager to seize an opportunity when presented. This year, Milan is…opportunity. Milan is without a doubt the capital of Italian and international fashion. Cosmopolitan, it incorporates luxury, art, gastronomy and culture. WHERE TO STAY: Armani Hotel Milano Situated in the heart of the historic center of Milan, in the city's prestigious fashion district, sits the Armani Hotel Milano, providing a world of harmony, privacy and calm in true Armani style. A once-in-a-lifetime holiday, a special occasion, an indulgent treat, a business stay; make lifelong memories at Armani Hotel Milano. Award-winning dining, luxurious leisure, spa facilities and signature Armani hospitality combine to create the ultimate experiences. Year of the Monkey - Langkawi, Malaysia Although the Monkey is the antagonist of the Tiger, this year won’t be as foreboding as you think; so long as you remain disciplined and optimistic, the positive stars will accompany you in all aspects of life. The Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is just the ticket to get you in the right frame of mind. WHERE TO STAY: THE DATAI LANGKAWI This serene haven is where you can reconnect with nature and uplift your soul. The Datai Langkawi offers the perfect escape and allows you to nurture to the full the well-being of your mind, body and spirit. Datai Bay is rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic and, together with the resort's surrounding jungle, is host to a wealth of wildlife, some of which is endemic to the area. You may well find spirit animals in the Dusky langurs and Sunda colugos spotted during your stay. Year of the Rooster - The French Riviera We can expect great things for the Rooster this year, in wealth, luck and love. So why not chase the golden glow of a French Riviera summer? WHERE TO STAY: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Located by crystal clear seas and verdant parkland, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is custodian of some truly special flora and fauna. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has hosted those in search of the Riviera’s rare and delicious pleasures every season since 1870. Carefree days spent secluded between the private bay and parkland, enjoying the elegant country club facilities. Discover the captivating beauty of the Côte d'Azur and a region rich in art and culture. Year of the Dog - Baden-Baden, Germany The loveable Dog is loyal and sweet, and the natural justice seeker of the Chinese zodiac signs. They’re also playful and active and love getting out into nature so the spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany will provide an invigorating wellness immersion. WHERE TO STAY: Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the picturesque, cosmopolitan town of Baden-Baden, presents itself as an oasis of beauty surrounded by enchanting parkland. Tradition and modern elegance connect with unparalleled spa experiences in the legendary grand hotel. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa has been a place of relaxation and diversion for the travelling elite since 1872. Here guests can enjoy all that Baden-Baden is renowned for with one of the most advanced spas in Europe, offering luxurious therapy and longterm cures while surrounded by refreshing natural parkland and high culture. Year of the Pig - Dubai, UAE The affable Pig has boundless energy and needs a destination that affords it the same buzz. Dubai is an energised city of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches, where big business takes place alongside sun-seeking tourism – the best of both worlds! WHERE TO STAY: Address Beach Resort At Address Beach Resort, expect to be spoilt for choice. Whether that is choosing to take a plunge in one of the tallest rooftop infinity pools or sunbathing on our private beach, guests have a wide array of options to enjoy from. The unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina will leave a lasting impression. Address Beach Resort rests in Jumeirah Beach Residence, nestled in the heart of The Beach.

Destinations to travel to in 2022 based on Your Chinese Zodiac

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Penang is one of those destinations where you can choose and pick your accommodation based on what you want to do or eat. Want to be surrounded by food and a UNESCO site, then stay in Georgetown. Want to wake up to isolation from the crowd, then stay around Balik Pulau. If you're looking for a beach side hotel, look no further than Hompton by the Beach, Tanjung Bungah. Driving along Tanjong Tokong seafront, you can spot it - all 33 floors of this hotel from the road where it's located next to the iconic Penang Chinese Swimming Club. When the hotel first opened, their lobby was on the 11th floor, giving guests views of the sea and beach from the top. But on my recent visit in December 2021, it had been moved to the ground floor probably for easier SOP controls. Check-in was fast with a very friendly receptionist assuring me I had a room with a partial sea view. My deluxe room for one night was on the 15th floor with two single beds and a beautiful partial view of the beach, sea and the Chinese Swimming Club from above. The room itself was perfect for a staycation with everything I needed for comfy stay from complimentary high-speed wifi to a smart TV and bathrobes to lounge in. The rain shower was heavenly as were the complimentary body wash, shampoo and conditioner. The hotel's infinity pool was on the 10th floor and was somewhat chilly as it was shaded but if you room doesn't have a sea view, you can get it here. There is a fully-equipped fitness center and a steam room for you to sweat it out. If your room comes with complimentary breakfast buffet. then you can find it on the 11th floor, the former reception level which had been turned into the Spice Garden cafe. The breakfast spread was pretty good with nasi lemak, meehoon, fruits, porridge and more. Coffee drinkers will love the three coffee machines available for your caffeine fix. Get there early if you want a table with a view of the sea. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch the sunrise from the cafe. The staff at Hompton by the Beach were superb from the friendly receptionist to the pleasant helpful staff of the bar. If the hotel food doesn't strike your fancy, there is a food court directly across the road from the hotel and a MyNews just a 5 minutes walk away for snacks and drinks. The beach in front of the hotel was pleasant for a nice chill stroll in the mornings or evenings although keep an eye out for jellyfish carcass in the sand. For those coming in big groups, parking is limited. There are only about 7 parking bays per floor in the first 9 floors of the hotel and if it's full, you will have to park along the street outside the hotel. Not wanting to lose my parking spot, I ended up not leaving the hotel until my check out and grabbed dinner at the food court across the road. Another issue is the limited lifts. For a hotel with over 200 rooms and 33 floors, there are only 3 lifts operating. Due to Covid SOP aka four per lift, it's no surprise if a queue forms. From the parking lot to the lobby too, there is a separate set of lifts which turned out to be a great hack for me to get to my room. All I had to do was take the car park lift to the 10th or 11th floor and walk up the stairs to the 15th floor if there was a queue but I can't imagine doing this if my room was on higher floors. So yes, Hompton by the Beach was a great staycation and just what I needed. Beach, amazing views and just sitting around in my relaxing room in their comfortable bathrobes. I for one would stay there again. Just not during the school holidays or when the hotel is packed to the brim.

What Staying at Hompton by the Beach, Penang is like

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Sabah, the land below the wind is a true indication of how blessed Malaysia is as a tourist destination. To showcase the true essence of the Land Below, vivo Malaysia, in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board, released a short film titled Visual Xplorer to document the people, their rich culture and the scenic landscapes of the state of Sabah. The entire 1 minute 27 seconds film was documented with the vivo X70 Pro, the professional photography flagship smartphone with advanced mobile imaging technology co-engineered with ZEISS. Directed by local film director Brian Christie, the film takes viewers on a journey to explore Sabah through various tropes of culture, tribes, food, festivities and nature, capturing moments and memories unheard of from the rich land of Sabah. “At vivo, we believe in capturing and sharing the joy of humanity through the beautiful moments of people and nature. I am glad we can tell the story of Sabah together with Sabah Tourism Board in this project. The vivo X70 Pro’s mobile photography capabilities can capture Sabah in great detail to immortalise the beautiful landscape and culture of Sabah,” said Mike Xu, Chief Executive Officer of vivo Malaysia. Sabah is a land rich with its own unique biodiversity and culture. From a great array of travel options to the friendly hospitality of the locals, the state is full of exciting stories waiting to be told. The video captures some of Sabah’s beautiful places such as Cultural Village, Mantanani Island and Sepilok rainforest Discovery Centre while highlighting local activities. “We are happy to collaborate with vivo to share the beauty of Sabah. There is more than meets the eyes, and Sabah has more to offer to the world. We hope through the film, people will appreciate the Sabah and create a bigger opportunity to shine Sabah’s story to the world,” said Noredah Othman, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board. The Visual Xplorer short film can be viewed on vivo Malaysia’s Official Facebook Page and vivo Malaysia Official Youtube Channel.

Witness the Beauty of Sabah

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The diverse natural wonders of Sydney and New South Wales showcase the very best Australia has to offer. From star-studded skies in the outback to intricate mountain scenes and sparkling Sydney beaches, here in NSW, we have it all. Stay cool on the coast in summer (December to January), watch the trees turn golden in autumn (March to May), cosy up by the fireplace or visit the ski fields in winter (June to August) and watch the state bloom into beauty with seasonal flowers such as purple jacarandas in spring (September to November). Here are the places to go in NSW to see unique Australian natural beauty. The Three Sisters, Blue Mountains 1. Blue Mountains Known as Sydney’s ‘backyard wilderness’, see the forested valleys of the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park unfolding under the famous blue haze (created by eucalyptus oils in the atmosphere). See a bird’s-eye view of the famous Three Sisters up in the air on the Scenic World skyway, hike rainforest trails, spend the day visiting countryside bakeries and charming villages, dine overlooking the mountains and wander the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah, the highest botanic garden in the Southern Hemisphere. When to go: While the Blue Mountains is beautiful all year round, visit in spring (September to November) when flowers are in bloom or in a utumn (March to May), when the air is crisp and cool, and the landscape is dotted with red, orange and golden leaves. How to get there It’s approximately a 90-minute drive from the city along the M4 motorway. NSW Trainlink Intercity services (our train network) depart from Central Station in Sydney every hour and takes about two hours to get to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Morning sea of clouds, Lincoln’s Rock Natural Attractions The Three Sisters: The World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park is home to the much-photographed sandstone formation, The Three Sisters. Echo Point at Katoomba is a top spot to view this incredible natural wonder and you can learn about the Dreamtime story behind the rocks: three Indigenous sisters, Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo of the Gundungurra people. Golden Hour: Watch the sunset or sunrise from a vantage point over the forested valley as the sandstone cliffs turn gold. Local favourites are Govetts Leap in Blackheath or Cahill’s Lookout in Katoomba. Wear a coat and take a thermos of hot tea – once the sun sets, it can get very cool in the mountains. Jenolan Caves: Located at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, these remarkable caves are the oldest open cave system in the world! There are more than 40 kilometres of passages in the cave network, and you can book guided tours of different chambers. The Imperial Cave has the pretty Diamond Branch of pink crystals. Glow Worms: Take a magical evening tour into the Glow Worm Tunnel! In the darkness of the tunnel you will see lots of small luminescent dots of the glow worms and you will be surprised at how bright they are in the dark. Hidden Gems: Snap incredible views at some lesser-known vantage points such as Elysian Rock, Pulpit Rock and Honeymoon Bridge. Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah: Visit this beautiful cool climate garden and wander among Wollemi pines, fairy grottos and vibrant flower beds. It’s Australia’s only botanic garden within a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lincoln’s Rock is a huge flat rock with brilliant views of Jamison Valley. The pale rock changes tone throughout the day with the movement of the sun. Stargazing: Embark on a captivating journey of the night sky with Blue Mountains Stargazing. Cosy up with a hot chocolate and search for stars on a professional telescope with a guide. Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock, Royal National Park 2. Royal National Park With fabulous picnic spots, secret swimming holes and hiking trails, the Royal National Park is an ideal day trip from Sydney. Australia’s oldest national park forms the start of the Grand Pacific Drive Road Trip (the drive from Sydney will take you over the overwater Sea Cliff Bridge) and a place of stunning natural beauty with spectacular coastal cliffs, open grasslands, rainforest and sacred Indigenous sites. When to go: The Royal National Park is beautiful any time of the year. In spring you’ll see heathlands of wildflowers and winter is a wonderful time for a hike along coastal trails to hopefully spot whales. How to get there: The Royal National Park is near Cronulla, about an hour’s drive from the Sydney CBD. There is a per-car entry fee to the park. There are multiple entry points: several sealed roads, a scenic ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, and a tram from the Sydney Tramway Museum in Loftus. The spectacular Grand Pacific Drive road-trip route winds through the park. Natural Attractions Wedding Cake Rock: Named because of its resemblance to a white layered cake, this fenced clifftop is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive and the pale-coloured rock contrasts beautifully against the golden sandstone of the coastal cliff. Wattamolla Beach: A secluded and pretty beach, Wattamolla has a picnic area, lookout and lagoon. Eagles Rock: A rare sight is this uniquely shaped rock – the large overhanging formation is shaped like an eagle’s beak. Horse Head Rock, Bermagui 3. South Coast The south coast of NSW has some of the whitest sand in the world, incredible coastal rock formations, sapphire-hued ocean and plenty of wildlife. Swim in the crystal-clear water, see kangaroos in the wild and take a tour to see fur seals and little penguins. When to go: If you want swimming and sunshine, the warmest months to visit are December, January and February. If you want to spot whales, humpback whale migration season sees these beautiful creatures swim along the NSW coast from May to November. How to get there: From Royal National Park, keep travelling along the route of Grand Pacific Drive, which winds along lovely coastline to Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Jervis Bay. The Grand Pacific Drive takes you over the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, which sweeps out over the ocean. Must-see rock formations Kiama Blowhole: The blowhole is a natural rock formation where seawater shoots through and upwards, sometimes 20 metres into the air! This is the largest blowhole in the world; find it along the picturesque Kiama Coastal Walk. Cathedral Rocks: A magical sight and photographic opportunity, Cathedral Rocks have been shaped by waves and jut up out of the ocean. They can be viewed from Kiama Coastal Walk. Australia Rock: As its name suggests, this hole in a rock in Narooma looks like the shape of mainland Australia. Horse Head Rock: Located in breathtaking Bermagui, this is one of the oldest rocks in NSW and the distinctive horse-head-shaped rock is best seen from the platform on the elevated walking track. 4. Beach Beauty With more than 2000 kilometres of coastline, NSW has plenty of beautiful beaches, unique ocean pools, world-class surf, fresh seafood and luxury resort towns to explore. Tomaree Head, Port Stephens Port Stephens About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney, Port Stephens has plenty of coastal beauty. With golden beaches, a vast sparkling blue bay and exciting water and shore-based activities, Port Stephens is an idyllic beach getaway and the dolphin capital of NSW. Take the invigorating short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. A must-see natural wonder is the extraordinary Stockton Beach Sand Dunes – they are the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere and at their peak can be up to 50 metres high. Book a camel ride, a quad bike tour or Indigenous experience to explore them. When to go? Late June, early July is the best time to spot whales, it’s also a cooler temperature to visit the dunes. Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk, Palm Beach Palm Beach Palm Beach is a narrow peninsula on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and is surrounded by water on all sides: Pittwater, Pacific Ocean and Broken Bay. There are beautiful beaches to visit in this area, all with the distinctive golden-coloured sand. Palm Beach is Sydney’s northernmost beach and one of Australia’s favourite TV series Home and Away is filmed here. Other pretty spots nearby are Whale Beach, Avalon Beach and Bilgola Beach and the spectacular Barrenjoey Lighthouse. When to go? Idyllic summer months. Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay Byron Bay One of the more famous towns in Australia, Byron Bay has unique natural beauty, great surf and a buzzing culture built on bohemian beginnings. Do a yoga class by the beach, walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point in Australia, learn to surf at The Pass and swim at picturesque Wategos Beach. When to go? Byron Bay's mild, temperate climate makes it a perfect place to holiday year round. The busy summer months are perfect for water activities like surfing, snorkelling and kayaking. Winter is a great time to spot whales in migration, head into the hinterland on rainforest walks or explore the Byron Shire’s incredible dining scene. Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie A popular photography spot in Lake Macquarie is the incredible Caves Beach with an intricate network of sea caves, which will have your imagination running wild as you look around the arches and crevices. A great photo opportunity is at golden hour from inside the largest cave looking out to sea. Just a 10-minute drive from here, Catherine Hill Bay is a State Heritage Listed historic mining village featuring a stunning patrolled beach, another popular photography spot. When to go? Check the website link https://www.lakemac.com.au/Venues/Caves-Beach ? and align your visit with the tides – the caves can only be explored at low tide. Sierra Escape, Mudgee 5. Stargazing As the sun sets in NSW, a dazzling array of stars is revealed, especially in Central NSW where the landscape tends to be flatter and the skies clearer. NSW is home to Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, Warrumbungle National Park, where the low humidity and high altitude create the perfect place to view the Milky Way galaxy. Australia’s largest optical observatory is located on the outskirts of the park and offers informative daytime tours. For a stargazing experience, book a tour with Donna the Astronomer at Milroy Observatory in Coonabarabran at the foothills of the Warrumbungle Mountains. When to go? In spring the golden wattle flowers are out and the temperatures are mild enough for camping under the stars. If you would like to glamp it up under the star-studded skies, NSW has some luxurious glamping experiences from country to coast: Bubbletent Australia: Located in Capertee Valley in the Blue Mountains, sleep in a snug transparent sphere, which give a brilliant vista of the sky. Sierra Escape: Gaze up at the stars from the outdoor tub alongside a campfire at this spectacular property in Mudgee dotted with five indulgent glamping tents. Paperbark Camp: This iconic glamping experience nestled in a eucalyptus forest on the South Coast offers safari-style luxury tents with wraparound decks to stargaze. Bondi Icebergs Pool 6. Ocean Pools + City Beaches NSW has the most ocean pools in Australia – one hundred pools hewn from the natural rockfaces of the beaches where you can swim in the saltwater, protected from the surf. Here are some to pop on your travel list: Sydney Bondi Icebergs: The gleaming white pool with the backdrop of Bondi Beach is a glorious sight. Bronte Pool: Rocks create a sheltered natural pool perfect for families, while an ocean-fed lap pool tucked in beneath the south headland provides one of Sydney’s finest saltwater swim experiences (free entry). Wylie’s Baths, Coogee: This popular pool has raised decking to spread your towel on, a kiosk and a view of Wedding Cake Island. Mahon Pool, Maroubra: This peaceful pool is nestled among rocky outcrops for a sense of seclusion. Bermagui Blue Pool, South Coast Across NSW Bermagui Blue Pool, South Coast: A pool so named as it perfectly reflects the blue sky above. Merewether Baths, Newcastle: An iconic ocean pool, this one is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere Blowhole Point Ocean Pool, Kiama: A safe swimming spot near Kiama’s famed Blowhole. A beautiful and unique feature of Sydney are all the stunning beaches right on the city’s doorstep. Locals might finish work in the city and catch a ferry across to Manly Beach or take the bus to Bondi Beach for a swim. The city beaches and harbour coves are one of the reasons Sydney has such a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Bondi is a must-visit for its sheer natural beauty and laidback beach charm. Here are a few other glorious beaches and coves in Sydney to visit: Manly Beach: One of Australia’s most famous beaches — the world's first surfing contest was held here in 1964. A short walk up the Manly esplanade leads to Shelly Beach, a popular snorkelling spot home to the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve , where you can spot plenty of marine life. Redleaf Beach: A harbourside beach in Double Bay with a kiosk and wraparound pontoon to walk on water. Watsons Bay: This protected harbour cove is perfect for paddleboarding. Take the nearby South Head heritage trail to see the red-and-white striped Hornby Lighthouse. Balmoral Beach: A picturesque beach in Sydney’s north, it has an old-world elegance with tall palms and the Mediterranean-style Bathers' Pavilion restaurant. Belmore Falls, Morton National Park Credit: Above Down Under by Kramer Photography 7. Wildlife and Waterfalls Morton National Park: In the Southern Highlands near Nowra, this protected park is home to stunning gorges, rainforest and the magnificent Fitzroy Falls. From the visitors’ centre there is a boardwalk with several spots to marvel at the water pouring more than 80 metres into the valley below. Join a short walking track to see views of Belmore Falls, a powerful plunge waterfall with two drops on the Barrengarry Creek, cascading over 100 metres. This is a wonderful place to stop on the way to Jervis Bay. Booderee National Park: This is a magical place for animal and nature lovers. Nestled in Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park is where you’ll find secluded white-sand beaches fringed by coastal bushland and plentiful wildlife including kangaroos and swamp wallabies. Sunset and sunrise are the best times to see wildlife: listen out for footsteps and move quietly and slowly for best encounters. Inside the park you can also visit Booderee Botanic Gardens with more than 460 plants and several unique rock formations, inclufing Hole in the Wall Beach, which gets its name from rocks shaped a little bit like the letter ‘u’. Bouddi National Park: Located on the Central Coast near Gosford, north of Sydney, the beautiful Bouddi National Park offers spectacular diverse landscapes — from beaches and steep cliffs through to rainforest and heathland. Canola Trail 8. Flowers Spring in NSW is a colourful and memorable experience with flower festivals, daisy fields and pockets of purple jacarandas in Sydney. Jacaranda: From late October to November, the city of Sydney is peppered with these pretty purple trees. Cherry Blossoms: The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually in the Japanese Garden of the Auburn Botanic Gardens. Take a selfie in front of the pretty pink arch of delicate blossoms. Tulips: Visit Bowral in the Southern Highlands in September for the iconic Tulip Time festival, where a vast garden of 75,000 tulips make for a colourful display. Canola Fields: The golden fields of canola flowers can be found on country roads between Young, Boorowa and Harden in the Riverina. The yellow flowers shine from August for around three months. Paper Daisies: The paper daisy display at Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan (Australian native plant garden of the Sydney Royal Botanic Garden) is an Insta-worthy moment with fields of pink, white and yellow native daisies covering more than 2000 square metres in September. Sunflowers: Farm & Co Kingscliff on the north coast of NSW has some of the most glorious sunflower fields. Dress in your spring best and get a photograph among the tall, yellow sunflowers. It’s a $5 entry fee and Kingscliff is a great stop on the way to Byron Bay. Autumn Leaves: Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit the Southern Highlands in NSW, when the picturesque heritage villages of Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Robertson, Berrima and more, come alive with golden, fiery colours. Visit Destination NSW for more travel updates to NSW or travelling ideas and check with Sedunia Travel for travel arrangements and tour packages to Sydney and other part of Aussie!

8 Incredible Natural Wonders to see in Sydney and New South Wales, Australia

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Ayam masak kicap, mee goreng mamak, Tau Yew Bak….. these classic Malaysian dishes from different cultures share an ingredient that is a staple in all Malaysian kitchens – Soy sauce. Deeply inspired by the humble condiment that is loved by all nationwide, Nando’s celebrates the fusion of Malaysian and South African PERi-PERi flavours with the all new Soy PERi-PERi! This is Nando’s first ever Asian-inspired PERi-PERi flavour, made with feeling for Malaysians. Returning the love it has received from Malaysians since 1998, Nando’s combines their iconic PERi-PERi sauce with Malaysia’s very own favourite condiment: the kicap! This is the first-ever PERi-PERi flavour formulated with Malaysians favorite sauce in mind. Nando’s new Soy PERi-PERi is a delicious blend of the zesty PERi-PERi Sauce with the familiar taste of Malaysia’s Soy Sauce. With the spice kept at a mild level, Nando’s wants to ensure everyone can enjoy the new yet familiar flavour, just like our grandmother’s cooking. With the tagline #MadeWithFeeling, Nando’s delivers deliciousness and nostalgia all on a bite of chicken grilled with love and care. Pro Tip! Enjoy the new flavour to the fullest with the chicken liver dish on Nando’s snacks & shareable menu, where the ‘kicap’ flavour really shines through with every bite. “Nando’s have always been well-loved by Malaysians, with over 70 stores serving flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken throughout Malaysia to date. The idea of crafting a PERi-PERi flavour specially for the Malaysian palate has always been on our minds, so when the chance arrived, the team put their all into it to serve a PERi-PERi dish that is something different than usual, and yet very familiar. With Malaysia getting back up on its feet, we felt that it was the perfect time to cheer up Malaysians with something made just for them, the Soy PERi-PERi!” said Mac Chung Lynn, Group CEO, Nando’s Malaysia and Singapore. With the launch of the exclusive new flavour, Nando’s is also offering attractive meal deals to be enjoyed by Malaysians for a limited time! A family of 4 can enjoy a meal for less than RM24 per person. Nando’s Soy PERi-PERi Party Platter for 4 Enjoy a party platter with your friends and family at less than RM24 per person when you dine in at any Nando’s outlet! The Party Platter includes: 1x Whole Chicken 1x Sweet Potato Chips with PERinaise 4x Reg Sides 4x Bottomless Soft drink Price: RM95 (RM23.75 per pax) Nando’s Soy PERi-PERi Tapau Platter for 4 Not feeling like dining in? Tapau Platter is perfect for you! Pick it up from one of our branches, or order the Family Platter on any of our delivery partners. All non-dine-in promotional platters include: 1x Whole Chicken 4x Portuguese Nata 4x Reg Sides 4x Drinks Price: RM99 (RM24.75 per pax) “Chicken15” Promo Code for 15% Off Get 15% off when you takeaway or pre-order a Whole Chicken via online by using the promocode “ Chicken15 ”. Promo Code: Chicken15 Price: RM44.97 (Normal Price RM52.90) Nando’s Soy PERi-PERi flavor is now available in Nando’s outlets nationwide for a limited time from 6 December 2021 to 27 February 2022. For more information, kindly visit www.nandos.com.my or follow Nando’s Malaysia Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NandosMY .

Introducing the All New Nando’s Soy PERi-PERi Flavour!

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It’s not just the zoo where you can get up close to some of the creatures that call New South Wales home – you can ride camels on the beach, picnic alongside kangaroos and breakfast with alpacas. Make sure you include one of these animal encounters when planning your trip to Sydney and New South Wales – it will definitely be an experience you won’t forget. Alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpaca Have breakfast with an alpaca These adorable furry animals are gentle, friendly and make great pets. Their calm, social nature means you can find opportunities around NSW to get up close and hand feed them. At Iris Lodge Alpacas , an alpaca farm on the Central Coast, you can even eat breakfast with the herd – first, you will feed the wiltipoll sheep and meet Lola the maremma sheepdog that guards them, then wander to the angus cows for a feed and pat. Then it’s off to the herd of 60 alpacas where you can hand feed them and learn their personalities. You’ll be served a hot breakfast afterwards in the pen alongside them - it’s a fantastic experience for all ages. If you want to spend a little more time getting to know this cute animal, spend a few days at Starline Alpacas Farmstay ; this working farm surrounded by the Broken Back Range has gorgeous family cottages and access to the alpacas whenever you please. Lead a llama through a vineyard Walking with Llamas at The Llama Collective If you’re planning a visit to NSW’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley , do something a little different and wander through the vineyards with a llama. Llamas are similar to alpacas in many ways (that is – cute and very friendly) apart from being quite a lot larger and not quite as soft. The Llama Collective will pair you with a llama and let you spend some time getting acquainted with it. Then you’ll lead your llama through the Ben Ean Vineyard for an hour with the picturesque Broken Back Range as a backdrop. It’s a great activity for families, with children six and over able to take part. Explore sand dunes on a camel Camel riding at Port Stephens A camel ride is a wonderfully calming experience – these soothing animals go at a slow pace and give you plenty of time to take in the breathtaking surroundings. Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides are available every day (except Wednesday) in Port Stephens, where you’ll explore the largest moving coastal sand mass in the southern hemisphere – the sunset ride is particularly special. At Port Macquarie , camel safaris are also available, where you’ll learn amazing facts and stories about the animal as you explore Lighthouse Beach. Swim with the seals Swim with the seals at Montague Island Montague Island Nature Reserve is a special place: situated off the far South Coast, its renowned for its unspoilt environment and is one of the few places where you can see whales, seals, little penguins and many other bird species in one place. The most memorable experience to have on the island is swimming with seals: you can take part year-round but the best time to do it is September to November as the population is higher around that time – and it’s also the best time to see migrating whales. Montague Island Adventures will take you to a sheltered cove so you can snorkel alongside the playful creatures and admire the abundant fish, too. Catch the whale migration Whale watching in Sydney and NSW The Humpback Highway runs right alongside the NSW coast and each year more than 30,000 whales make their annual migration from Antarctica to the Pacific (and back again) between May and November. Jervis Bay is halfway along the whales’ 4,000-kilometre migration route, and they often stop here to rest and play with newborn calves. Jervis Bay Wild and Discover Jervis Bay will get you close to the action, or head to Penguin Head at Culburra , Cave Beach or the viewing platform in Booderee National Park to watch from the shore. In Port Stephens , grab your binoculars and head to Tomaree Headland, Barry Park at Fingal Bay, Fishermans Bay, Birubi Pointand Stockton Beach north of Newcastle. You can even see them in Sydney — watch the whales pass by from the lookouts at Sydney Harbour’s North and South Head. At the tip of the Northern Beaches, Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach offers an elevated viewpoint. AtMona Vale Headland, grab a picnic or fish and chips and perch on the expansive grassy area to look out for passing whales. For on-the-water experiences, Captain Cook Cruises , FantaSea Cruising , Bass and Flinders Cruises , Oz Whale Watching and Manly Ocean Adventures are just some of the whale-watching cruise boats that leave from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Manly. Spot dolphins from the coast Dolphin watching in Sydney and NSW Port Stephens , two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, is Australia’s dolphin capital, with over 100 resident bottlenose dolphins that can be seen year-round. With 26 beaches and undulating coastal headlines, there are many vantage points to see the pods swim by. If you want to get even closer to these friendly, intelligent creatures you can head out on a cruise, or even swim alongside them. Jervis Bay , on the South Coast, is another excellent spot for dolphin sightings, with a number of cruises available. Feed a pod of pelicans Pelicans feeding at The Entrance The Australian pelican is one of the eight species of the water bird and is also found in western Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. These magnificent birds are mesmerising to watch but it’s rare to see a whole flock of them in the wild. That’s why the daily Pelican Feed at The Entrance on the Central Coast is so special. Taking place at Memorial Park, the attraction was started 20 years ago by staff at the local fish and chip shop who fed the local pelicans scraps. Now volunteers feed the birds fresh fish at 3:30pm every day and it is quite the spectacle. Note: the Pelican Feed is paused due to Covid-19 restrictions, check the website to see when it will resume. Pat sharks and manta rays Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounter at Port Stephens You’ll change your mind about sharks and rays after a day at Irukandji Shark Encounter , where you can meet these beautiful creatures in a safe environment suitable for everyone. Located at Anna Bay in Port Stephens, a recent renovation includes new enclosures set up to mimic natural environments, where you can learn about the importance of ocean eco-systems and the knowledgeable guides will teach you all about the many species that live here. If you prefer not to get too wet, you can stay at the edge of lagoon and admire the animals from a distance. Or wade in the shallows to feed and pat the many species of sharks and rays, or even don a wetsuit to get deeper. The centre also offers a guided snorkelling tours and a zebra shark encounter, a beautiful endangered creature that actually has spots, not stripes. Snorkel with turtles Snorkel with sea turtles Green sea turtles are one of the world’s largest species of turtles; they grow to over one-metre long and can rest underwater for five hours at a time before they need to come up for air. Less than one kilometre off Fingal Head on the Tweed Coast lies Cook Island , home to a permanent population of green turtles, as well as hawksbill and loggerhead turtles and a huge variety of tropical and subtropical fish. A wonderful way to explore is via a snorkelling tour with Watersports Guru (available all year round), where you’ll travel up the Tweed River out to Cook Island, likely seeing a pod of dolphins on the way before jumping in the clear water to swim with the turtles. In summer, you might see harmless leopard sharks, too. Ride a horse on the beach Horse riding on the Beach, Zephyr Horses Byron Bay’s beaches are world-famous for their incredible beauty and clear waters; do something different on your trip to Byron and explore them by horseback. Zephyr Horses offer a sunrise or sunset ‘forest to beach’ tour, where you’ll follow a forest trail through the area’s diverse flora to the beach. For more experienced horse riders, exploring the pristine Seven Mile Beach in the Shoalhaven region is a must. At the Regal Riding School , guides will take you along the fringe of the nearby national park and onto the beach. Feel the wind whip your hair and fresh spray from the ocean as you amble along peacefully or gear up to a trot. Stroll the beach alongside kangaroos Kangaroo at Emerald Beach In NSW, it’s possible to combine two of the most iconic Australian experiences – sighting kangaroos and spending time at the beach. Emerald Beach on the Coffs Coast is one such spot, where you’ll most likely catch the resident roos at sunset or dawn on the headland. Make sure you snap a photo, or your friends won’t believe it happened. Wild kangaroos can also be found at Pebbly Beach in the Shoalhaven region; it’s a popular camping spot located in Murramarang National Park . Keep your eye out for sea eagles and the sooty oystercatcher bird flying above, too. Learn about koalas Learn about Koalas in Sydney and NSW Koalas are one of Australia’s most beloved animals, but they are listed as vulnerable to extinction due to loss of habitat, disease and other factors. Fortunately, there are several institutions in NSW that rescue, rehabilitate and release koalas back into the wild. At the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (free to visit), you’re able to see the koalas currently in care and learn more about this incredible animal in the ‘Koalaseum’ and you can help the centre in their conservation efforts by ‘adopting’ a koala. The kids will love the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail , a series of sculptures across the town. Or visit the Port Stephens Koala Hospital , which has rescued 653 koalas and released 379 back into the wild; at the Koala Sanctuary, visitors can walk along the elevated skywalk to treetop height so they can get closer to the resident koalas. Camp with wild wombats Wombats in Sydney and NSW It might surprise you to learn that the closest living relative to a wombat is a koala – they are both marsupials with backwards facing pouches. Wild wombats are widespread in coastal forests and mountain ranges in NSW, but for an almost guaranteed sighting, head to Kangaroo Valley , two-and-a-half hours south of Sydney. Although wombats are largely nocturnal, you’ll find them wandering around at any time of the day, along with resident kangaroos, at Bendeela Camping and Picnic Area , a rustic spot set in natural bushland on the banks of the Kangaroo River, where you can fish swim, bush walk and canoe. Meet a Meerkat Meet a meerkat in Sydney & NSW The Walkabout Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Calga, on the NSW Central Coast, is welcoming back visitors with a range of new experiences that will allow people to get up close and personal with the centre’s vibrant family of meerkats. There are a range of offerings available for meerkat fans, including the 10-minute Meerkat Speed Date, a 20-minute Meet the Meerkats or a 30-minute Meerkat Magic encounter. Guests at the Walkabout Park Wildlife Sanctuary can elevate their on-site experience by spending a night in a safari tent or indoor cabin and join the Wild Night Out tour to see Australian wildlife in their native habitats. There are also meerkat experiences available at Symbio Wildlife Park and Hunter Valley Zoo . Visit Destination NSW for more travel updates to NSW or travelling ideas and check with Sedunia Trave l for travel arrangements and tour packages to Sydney and other part of Aussie!

14 Amazing Wildlife Encounters that awaits You in Sydney and New South Wales

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Blessed with year-round sunshine and consistent waves from October to March, Desaru Coast is home to a number of surf beaches little known outside its home state of Johor. To give visitors a taste of Malaysian surf culture, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has partnered with Dash Outdoors , a leading supplier of beachside entertainment and water sports activities, to offer guests staying at the luxury seaside property surfing lessons for all levels and age groups. Led by Dash Outdoors’ certified surf instructors, private sessions take place at the secluded Wild Boar Bay, just 10 minutes by car from the resort. Wild Boar Bay’s sandy breaks and fun and rideable three-foot waves make it an excellent spot to learn to surf. Moreover, this hidden gem surrounded by unspoilt nature offers endless fun in the sun weather you are here to ride waves or splash about in the surf. To keep your energy levels up between paddling out for sets, Anantara’s deluxe picnic baskets stocked with gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, wholesome salads, crispy sourdoughs and a rich bit of dessert can be requested in advance. Guests also get to experience the nearby Tanjung Balau Beach, where a strong local surf community is based and which, at the height of the Northeast Monsoon season, turns into a surfer’s playground attracting wave-riders from across the state who flock here for uninterrupted rides on sandy breaks. Dash Outdoors offers surf lessons between December and February when weather conditions are optimal for surfing. Guests staying at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas outside of the surf season can try their hand at bodyboarding at the nearby Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast boasting an impressive surf wall and one of the biggest wave pools in the world. On property, the water sports centre offers seasonal activities and rentals of sailing catamarans and stand up paddle boards, as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment. Private sessions with Dash Outdoors’ instructors start with MYR199 per hour, excluding surfboard rental . 6ft-long Malibu boards can be rented by the hour. For further information on the surf lessons, please contact the resort on +60 7 8280 888 or at desaru@anantara.com . For more info or to book, click over to this link.

Surf's Up at Anantara Desaru Coast & Villas

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Do you get a sense of envy when you watch the captivating reels of lions in Tanzania or the humpback whales in the Indian Ocean as captured by the gifted photographers of the National Geographic? Well, envy no more and and be prepared for a close-up and personal experience for yourself by going on a National Geographic Journeys tour with G Adventures. “National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures is a collection of unique tours designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. They offer more exclusivity compared to other G Adventures Travel Styles with greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to roam, all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group”. These tours will take you on adventures that will leave you boasting of images with exotic creatures and memories you never thought possible in the past two years. Explore some of the most exciting tours available in 6 continents; Asia, Africa, South America, North America, Middle East & Oceania. Sedunia Travel along with National Geographic and G Adventures believe that travel can and should be a force for good in the world. By traveling with them, one supports community projects and initiatives that improve livelihoods in the places visited. On top of that, this helps further the work of National Geographic’s scientists, explorers, and educators around the world. Sounds like the dream tour for you? We think so too because traveling should not just be about exploring the tourist attractions but also to acknowledge the community and history before it came to be. Check out the tours that are on offer now on Sedunia Travel’s website to find the ideal tour for you. To find out more on the tour options available from National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, give Sedunia Travel a call today at 03-2142 0222 to talk their travel consultants and check out the offers featured for your next trip…adventure awaits!

Live Like, Learn From the Local People with National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures

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A winning combo of tourism and research There are a host of benefits to be gained from combining polar tourism and science! Polar expeditions are opportunities to acquire and share knowledge, helping to advance research and protect these ecosystems. Learn about the many advantages of this mutually beneficial collaboration . Open-air Laboratories The polar regions are relatively unexplored areas and key fields of study for research in glaciology, oceanography, animal biology, chemistry, atmospheric science and human sciences. The North and South Poles are very difficult to reach, posing a financial, material and logistical challenge for research centres, which mainly invest in on-site scientific bases. Given these constraints, trips to the Poles have been crucial for research since the beginning of polar tourism in the 1930s. They enable scientific projects to be rolled out and draw the attention of patrons and the general public to the importance of studying these extreme regions. The regular rotation of expedition ships provides an opportunity to establish long-term protocols for collecting targeted scientific data, checking its repeatability, comparing it and more. These opportunities make data collection for scientific purposes possible. PONANT has been involved in this effort from the beginning by taking scientists and naturalist guides with them, who then share their expertise with passengers to raise awareness of the need to protect these fragile environments. However, by designing a ship to be a scientific platform from the outset, the company is going one step further. Le Commandant Charcot is one of the only French icebreakers with onboard research facilities, including wet and dry labs, sonars, beacon-buoys, a salinometer, a corer and a drone. Becoming actively involved in the protection of the polar regions Travellers to the polar regions are often willing to help the scientists with their missions. As such, several companies offer citizen science workshops organised by onboard teams of naturalist guides. These workshops let passengers collect additional data, which is then used and published by researchers. There is a whole host of applications for this, including, for example, Happywhale (marine mammal identification), phytoplankton sampling and cloud observation for NASA. Taking part in these workshops allow you to discover the scientific approaches and daily life of a researcher in the field. Passengers relate much more to the environment and are much more motivated to protect it when they are directly involved in collecting scientific data. What do we mean by “good data”? To be useable by research teams, data produced by passengers has to be beyond reproach, i.e. it must respect the described protocols. It must be as reliable as possible, i.e. relevant, easily repeatable, accurate and reproducible. Sharing the passion for the Poles to better protect them Polar tourism thus provides scientists with a range of opportunities, including the chance to generate new knowledge by working with tourists and the chance to share this knowledge. Polar cruises are not just about observation. They are linked with an educational programme to share knowledge on the areas visited, mainly through series of lectures on different specialities to address the issues affecting the polar regions in a comprehensive way. Through lectures, discussions and observations with scientists and naturalist guides, passengers discover the many facets of the polar regions and the threats they face. Protecting an environment, region, or species starts with gaining knowledge to better understand it. Everyone who goes on a polar cruise returns as an ambassador for these regions, with a wealth of knowledge and experiences gained from a meaningful journey. Are you ready for an adventure with the leading experts of the field? Then book with Sedunia Travel . First published in Escales Ponant Photos credits : ©StudioPONANT/Nathalie Michel / © Studio PONANT / Olivier Blaud / ©Studio PONANT/Violette VAUCHELLE

Science and Polar Voyages

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Many of us are aware of the way we travel to a country and the end goal. To Maldives for a relaxing getaway from the hectic work life, United Kingdom to see the famous Big Ben, Paris for a little romance and picnic by the Eiffel Tower and of course Switzerland for the chocolates and snow-capped Alps. However, are you someone who has thought of changing the way you travel…going off the beaten path to blend in with the culture of a destination and learn the way of life from the locals? If the answer is yes, then meet G Adventures! G Adventures is a community tourism company aiming to impart tourist a unique way of travel with a mission of contributing back to the local communities. Established since 1990, one can say they are the pioneers in the community tourism with over 31 years of experience. G Adventures not only organize tours that create a ripple effect on the local community but also educates travelers on the destinations they visit; leaving with a newfound perspective on the way one leads life moving forward. If this is the way of travel you have been craving for, stick around for more updates because “ our world deserves more you ”. What is YOUR Travel Style? · Classic The quintessential G Adventures experience; Classic tours deliver the perfect balance of must-see highlights, cultural exchange, insider access, unbeatable value, and the kind of spontaneous, you-really-had-to-be-there moments that make your trip memorable. · Wellness On every Wellness tour, your journey starts with an intention setting ceremony upon your arrival. As you enjoy a slower paced itinerary, re-center yourself with yoga practices and optional meditation sessions led by expert instructors ready to teach all levels of abilities. · Active Active adventures gets you closer to the destination by letting you hike, bike, and multisport your way through it. G Adventures provide the equipment, the experts, and the opportunity while you provide the energy. On your mark, get set, go active! · Rail One of train travel’s greatest advantages is that it affords you the chance to really see the country you’re travelling through. G Adventures rail tours follow some of the most iconic and scenic rail routes in the world, providing you with a genuine connection for eye-popping landscapes like the Alps, the Himalayas, and Siberia that you just won’t get from flying over them. · Marine G Adventures Marine tours connect travelers to the world's greatest aquatic destinations abroad small, intimate ships and yachts. Each tour has been carefully designed to deliver unparalleled access to out-of-the-way ports and islands, and to foster meaningful connections with local people and cultures in a way you simply won't get from a large cruise line. · Local Living Your life does not depend on an itinerary set by someone else, and neither does a Local Living trip. G Adventures provide some structure and scheduled activities, but you decide which ones you want to include. Need some fresh air? Hike through the hills. Stayed up too late the night before? Hang around and take it easy. Stumped for ideas? Your CEO always has more at the ready to keep you as occupied as you want to be. · 18-to-Thirtysomethings Seeing the world shouldn’t require spending all your savings. With G Adventures, you’ll get the travel experience of a lifetime, plus good bang for your buck. G Adventures built their tour itineraries to feature a lot of free time, giving you the freedom to explore on your own, with your new crew, or whatever way suits your style. · National Geographic Journeys National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures is a collection of unique tours designed to take you deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. They offer more inclusions compared to other G Adventures Travel Styles, greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and the freedom to roam, all within the structure and security of travelling in a small group. · National Geographic Family Journeys National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures is a new line of trips for adventure-loving families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together. These itineraries are specially designed so travelers ages seven and up can explore a destination’s rich and diverse characteristics. Each itinerary features unique, interactive activities inspired by National Geographic's expertise in photography and storytelling, wildlife, culture, history, and geography to encourage kids and adults alike to connect with the world around them. Families will enjoy enlightening experiences, the freedom to explore, quality time together and they’ll return home with a renewed sense of wonder. The above is just a sneak peak to the travel styles G Adventure offer, do await the packages drawn out with these themes before you make your decision. Launching this 10th Nov 2021, G Adventures is teaming up with Sedunia Travel for their Cyber Sales campaign. To learn more about the offer, be sure to follow all Sedunia Travel’s social media accounts; Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and website at https://seduniatravel.com/brand/g-adventures/ for the latest updates once the best deal in town goes live! Or give them a call at 03-21420222 to speak to someone about your travel plans.

Find Your Travel Style with G Adventures

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It has been almost 2 years since avid travelers has been homebound. So when new of the travel ban being lifted was announced, it was music to the ears of many. At this point, there are over 40 countries that have opened their borders to fully vaccinated Malaysian travelers without the need for quarantine upon arrival. Here are our top 5 destinations:- United Kingdom Travelers looking to visit the United Kingdom can now do so. As long as your country is not listed in the red zone and you can produce a negative RT-PCR upon arrival, one may enter the United Kingdom without the need for quarantine. Although entry to the United Kingdom is allowed, thus far the European Union does not recognize all vaccines such as Sinovac but this ruling is currently under review. Iceland Those who are looking to catch the Aurora Borealis in Iceland, now is your chance! Before making a booking however, one will need to obtain a visa to enter the country. On the bright side, the country does not require a quarantine period. Switzerland Do you hear that!?? It’s the Swiss Alps & chocolate calling out to you! The Swiss travel restriction also does not require one to quarantine upon arrival. Nonetheless, a PCR Swab Test is required every 48 hours. Maldives The natural waters of Maldives that make a relaxing holiday be it with the family, romantic getaway or just to get some time away from the mundane schedule. No quarantine is required either nevertheless; one is to take a PCR Swab Test on the 5-7 day upon arrival in Maldives. Maldives is also on our list of top 5 Honeymoon destinations for Malaysians! United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates is in fact open to fully vaccinated travelers. No quarantine is required for vaccinated tourist but if arriving from Green List Countries, a PCR test is required on day 6 from arrival date. If however one is arriving from a non-Green List Country, a PCR test is required on day 4 and 8 from arrival date. We are just itching to travel but there can be so many different SOPs to check for each countries. So why not let the pros handle it? With over 45 years of experience, let Sedunia Travel make your travelling plan a breeze! Visit their website at www.seduniatravel.com or call them at 03-2142022 and ask to speak with one of their well-versed travel consultants on a guided or private tour to suit your travel needs; if you can think it, they can do it!

Planning a Trip Abroad without needing to Quarantine? Here ya go: 5 Countries to start with!

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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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