Tag: Klang Valley

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Tourism Malaysia

Zoo Negara, Revisited

If you went to school in the Klang Valley, a trip to the National Zoo would have been a must-do at least once in your primary school history. I went on my first visit in my final year in kindergarten, almost 40 years ago! Over the years, I have been back to the Zoo, even brought my daughter there once. We are planning another trip, but until that trip materialises, perhaps a refresher on its facilities will be good to know.

Zoo Negara was established in 1963 in Ampang, a town which is about 10-15 km away from the city of Kuala Lumpur. It has about 5,500 animals from over 400 species for you to discover. This place is a popular attraction for the locals with small children especially during the weekends and public holidays. Many parents with young children find it an educational place to bring their children.

If you have small children and prefer not to walk too much, there are trams available that you can take, which will take you round the zoo where it will stop halfway for you to get down and walk around. You can take the next tram once you are ready to go back to the starting point. The tickets can be purchased at the “Tram” counter once you are inside the zoo.

Other visitor facilities include :

  • a spacious air-conditioned Prayer Room
  • Free Public Wi-Fi at the Main Entrance, Show Amphitheatre and the Giant Panda Conservation Centre
  • Zoo Huts for you and your family to take a break
  • Locker rental at RM2.00 located near the Ticketing Counter.

  • Wheelchair rental at RM5.00, with a refundable RM50.00 deposit
  • Stroller rental at Information counter B, on first come first served basis, at RM20.00 with a refundable deposit of RM50.00
  • Umbrella rental at Information counter B, on first come first served basis, at RM5.00 with a refundable deposit of RM10.00

Zoo Negara is also looking to introduce a new ‘adopt an animal’ program for celebrities, which will hopefully create more awareness and perhaps some financial support for the animals.

Apart from these, Zoo Negara has also introduced various programs and packages for the public to engage and participate in:

  1. FUN WITH NATURE LUCKY DRAW FEST

Purchase Zoo Negara limited edition T-shirt and win lucky draw prizes.

Date of event : 14 November 2019.

Kindly see the following link for more information :

https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/13853/fun-with-nature-lucky-draw-fest-zoo-negara

 

 

 

 

  1. ZOO WALK 2019

Join our Zoo Walk and collect tiger t-shirt with a finisher medal.

Date of event : 10 November 2019.

Kindly see the following link for more information :

https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/13846/zoo-walk-2019

  1. BIRTHDAY – ZOO FIESTA PARTY PACKAGE

Celebrate your birthday with us and let our party crew host this memorable function.  We can even bring out some tame animals on your special day. Join our package now!

For more info, please contact Customer Service Department or email customerservice@zoonegaramalaysia.my

  1. ZOOKU MEMBERSHIP CARD

Zooku membership card is an annual membership card among families and wildlife lovers. The card holder will receive updates and special invitations to our events on top of enjoying discounts at our parks, restaurants, souvenir shops, eateries and more !

For more info, please contact Education Department or email education@zoonegaramalaysia.my

  1. This membership is open to all individuals aged 3 – 17 years old only.
  2. Membership is required to pay an applicable fee of RM25.00 only.
  3. Parents of ZooKu card will be given 25% discounted offer for ticket purchase from normal entrance rates.
  4. Unlimited passes of visit within a year during the membership period inclusive of Giant Panda, Aquarium, Butterfly Garden, Bird House and Multi-animal Show.

Zoo Negara is located at:

Zoo Negara,

Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel: 03-4108 3422 / 7 / 8

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Ramadan Rarities!

The most-awaited month is approaching, for various reasons.

Ramadan!

For Muslims, this month of fasting is also the month to enhance their relationship with Allah by doing more good, be it towards each other or by increasing number of prayers and reciting the Holy Quran.

For Non-Muslims (and many Muslims too, if you’re really honest!), this is also a month of enjoying food. Yes, Malaysians generally enjoy food on a daily basis, but during Ramadan, there is something special in the air, the hustle-bustle at the Bazaars, that takes the whole experience to another level.

Be it the common martabak, roti John, or the sweet and silky tepung pelita, everyone has their favourite must-have dish when breaking fast.

Here are some ‘Ramadan rarities’ from a few select States around Malaysia.

When I went back to Kelantan to my in-law’s place a few years back, I was very much intrigued when I saw some of the dishes available at the local Bazaar. One of which was lemak bakar, or literally translated, grilled fat. Yes, FAT. It was really a chunk of cow fat on a stick, grilled over an open fire. I was fascinated! Out of curiosity, we bought one to try. It was weird, because when you bit down on it, it was like an ‘oil balloon’ that just burst in your mouth! If you are a fan of the fatty bits from a perfectly-cooked sirloin, you MUST try this!

Another dish which was unusual, even to my in-laws, was apam telur. It looked like a rolled up egg omelette, slightly sweet with a filling of shaved young coconut. And it was delicious!! Another must-try dish if ever you are in Kelantan during Ramadan.

Sweet desserts are not uncommon in Kelantan and Terengganu, and one of the elusive ones that only often appear during Ramadan is nekbat.

Nekbat is made from rice flour, sugar and eggs, and the syrup it is drenched in contains cloves and pandan leaves, giving it a unique spicy-sweet aroma.

Way down South, in Johor, the absolute MUST when breaking fast is air kathira. It is a milky-green concoction made from blended dates, milk (some use soy milk, some use evaporated milk), and added to it is some basil seeds, kembang semangkuk, and a dash of rose water. It is said to be really nutritious and great for quenching one’s thirst.

Another dish which is difficult to find on normal days is botok-botok ikan. Fresh whole or sliced fish is laid on banana leaves, drenched in a spicy, aromatic sambal sauce, then covered with fresh herbs and various ‘ulam’, then wrapped carefully and steamed till cooked through. Best enjoyed with a plate of steamed white rice!

Let’s journey back up North to Kedah, and savour the uniqueness of this one particular dish – Nasi Ulam.

Because of the meticulous preparation required to prepare this dish, one will not easily find it outside of Ramadan.

A variety of fresh herbs and ‘ulam’, some of which are quite rare, are sliced really finely, combined with fried salted fish, grilled Indian Mackerel (ikan kembung), and a basic sambal, it is then topped off with toasted coconut paste (kerisik). Everything is then mixed together to form a beautiful, aromatic, healthy rice dish. One can enjoy it on its own, or with a side serving of asam rebus keladi, a savoury dish made from yam stems.

And there you have it, some of the rare dishes which one can only find at the bazaars during Ramadan. You can probably find a few of them at the bazaars in the Klang Valley, but really, nothing beats the original!

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

HALAL CHINESE RESTAURANTS TO TRY THIS CHINESE NEW YEAR

The Chinese New Year celebration would not be complete without the family gatherings, the yee sang toss, the angpows and abundance of food. So, if you are visiting Malaysia during this time, why not get into the fanfare with delicious halal Chinese food and enjoy it with friends and family? Dive into our top picks of halal Chinese restaurants from around the Klang Valley.

1. MOHD CHAN RESTAURANT

(Halal-certified)

Mohd Chan’s primary draw is its home-cooked Cantonese-style cuisine. Prepare to enjoy halal-approved and appetizing fare here. Today, the brand stands strong with 15 outlets to its name. That’s right, just goes to show how popular and accessible is the establishment.

In the days leading up to CNY, it’s best to pick a Mohd Chan outlet that is convenient to you and your dinner companions. Then, handpick the Cantonese dishes to crowd your table with. Go for classic teochew steamed fish, classic butter sotong, kam heong lala, salted egg chicken and four season vegetable. Right in the middle, save a spot for their famous chilli crab.

Website: www.mohdchan.com.my

2. AMBER CHINESE MUSLIM RESTAURANT

(Halal-certified)

Sitting down for a dinner at Amber is the closest thing to experiencing authentic halal Chinese cuisine from Northern China. In fact, every plate is a cacophony of fresh spices and bold flavours. What’s more, the food here is masterfully orchestrated using traditional cooking techniques.

A CNY dinner at Amber does come with a big price, though. But, in return, you and your companions will enjoy a delicious dinner in a fancy atmosphere. Warm up your dinner table with a row of appetisers such as Chinese chives pancakes and sesame mochi bun. Then, enjoy their special roasted lamb, braised fish, kung pao chicken and sauteed broccoli with mushroom in between conversations. Before you bid goodbye, let the lotus seed with white fungus soup cool you down.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmberBangsar/

 


3. MUHIBBAH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

(Halal-certified)

Fresh-tasting seafood on stainless steel dinnerware are the usual sights at Muhibbah Seafood Restaurant. A top recommendation for Chinese-Muslim food (with a twist of Thai) in Kampung Sungai Penchala, the restaurant’s spacious and clean layout makes it ideal to host a large number of CNY dinners. Take note, though, that reservations are still necessary to accompany your confidence in securing a table.

Once you’re comfortably seated, prepare to enjoy a huge and satisfying halal Chinese meal. Among the recommendations are tom yam soup, deep fried squid, steamed fish with clear Thai sauce, butter prawns, beef in black pepper and Chinese cabbage in oyster sauce. Don’t be surprised if everyone wipes their plates clean — it is just testament of how lovely the dinner was.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/muhibbahseafoodrestaurant

4. GOLDEN VALLEY CHINESE MUSLIM RESTAURANT

(Halal-certified)

There’s no arguing that Golden Valley’s selection of Chinese-Muslim cuisine is delightful and enjoyable. Situated in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, this restaurant chooses to practise vibrance and simplicity in their layout and let its bold flavours to impress you.

The food here is perfect for sharing. Gather your close mates around the table and dig into favourites such as Nyonya-style steamed sea bass, lala in superior broth, marmite chicken, salad prawn, almond chicken, ginger and chicken fried rice and kong po chicken yam basket.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/goldenvalleykl

5. CHINA TREASURES

(Halal-certified)

If there is a way to combine relaxed dining and elegant atmosphere, you will definitely find it at China Treasures. Sime Darby Convention Centre’s gift to the halal dining landscape, this restaurant is best known for their mix of traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine.

China Treasures fans are likely to prompt you to try their dim sum buffet during off-season period, but the restaurant can add a refined touch to your CNY dinners. If you’re going ahead with the chef’s specialties, you’ll be served with beef cube with black pepper and peking duck. You’re free to explore other dishes such as butter prawns, steamed garoupa with soy sauce and egg yolk with shimeji mushroom.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/simedarbyconvec/

 

For more Halal Chinese restaurants in Malaysia, visit: https://www.havehalalwilltravel.com/blog/halal-chinese-restaurants-in-kl/

 

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

MALAYSIA SUPER SALE 

The Malaysia Super Sale will begin on 1 February until 15 March, offering shoppers 43 days of discounts and bargains at shopping malls and retail outlets nationwide.

The sale season coincides with significant celebrations including Valentine’s Day on 14 February as well as Chinese New Year on 16 and 17 February, thus providing ample opportunities for shoppers to make advanced preparations for the special day.

Shoppers can expect not only discounts of up to 70% on goods and services but also marvel at the gorgeous decorations put up at each shopping mall.

Among the shopping malls in the Klang Valley contributing towards the excitement of the sale, season is Pavilion KL, Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Putra Mall and Sungei Wang.

At Pavilion KL, the Chinese New Year decorations begin at the iconic landmark just outside the entrance of the mall at the Pavilion Crystal Fountain where shoppers can toss a coin to make a wish. Then step into the colorful gardens of the Main Entrance where flower blooms cascade from above “blessing” those who visit. Pavilion KL’s “Dream Garden of Prosperity” theme goes all out to bless its visitors with good wishes and prosperity. It’s all part of the Visit Pavilion KL 2018 campaign to encourage more people to stopover at the award-winning mall.

Meanwhile, Sunway Pyramid goes with “The Merriment of Spring” theme, rewarding shoppers with a chance to grab All-Season Prosperity Angpows and Reunion Dining Sets. A photo booth featuring a traditional tea house set-up is where shoppers can snap as many photos as they want. There is also a variety of stalls selling the usual Chinese New Year offerings such as beard candy, traditional candies, calligraphy, fresh flowers, and traditional costumes. Shoppers can also enjoy lion dance performances every Saturday at the Concourse.

Not to be outdone, Sunway Putra Mall will ring in the celebrations with its “Wind of Blessings” theme. Visit the Flower Market by Green Pasture selling bountiful blooms, or look out for festive essentials at the Spring Bazaar. Apart from that, there are also great deals and irresistible offers at RM8 at selected outlets. Lion dance performances and art and craft activities are also scheduled while the public are encouraged to toss their wishes at the Tree of Blessings for a special someone and the mall will grant selected wishes. To add to the festive atmosphere, there will be a “Mandarin Orange Eating Competition” for the public to participate and win amazing prizes.

Sungei Wang, one of the oldest shopping malls in KL, is also ready to usher in the year of Earth Dog with the theme “Sungei Wang Garden of Wealth” to spread wealth and prosperity to all its visitors. One of the main highlights at the mall is the Golden Money Tree Ang Pao Pick where shoppers have a chance to win the grand prize of RM888 cash if they are lucky enough to choose the right red envelope! Also not to be missed at the mall is the attempt by the QiLing Dragon Lion Dance Association to enter the Malaysia Book of Records for the title of Longest LED Dragon Dance. The dragon, at a whopping length of 668 feet, will be paraded around the entire Bukit Bintang area at 7pm on 3 February.

 

Other shopping malls are also going all out to make this sale season a spectacular one. Don’t forget to check out Fahreneit88 with their “Bundles of Luck” celebration; Intermark Mall with their “Streams of Harmony” theme; Suria KLCC with their daily prosperity giveaways; and more!

While shopping in Malaysia is considered one of the popular tourist activities due to the favorable exchange rate, quality of products and diversity of choice, the experience goes up a few notches during the three annual sale seasons in the country.

The other two sale seasons not to be missed are the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival from 15 May to 31 July and the Malaysia Year End Sale from 1 November to 31 December this year.

To know more exciting events and promotion on Malaysia Super Sale at our local major malls, readers can log into Miss SHOPhia website (missshophia.malaysia.travel), follow her IG @miss_shoppia and do like her Facebook at www.facebook.com/missshophia.

Venue: Nationwide

Organiser: Shopping Secretariat Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia

Contact: +603 8891 8000

Fax: +603 8891 8449
Email: enq-megasales@tourism.gov.my
Website: missshophia.malaysia.travel

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Vintage and second-hand shopping in Kuala Lumpur

Grab your shovel and pick and let the treasure hunting begin. Even if it’s not as well-known for its second-hand shopping, Kuala Lumpur is a gem for vintage lovers. Check out these top picks for haute couture discoveries, thrift and bundle shops, clothing and furniture.

 

Filling the wardrobe
Established in the late 1980’s, Buntil (Malay for bundle) is one of the longest running vintage shops in the city and is the first choice for many vintage shoppers. You can find genuine vintage items like original and rare shoe editions, leather bags, jackets, plaid pants, denim clothes and accessories. You can choose to pay top dollar or scrounge for that collector’s item.Flea Market (pixabay)Where: 16 Jalan Opera C U2/C, Taman TTDI Jaya, 40000 Shah Alam
When: Open Daily, 1.30pm to 11pm

 

A trip out to Vintage Moonriver in Subang Jaya is definitely worth the effort. They sell branded vintage fashion and travel apparel imported from Japan, USA and Australia. You’ll be like a kid in a candy store searching for that piece of gold. Items can be scooped up for laughable prices or at more conventional value. All is possible at Moonriver!  Picture1(Image from poskod.my)

Where: S2.62, 2nd Floor, The Summit Subang USJ, Persiaran Kewaijpan USJ 1, 47600, Subang Jaya
When: Open Monday to Friday, 2pm to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 12.30pm to 8.30pm

 

Bag lovers, this is your place! Sha Shaari Boutique is a hidden gem in an upper storey lot in Bangsar. They sell designer vintage pieces in mint condition, so there’s every chance you’ll find that Chanel bag you’ve been longing. Sha ShaariWhere: No.14-2 (12A-2), Top Floor, Jalan Telawi Tiga, 59100, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur

 

Head to Amcorp Mall for a range of vintage and antique shops plus one of the longest running flea markets in the Klang Valley — making it the No 1 destination for bargain hunters in the city. At Chia’s Cotton Chic, you can find anything from low-key tops to cocktail dresses. For a rock star look, LEA Born Enterprise has authentic leather jackets, winter shoes plus the latest boots and t-shirts from Australia. Joe’s Mac is a must for music collectors. Not only can you find vintage and retro vinyl albums but instruments, posters and even cassettes. The flea market here is a slice of history having been staged every weekend since 1998.
Joes MacWhere: Persiaran Barat, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
When: Open Daily, 10am to 7pm Flea Market Open Saturday Sunday, 10am to 6pm

 

Get behind a great cause in Kedai Bless which donates money from every item sold to charities that help Orang Asli settlements, orphanages and rehab centres around the country. Here you can find donated clothes, shoes, small furniture, jewellery and home decorations. It’s biggest outlet is at Mid Valley Megamall.The Bless Shop (midvalley.com.my)Where: Unit CP-01, Level P1, Centre Court Mid Valley Megamall, KL 59200
When: Open Daily, 10am to 10pm.

 

Travel through time
Want to give your living room a facelift? Check out Objekt-object, located at the back of Battery Acid Club café. They sell old and new items that fit today’s aesthetics and design value while giving a new lease of life to old typewriters, glasses and accessories from the owner’s collection. Afterwards, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with other design enthusiasts about the latest trends.Obkejt-Object (facebook)Where: 21 Jalan SS21/34, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, 47400
When: Open Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 8pm

 

For retro furniture check out Recro, previously known as Second Charm. This Ali Baba cave is filled with antiques from different periods and styles. They recreate, restore and revive carefully curated, one-of-a-kind vintage items plus European-inspired 60’s decor. The prices are fair and you can trade in your old items for newly restored ones. recroWhere: 53/53A Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur 60000
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm

 

Jumble Station offers a more practical approach to second-hand shopping with innovative  electrical appliances and gadgets for the house as well as gifts, toys, clothes and books. The outlet raises funds for non-profit organisation Parents without Partners, which helps single parents in Malaysia. You can also donate your belongings and contribute to the cause. jumbo(Image from Jaya One Facebook)
Where: The School, Jaya One, 72A Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya, 46200
When: Open Daily, 10.30am to 8pm.

 

Do you know of any other ‘vintage secrets’ in Kuala Lumpur? Let us know!!