Categories
Tourism Malaysia

5 Awesome Reasons to Connect with The LINC KL, Malaysia’s Newest Shopping Mall

For those visiting Kuala Lumpur, don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s latest lifestyle shopping mall with a difference. It’s hard to really categorise The LINC KL, but we love its concept of a very green and organic retail space. Here’s where to head when you want to break away from the urban hustle. Here’s where to escape when you want to avoid the rush and lounge a little. Here’s a little sanctuary with breathing space, natural light, trees and quirky, unique, specialized retail therapy.

What do we like about The LINC KL? Everything! But here’s a sneak peak of the gems you’ll find there:

Bean Brothers:

If you love coffee, then this will probably be your cup of tea! Bean Brothers is a coffee chain that’s popular in Korea. They’ve opened up a new outlet in Kuala Lumpur and are ready to serve city folks here at their concept coffee bar. They have two signature espresso blends – Black Suit which is a Brazilian Colombian blend that’s strong with chocolatey notes, while the Velvet White is made with Ethiopian beans with a slightly fruitier finish. Enjoy your coffee with any of their signature dishes (pastas, Big Breakfasts, finger food and desserts) in their indoor and outdoor seating areas that are filled with plants and light. A great lounging place to enjoy good coffee!

Frangipani Bulk:

With the eco-trend gaining traction worldwide, you can start your own plastic-free journey at Frangipani Bulk. It is a one-stop shop for reusable, sustainable, eco-friendly goods. What do they have? Cutleries (your eco-friendly coffee cup, straws, organic beeswax wraps), bath and body products (soaps, toothpaste, etc.), cereals, nuts, seeds, honey, flour, pasta, household cleaning products, tea, coffee, and more.  Some of the items are Malaysian-made and would make great gifts for tourists to bring home as souvenirs. Remember to bring your own shopping bags and containers when shopping here!

Ben’s Independent Grocer:

Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.) isnt’ just a supermarket to get your groceries. Nope! It’s a one-stop eat, drink and shop outlet for those who love food – from buying fresh ingredients, to preparing meals, to savouring the appetizing outcomes. The layout of the supermarket has themed sections such as Barn Butchery, Bay Seafood, B.Organic and Malaya Kitchen, to name just a few. It gives a sense of adventure to grocery shopping and the whole process of meal preparation. But wait, there’s more! Satiate your appetite for discovery through live cooking demonstrations, community-driven events and thematic festivals. Somehow, grocery shopping has been elevated to a fun experience at Ben’s!

Processed with VSCO with g3 preset

Hauntu:

Take a break from shopping and enter the doors of Hauntu’s Colle Eastern Hotel, a fictional hotel that will immediately immerse you in its “horror” story. Hauntu is a blend of live theatre, role play and storytelling. It features real actors, audience interaction, intricate mazes and interconnected storylines that centre around a colonial hotel filled with mystery and the paranormal. Participants not only get to take on roles within the storylines but also experience Malaysia in different eras from its pre-independence days right up to the present. Imagine Breakout or Escape Room with a chilling twist!

Sushi Hara:

Sushi Hara is the place to go for your freshest take of Japan. They fly their supplies in directly from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo and under the expert hands of executive chef, Harada Junji, a premium Omakase experience is unveiled. Diners will get a one-of a kind interaction with Harada-San who specialises in Omakase and Kaiseki cuisine. With only 12 seats at the sushi bar and unique, individual tablewares from Japan, Sushi Hara provides a setting that is uniquely Japanese.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

5 Awesome Reasons to Connect with The LINC KL, Malaysia’s Newest Shopping Mall

For those visiting Kuala Lumpur, don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s latest lifestyle shopping mall with a difference. It’s hard to really categorise The LINC KL, but we love its concept of a very green and organic retail space. Here’s where to head when you want to break away from the urban hustle. Here’s where to escape when you want to avoid the rush and lounge a little. Here’s a little sanctuary with breathing space, natural light, trees and quirky, unique, specialized retail therapy.

What do we like about The LINC KL? Everything! But here’s a sneak peak of the gems you’ll find there:

Bean Brothers:

If you love coffee, then this will probably be your cup of tea! Bean Brothers is a coffee chain that’s popular in Korea. They’ve opened up a new outlet in Kuala Lumpur and are ready to serve city folks here at their concept coffee bar. They have two signature espresso blends – Black Suit which is a Brazilian Colombian blend that’s strong with chocolatey notes, while the Velvet White is made with Ethiopian beans with a slightly fruitier finish. Enjoy your coffee with any of their signature dishes (pastas, Big Breakfasts, finger food and desserts) in their indoor and outdoor seating areas that are filled with plants and light. A great lounging place to enjoy good coffee!

Frangipani Bulk:

With the eco-trend gaining traction worldwide, you can start your own plastic-free journey at Frangipani Bulk. It is a one-stop shop for reusable, sustainable, eco-friendly goods. What do they have? Cutleries (your eco-friendly coffee cup, straws, organic beeswax wraps), bath and body products (soaps, toothpaste, etc.), cereals, nuts, seeds, honey, flour, pasta, household cleaning products, tea, coffee, and more.  Some of the items are Malaysian-made and would make great gifts for tourists to bring home as souvenirs. Remember to bring your own shopping bags and containers when shopping here!

Ben’s Independent Grocer:

Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.) isnt’ just a supermarket to get your groceries. Nope! It’s a one-stop eat, drink and shop outlet for those who love food – from buying fresh ingredients, to preparing meals, to savouring the appetizing outcomes. The layout of the supermarket has themed sections such as Barn Butchery, Bay Seafood, B.Organic and Malaya Kitchen, to name just a few. It gives a sense of adventure to grocery shopping and the whole process of meal preparation. But wait, there’s more! Satiate your appetite for discovery through live cooking demonstrations, community-driven events and thematic festivals. Somehow, grocery shopping has been elevated to a fun experience at Ben’s!

Processed with VSCO with g3 preset

Hauntu:

Take a break from shopping and enter the doors of Hauntu’s Colle Eastern Hotel, a fictional hotel that will immediately immerse you in its “horror” story. Hauntu is a blend of live theatre, role play and storytelling. It features real actors, audience interaction, intricate mazes and interconnected storylines that centre around a colonial hotel filled with mystery and the paranormal. Participants not only get to take on roles within the storylines but also experience Malaysia in different eras from its pre-independence days right up to the present. Imagine Breakout or Escape Room with a chilling twist!

Sushi Hara:

Sushi Hara is the place to go for your freshest take of Japan. They fly their supplies in directly from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo and under the expert hands of executive chef, Harada Junji, a premium Omakase experience is unveiled. Diners will get a one-of a kind interaction with Harada-San who specialises in Omakase and Kaiseki cuisine. With only 12 seats at the sushi bar and unique, individual tablewares from Japan, Sushi Hara provides a setting that is uniquely Japanese.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Race the Best at the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix

Race the Best at the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix

The Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix race is the highlight of the international car racing circuit. Thousands of loyal fans are attracted annually to the race which has been held at the Sepang International Circuit since 1999, owing to the continuing popularity of the 56 lap 192.878 mile race.

The predecessor to the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix was the Formula 2 which was held from 1962 – 65, but it was held in Singapore who later gained independence from the Malaysian Federation, so during the break-up of the Federation Malaysia held four lower impact races at the Shah Alam circuit from 1968 until 1995 when the current race track was opened in Sepang. These were the Tasman Series, Formula Pacific, Formula Atlantic, and the Formula Holden.

Formula 1 action at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

Formula 1 action at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

The Sepang International Circuit, where the Formula 1 race is held, is located just 60 kilometres from the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and is situated only 10 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Selangor State. The circuit was designed by a German named Hermann Tilke in 1995, who also designed the Shanghai, Turkish, Bahrain, India, Korea, Valencia, and Singapore circuits which are also in the Formula 1 race calendar. The Sepang circuit is famous for its short and tight hairpin and unusually long back straight.

Crowds arrive at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, on race day. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

Crowds arrive at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, on race day. Pic: Craig, WikiMedia Commons.

Petronas (Malaysian: Petroliam Nasional Berhad), the Malaysian national oil and gas company, has sponsored the Malaysian Grand Prix since its inauguration into the racing calendar since 1999. The energy company finances the upkeep of the track and the spectator stands, they supply the oil and petroleum for the racing cars, and they are responsible for the security of the race.

The most famous racer at the Malaysian Grand Prix of all time was John MacDonald who won races in the years of 1970, 1971, 1973, and 1975. John was English born but moved to live in Hong Kong during his national service, where he continued to live and set up a garage business which made him successful and allowed him to become a successful racer also.

The most successful racing team to compete in the Malaysian Grand Prix is Ferrari thanks to the successes of Michael Schumacher in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

Michael Schumacher pictured at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. Pic: Whiz Kris, Flickr.

Michael Schumacher pictured at the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. Pic: Whiz Kris, Flickr.

The annual race, held every year towards the end of March, attracts approximately 50,000 spectators from all around the world, some just to see their favourite racing star, but others to feel the excitement and exhilaration of the head to head race between man and man, country and country, sponsor and sponsor.

Most Formula 1 racers unanimously agree that the Malaysian Grand Prix is by far the most stress inducing and physically demanding race in the whole Formula 1 calendar. Temperatures are torturous and regularly reach 30 degrees Celsius and when combined with the humidity, which is rarely lower than 75%, the climate alone drains all drivers of energy even before putting in any effort to race. Malaysia, but Kuala Lumpur in particular, is famous for its unexpected heavy rain downpours which often disrupt the car racing, causing crashes and severe car damage.

The actual race track has been called “the most environmentally friendly race track in the world” by various commentators because of its abundance of palm trees. The track was built on a former 260 hectare palm oil plantation, so to compensate for the loss of plants the owners planted hundreds of palm trees around the race track, spectator’s stands, and spectator’s recreation areas.

In the latest Malaysian Grand Prix, the 2012 season, which was held on 25th March, the leader of the driver’s championship, Fernando Alonso with his Ferrari team, came first after a breathtaking and sometimes risky race. Just 2.2 seconds behind Alonso was the less well known Sergio Perez with his Sauber team, and then came the former world champion Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren-Mercedes not long after. It made for an unforgettable race in the beautiful country of Malaysia.

Many people, especially those coming from Europe and the Americas combine watching the Malaysia Formula 1 Grand Prix with a relaxing holiday elsewhere in the country. The Malaysian Government praises this as it brings in much needed tourism income in the form of taxes, shop purchases, transport income, and accommodation income. Kuala Lumpur International Airport as the country’s main airport is also kept busy during the races. The Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix could be an unforgettable experience, so why not give it a try and book your tickets in time for the next race?

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Mystical Eve Interview: Reza Salleh

December 22, 2011 at 2:51 pm

The Malaysia.com team was lucky enough to spot Reza Salleh during the Mystical Eve Countdown Party press conference recently so we asked him a couple of questions. Here is what he has to say about New Year:

M.com: How does it feel to be invited to perform at the Mystical Eve Countdown Party?
Reza: I feel very honoured that they like my music and want to include me in this and I’m very excited. New Year’s Eve shows are a lot of fun and I love fun gigs.

Rexa Salleh is performing on Mystical Eve at ENCORP Strand

M.com: What are your New Year’s resolutions?
Reza: My New Year’s resolutions are to work on the next album and to learn another language, preferably Japanese.

M.com: Any other languages other than Japanese?
Reza: I think one language at the time is enough for the moment. Maybe tfor he year after 2012 I’ll think of another language to learn.

M.com: Did any of your New Year’s resolutions came true?
Reza: You know, the funny thing about these resolutions is that I don’t remember them, so I wouldn’t be able to answer that. I don’t know if they did, so maybe they didn’t. I’d like to think that they did though. *laughs*

M.com: Any plans in store for the coming year, you know… career wise, other than the new album?Or maybe you can tell us more about the new album?
Reza: Oh… the new album is kind of sitting on the shelf at the moment. I have the materials for it, but it’s just a matter of getting the right resources together to pull it off as well as the planning involved in producing an album. These are the things that I am working on at the moment. Also, I am thinking of expanding my music to the regional level, something that I have taken a lot of interest recently. Playing in other countries is a lot of fun! I am looking to playing more shows in Bandung, Japan and Korea.

M.com: How was the reception there in Japan and Korea?
Reza: It was excellent! They didn’t know who I was and I think they didn’t understand what I was singing, but I was very touched with their warm response in both countries.

M.com: When you were younger, how did you spend your New Year’s eve? Like during your teenage years, or maybe even college years… Any memorable stuff that comes to your mind?
Reza: The only thing that comes to mind about New Year’s eve is being stuck in the jam. *Laughs out loud* I remember one year, I did the countdown in the car. You know how when you were younger, you would like to go out and party or something, so and when everybody is going out at the same time, it causes a really bad jam. But thankfully in recent years I have opted for a more low key, chilled out kind of celebration.

M.com: Other than being caught in the jam, do you remember any memorable New Year’s eve? celebrations? Something that is nice and sweet… which you will still talk about till this day.
Reza: At the end of the day, it really is spending time with friends that matter. When I have that kind of quiet time, that really makes my my year worthwhile. At the end of the day, these are the things that are important to me – my music, my family, my friends and my loved ones.

M.com: One last question before we let you go! Was 2011 a very memorable year for you?
Reza: Absolutely!! It’s an insane year because I launched my album in November 2010, which was the end of last year. So this whole year has been crazy for me, as I was promoting my album on top of playing at five different festivals as well as doing performances in Singapore, Japan, Korea and Indonesia. I thought December may have been a quiet month, but it turned out to be otherwise. It’s still an awesome experience.

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