Categories
Tourism Malaysia

20 Must-Have Souvenirs from Malaysia

If you are anything like me,
you will look for the MOST interesting, out-of-the-ordinary souvenir from
places you’ve been.

It used to be very
conventional, like postcards, keychains, decorative plates and the like but
these stuff take up space and require some kind of maintenance as years go by.

The novelty of a souvenir has
changed, and it is no longer something that you show off as a statement of
“I’ve been there!” It has evolved into something else, where we want to share
with our loved ones back home a little piece of the adventure, so to speak.

So, here’s my take on some of
the things that you just HAVE to take back with you:

#1 – If
you travel to the state of Melaka,
then look out for the dainty Nyonya beaded
slippers
. They may not be the most practical footwear, but then again, they
ARE unique, and quite fancy!

Nyonya Beaded Slippers and Embroidered Kebaya Top

#2 – If
you got yourself that beaded slipper, then you just HAVE to bring back a
traditional kebaya top! The intricately-embroidered tops are a must-have in
any wardrobe.

#3
#4
– If you have a passion for cooking, and are always on
the hunt for that ‘umami’ flavor, bring back some shrimp paste, or belacan,
and if you’re brave enough, cencalok. Cencalok is a condiment made
of fermented small shrimps or krill, and is usually served together with sliced
chillies, finely sliced shallots and lime juice.

Bottom – A stall selling belacan and cencalok

#5
–  Look out also for the sticky coconut
‘cakes’, or dodol, available in a variety of flavours including pandan and durian.

#6
Moving further South to Johor, you can visit the herb farm along the way and
get yourself some stingless bee honey
or madu kelulut. Stingless bee honey is  twice as nutritious as ordinary honey,
according to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).

#7 – A
trip to Johor would be meaningless without bringing back the mandatory 434 Coffee. Malaysian Coffee a.k.a
Kopi-O is special in color, flavor and taste, thanks to its special roasting
technique and recipe that commonly includes margarine and sugar as ingredients.
It has been long enjoyed by the locals and also is popular among coffee lovers
in South East Asia. While the sweet, hot beverage may take some getting used to
for those who are used to taking it black, you will definitely fall in love
with it by the time you sip the last drop.

#8 – If
you travel to the north of the Peninsula, then Penang will be one of the places for the best souvenirs. The
Chowrasta Market will be a good place to start, where you can get nutmeg-based products. More than just a
spice, you can get massage oils, ointments and even candy made from nutmeg.

Nutmeg-based products

#9
Another product of Penang that is worth bringing home is Tambun biscuits, or Tau
Sar Pneah
. This delicacy is a mixture of sweet and savoury, and is flaky
and soft at the same time. Traditionally, it is made from wheat flour, sugar,
green bean paste, fried onions, lard and salt. However, there are many
available in the market which are lard-free to cater for the Muslim market.

#10
Pickled fruits are also a must-buy
when one visits Penang. It is a popular souvenir especially among Malaysians. Among
the most well-known is from Pak Ali’s,
best known for its distinct aroma and taste. They claim to use apple cider
vinegar and honey in the pickling process, which sets them apart from the rest.

#11
– Also known as the Food Paradise of Malaysia, especially Indian food, you can always
bring back a mix of your favourite spices
so that you can replicate the dish back home. Head to Little India in George Town, and you’ll be
spilt for choice!

Packed dry spices or ready-cooked pastes to bring home

#12
– If you are into White Coffee, then
by all means, buy a pack or two to bring home. For those who don’t know, the
coffee beans used to produce white coffee are not white. Instead, coffee beans
are roasted with palm oil margarine, ground, brewed and served with
sweetened condensed milk. The drink gets its color from the milk that is
used. 

There’s even Durian Coffee!

If
you are in Kuala Lumpur, or any other major city in Malaysia, the following
suggestions are for you.

#13
– Malaysia batik or songket are also great souvenirs to take home. These
hand-crafted textiles are versatile and can be made into clothing, soft
furnishings and even wall decorations. Malaysian batik differs from others in
the region in terms of design and motif, as well as technique.

Batik and songket

#14
– A fan of durian? You may not be
able to bring back the fruit, but there are a whole multitude of products made
from the King of Fruits available in most supermarkets, and packed safe for
your journey home. There’s durian chocolates, cakes and even coffee!

#15
– Believe it or not, instant noodles!
Seriously. The flavours available out there is UNBELIEVABLE! Even if you might
not buy them, it’ll still be nice to walk into a supermarket and browse the
aisle. You will be amazed at the array of choices you have! Locals enjoy curry
flavor, but there’s also a whole array of flavor combinations that might peak
your curiosity.

#16
BOH tea is one of Cameron
Highland’s product that is worth bringing home, too. BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd is
the largest black tea manufacturer in Malaysia, with both domestic and
international distribution owned by BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd.

#17
Asian drinks. I kid you not! There
are fizzy and non-fizzy versions, in all imaginable flavours and combinations.
From winter melon to passionfruit, pear and ginseng to watermelon and lychee,
feel free to indulge!

#18
– Another one of the things that will sound weird, but go try (and buy!) 100 Plus. 100 Plus is the first thirst-quenching, isotonic beverage to be
launched in Malaysia in 1983. It is caffeine-free, specially formulated to help
restore what the body has lost during physical exertion and rehydrate the body
to its optimal hydration balance. Its unique formula combines fluids,
carbohydrates and electrolytes for quick and efficient absorption of fluids
into the body.

#19 – Pewter goods are also a favourite among tourists. The best
place to get your pewter items are of course from Royal Selangor Pewter,
located in Kuala Lumpur. Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian pewter
manufacturer and retailer, the largest of its type in the world.

#20
Adopt and animal! While you cannot
bring the animal home with you, you have at least left a piece of yourself
here, and helped conserve a little bit of Malaysia for our future generations.
A lot of programs are available, and offered, online where you can adopt a
tiger, elephant, turtle, even an orangutan, and receive a certificate and
regular updates on your ‘child’.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

12 LUXURY LOVE NESTS FOR SNUGGLING WITH YOUR PARTNER IN MALAYSIA

There’s nothing like a nice, romantic holiday to celebrate those relationship goals. If you are looking for dreamy getaways with your partner — whether for a holiday, a honeymoon or a romantic tryst — then look no further than Malaysia. We share with you here some of the romantic “love nests” that’s perfect for enjoying each other’s company with lots of cuddles, hugs and kisses, along with the opportunity to experience more of this tropical country!

Scenic by the Sea
Besides gazing into your lover’s eyes, these two seaside retreats are also quite soothing to the eyes with great expanses of sun, sea and surf to enjoy!

Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi Island, Kedah

The Four Seasons Resort, featured in the film, Crazy Rich Asians, offers luxurious villas in a Malay-style village setting. Its beautiful white beach with a view of the Andaman Sea and unique rock formations is the perfect lazing spot for two.

 

Japamala, Tioman Island, Pahang

On Tioman Island in the east coast of Malaysia, JapaMala has created a niche for itself as a jungle-luxe boutique resort situated amid the lush green surroundings of Malaysia’s forests. With only about a dozen villas with stunning sea views all around, lovers will think it’s heaven on earth just for two.

 

A Little Bit of Culture
How about injecting a bit of local culture into your love life? Malaysia’s diverse population is a chance to immerse yourself in unique cultures and traditions.

The Majestic Malacca, Melaka

A stay at this 54-room 90-year-old mansion with its beautiful teakwood fittings, porcelain flooring and European roof tiles and exquisite service quality, will easily bring to life the elegance of Melaka past. Immerse yourself in therich Melaka heritage with a cooking class with a local chef or walking tours to the surrounding UNESCO heritage areas.

 

 

Terrapuri Heritage Village, Terengganu

Experience what it’s like to live in a century-old classic Malay home, set in a resort that’s inspired by the 17th century Terengganu Palace and its courtyards. These architectural beauties recognize the genius of yesteryear architects and each house has a stunning story to tell! If you and your partner are a fan of built-design and local aesthetics, then you will fall in love with Terrapuri, too.

 

Seven Terraces

Roam about the UNESCO Heritage City of George Town from the opulent setting of the Seven Terraces Hotel. Dripping in traditional Chinese architecture and the romance and splendor of the Peranakan era, the hotel is a restful oasis to relive the elegance of the past.

 

Healthy Retreats
Keep the romance healthy by spending time with each other in these wellness resorts where the focus is on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health through tailor-made programmes covering healthy eating and fitness, set within the natural landscapes of Malaysia.

Orchard Wellness, Melaka

Here, guests can enjoy nature, space and tranquility while indulging in treatments that follow wellness and medical concepts specifically designed for individual guests. It is set in a tropical fruit farm where guests can go fruit-picking for durian, mangosteen and rambutan while getting their chakras aligned!

 

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Perak

This spa-type resort is just the place to relax and unwind with your loved one for a healthily-ever-after! Surrounded by beautiful natural limestones, guests can dip into geothermal hotspring pools, meditate in 280-year-old natural caves, improve a stagnant chi or revitalize a tired chakra at the Spa and Wellness Centre.

 

Adventures in Love
If you and your partner want to get up to some thrilling adventures, then let us suggest something smack in nature!

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Whether you consider yourself a bird lover, a herpetologist or a casual nature lover, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest in the country, has plenty of adventures to keep you occupied and amazed. And after you tire of your adventures at the end of the day, cuddle up in their cozy lodges before taking on the next day’s explorations.

 

Belum Rainforest Resort, Perak

Enjoy the beauty of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest literally at your doorstep when you choose to stay at Belum Rainforest Resort. You and your lover can enjoy many thrilling adventures such as jungle trekking into the 130-million year old rainforest, kayaking on the vast Temengor Lake and more!

 

Love in the City
Want to spend some intimate moments without being too far from the conveniences of the city? Check out our romantic city retreats.

23Love Lane Hotel, George Town, Penang

With a name like this, surely it would be perfect for lovers! 23Love Lane is a charming 10-room hotel restored to retain its heritage quality, with a garden courtyard located in a quiet lane within Penang’s UNESCO Heritage City. Enjoy the still and cozy atmosphere just steps away from lively George Town where you can easily explore the mélange of cultures.

 

The Ruma, Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in the very heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and just steps away from the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC, The RuMa has created an elegant and serene sanctuary right in the middle of the city. It captures the intimacy of a home run by an accomplished host who will take care of all the things that need taken care of, so you can focus on showering much love to your lover.

 

The Village House, Kuching, Sarawak

This idyllic hideaway is just a few minutes’ away from the hustle and bustle of Kuching city, yet it offers an oasis of calm for couples wanting to reconnect. This adults-only sanctuary (they only accept guests aged over 12 years) is one of the best places to marvel at the magnificent Borneo sunset in total privacy.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

20 MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE CAFES IN MALAYSIA

A good food is a must when you want to choose a café but nowadays good food is not enough to satisfy one’s hunger because it has to come together with an aesthetically pleasing interior. So get your camera ready for an Instagram-worthy experience at all these cafes that we’ve listed down just for you.

KEDAH

#1 Caffe Diem

Fancy hanging out at a café that was originally a prison during the colonial era circa 1800? Then, check out this charming cafe called Caffe Diem. There’s a room there reserves for private functions called Tunku Room, which is decorated with photos of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Since Caffe Diem is located in Pekan Cina (China Town), its private dining room was named the China Room. The room, however, is not a typical Chinese-style room but is infused with local culture and contemporary arts. Patrons of Caffe Diem are greeted by five beautifully handcrafted Chinese lanterns by the local artisan and lantern-maker. One of the most interesting fixture at the café is its hanging Perahu Kedah (small row boats), which is suspended from the glass ceiling of its enclosed double volume courtyard of the building.

Caffe Diem
44, Jalan Penjara Lama, Pekan Cina
Alor Setar

Tel No:
04-730 8895

Business Hour
12:00 NOON – 12:00 AM (Opens Daily)

E-mail:
caffediem@outlook.com

#2 Art Nature Café

This cosy little café focuses on fresh coffee and healthy, vegetarian food. Although its location is a little secluded but that’s the beauty of it. Apart from its delicious assam laksa and handmade noodle soup, Art Nature Café’s garden-inspired décor and eclectic furniture add to the relaxing ambience of the café. This café has also become a favourite spot for a pre-wedding photoshoot.

Art Nature Cafe
158 Taman Berjaya, Lorong Teratai Merah 1,
05050 Alor Setar, Kedah,

Tel Number
+6011 55088158 / +6017 4833795 (Thony)

Business Hour
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (

Email
info@artnaturecafe.com / artnaturecafe@gmail.com

PENANG

#3 Norm

Norm is a quaint and cosy little haven tucked in a hidden corner of Lebuh Carnarvon in the heart of George Town, serving specialty coffee, specialty tea, cocktails, as well as delicious signature waffles and tiramisu. This café is definitely an insta-worthy hang out with its minimalistic décor, rattan furniture, real plants complete with natural sunlight.

Norm
260C, Lebuh Carnarvon,
George Town, Penang

Tel Number
+6017- 401 1300

Business Hour
10 AM – 12 AM (Opens Daily)

Email
norm@orgeto.com

#4 Pik Nik

In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope. It is a positive color inspiring warm and comforting feelings, a sense that everything will be okay. Therefore, hanging out at Pik Nik will definitely help lessen your stress because there’s a section in the café that is fully pink. Apart from that, Pik Nik is such a funky café and its comfy sofas, rocking chair and colourful pillows just make you want to laze around at the café.

Pik Nik
15, Nagore Road,
10050 George Town,

Tel Number
+604 – 226 0562

Business Hour
12.00 NOON – 12 AM (Closed every Tuesday)

Email
piknikeveryday@gmail.com

#5 Matcho Café

This dreamy café makes you think of a warm summer breeze with its pink walls, green plants and rattan furniture. Matcho Café itself stated that it offers a great selection of summer treats and food with matcha and chocolate beverages and desserts as their specialty.

Matcho Cafe
99B, Lebuh Noordin,
10300 George Town

Tel Number
+604-261 0031

Business Hour
10.30 AM – 11.30 PM (Closed every Tuesday)

Messenger
m.me/matchocafe

PERAK

#6 Burps Giggles

Burps Giggles has all the elements to become a hit on Instagram, which the café quickly did. What’s not to like about this funky café – it is part of a colonial-era shophouse, there is an eye-catching giant murals on the walls, as well as a quirky mix of antique and contemporary décor and furnishing that are so 80ish.

With desserts such as locally-made gelato, the cempedak with seared gula melaka bananas, and cendol gelato with atapchi and longan, this café is not one to miss when you are in Ipoh.

Burps Giggles
93-95, Jalan Sultan Yusof
30000 Ipoh, Perak

Tel Number
+605-246 1308

Business Hour
09.00 AM – 05.00 PM (Weekdays)
09.00 AM – 09.00 PM (Weekends)

E-mail
bng.ipoh@gmail.com


#7 Thumbs Café

Thumbs Café may have the look of a typical traditional Malay house but the café actually serves both local and western food with a contemporary twist. I guarantee that you will feel nostalgic once you step inside this rusty-looking café because its antique décor such as the sewing machine, gramophone and old potraits will remind you of your childhood home in the kampung.

Thumbs Café
133 Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil,
30450 Ipoh

Tel Number
+6019-776 0618

Business Hour
06.00 PM – 01.00 AM (Closed every Tuesday)

E-mail
thumbscafe_133@yahoo.com


NEGERI SEMBILAN

#8 Once Upon A Bear Café

Unleash the inner child in you by hanging out or celebrating birthday at this new insta-worthy café in Seremban 2, which is filled with various kind of cute teddy bears. Everything about this café screams “fluffy and cuddly”.

Once Upon A Bear Café
No.233-G, Jalan S2 B10, Uptown Avenue, Seremban 2
Seremban

Tel Number
+606-601 8017

Business Hour
12.00 NOON – 04.00 PM (Closed every Tuesday and Wednesday)
05.00 PM – 23.00 PM

E-mail
onceuponabearcafe@gmail.com


MELAKA

#9 Eat At 18

A hidden gem in Hang Lekiu Street, Eat at 18 is a quaint little café with a courtyard that is perfect for taking selfie. Inside, it’s a genuine café filled with artworks, books and chandeliers. This café is specially known for its fresh juice drinks made from exotic local fruits such as mangosteen, durian, dragon fruit and star fruit.

Eat At 18
18 Jalan Hang Lekiu
75200 Melaka

Tel Number
+606-281 4679

Business Hour
08.30 AM – 06.00 PM (Closed every Tuesday)

Messenger
m.me/eatat18

Source
http://www.fishmeatdie.com

JOHOR

#10 Bev C Cafe

Rather than being just a fashion label, Bev C doubles up as a café, providing a space for creativity to be expressed through fashion design together with beverage crafting. While their philosophy in fashion is ‘Seeking your own style’, their philosophy in their foodie is “We serve what we like to eat”, which will go along well with the adventurous millennials.

Bev C Café
54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru

Tel Number
+6016-725 3530

Business Hour
10.00 AM – 05.00 PM (Closed every Wednesday)

E-mail
ask@bevc.com.my

PAHANG

#11 90 Degrees Café Art

90 Degrees Cafe Art is located in a refurbished wooden grocery stores in the heart of the Air Putih neighbourhood. This unique space has soaring ceilings, well pre-served wooden structure and a warm and classic atmosphere that met with the relax nature of a beach fronted city. It is the perfect place to chill out and have great chatter with your friends and family.

90 Degrees Café Art
B-882 Jalan Air Putih
Kuantan, Pahang

Tel Number
+609-505 5905

Business Hour
10.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Closed every Tuesday)

E-mail
90.cafe.art@gmail.com


TERENGGANU

#12 Terradala Museum Cafe

Terradala (which means ‘Land of the Dala flower’) is a cafe, mini museum, crafts and souvenir store rolled into one. At Terradala, travellers are also invited to savour the drinks and delicacies available at affordable prices. The café also encompasses an outdoor garden that features a wooden gazebo made from chengal.

Terradala Museum Cafe
77A Jalan Sultan Sulaiman
Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu

Tel Number
+609-626 2020

Business Hour
08.30 AM – 05.30 PM (Opens Daily)

E-mail
info@terradala.com


KELANTAN

#13 The Bold Lab Café

A place to experiment art, coffee and food, in alphabetical order. As bold as its name, this quirky café has various kind of lab equipment such as flasks, beakers, test tubes as interior decoration, minus the mad professor. Science students will probably feel at home at this cafe. For those leaning towards right-brain, this café will give you a chance to imagine that you are chilling out with friends at a science lab, perfect for an instagram selfie.

The Bold Lab Café
Jalan Abdul Kadir Adabi
Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Tel Number
+609-743 3868

Business Hour
11.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Daily)

E-mail
theboldlab.cafe@gmail.com


SARAWAK

#14 Sukha Café

This quaint and quirky café is definitely a magnet for millennials hunting for an insta-worthy café. Sukha Café is filled with random antique stuff such as old radios and a scooter, as well as high ceiling and lamps that are decorated with tons of bicycles’ wheels. The café serves Asian, Western and fusion food and quite innovative too. Check out their beef rendang penne.

Sukha Café
Ground Floor, Titanium Tower,
Lot 11963, Block 16, Brighton Square,
Jalan Song, Kuching, Sarawak

Tel Number
+6082-555 915

Business Hour
11.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Closed every Tuesday)

E-mail
doyousukha@gmail.com

Source
http://themakanpost.blogspot.com


KUALA LUMPUR

#15 Merchant Lane

When it comes to Instagrammable cafes in KL, no doubt Merchant’s Lane is on top of our list. What’s the best way to explain East Meets West? Merchant’s Lane. Tucked in off Chinatown, Merchant’s Lane has a strong Asian vibe with rattan chairs and rustic walls. Every corner screams picture-perfect. The entrance is a bit discreet so have fun hunting down Merchant’s Lane.

Merchant Lane
No, 150 Jalan Petaling
Kuala Lumpur

Business Hour
11.30 AM – 10.30 PM (Closed every Wednesday)

E-mail
merchantslane@gmail.com

Source
klfoodie


#16 Pokok KL Cafe

If you’re from MAHSA University, you’re one lucky fellow. Located at the entrance of the university, this cafe is famous for its open and natural concept. With big glass panels surrounding the cafe, you’ll be able to enjoy the lush greenery view and natural lighting to take that perfect food shot. Due to their rising popularity, it can get a little crowded at times so the waiting time might be the only downside here, but with such eye-catching interior as well for food that look too pretty on a plate, the wait is certainly worth it.

Pokok KL Cafe
MAHSA Avenue, Block B,
Jalan Elmu, off, Jalan Universiti,
59100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel Number
+603-8408 1811

Business Hour
09.00 AM – 09.00 PM (Opens Daily)

E-mail
hello@brickhouse.my

Source
klfoodie


#17 Birch KL

Inspired by a West Hollywood vibe, Birch is an Instagrammer’s dream. Aesthetic (and delicious!) foods and a slick cocktail menu if you fancy something stronger than coffee.

Birch KL
Damansara City Mall, Jalan Damanlela,
Damansara Kuala Lumpur

Tel Number
+603-2011 5966

Business Hour
09.00 AM – 01.00 AM (Opens Daily)

E-mail
hello@birch.com.my

Source
bigseventravel


SELANGOR

#18 Aether Cafe

When we say this is a hidden gem, we literally mean ‘HIDDEN’ gem. Situated inside Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun, this will be a somewhat difficult spot to find if you are a first-time visitor. And health junkies, Aether Cafe’s menu may just be perfect for you as they focus on dishing out meals that are good for the body (and soul). Enjoy the leafy green view outside surrounding the cafe and if you’re looking for a hideout to get some work done, Aether Cafe is great as they provide plug points so you’ll have no excuse to leave till you complete your work!

Aether Cafe
No. 16, Jalan SS 21/35, Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya

Tel Number
+603-2856 0416

Business Hour
10.00 AM – 07.00 PM (Closed every Wednesday)
10.00 AM – 10.00 PM (Every Friday and Saturday)

Messenger
m.me/aethercafe

Source
klfoodie
Photo credit @maxin.mx (instagram)


#19 Bukku Cafe

A Japanese-inspired cafe in the bustling KL city, you’ll find peace and solitude at Bukku Cafe. White toned with wooden furnishing, it has the Muji minimalism that brings harmony. It has a rustic backyard that resembles fall, sunbath yourself and have a zen moment.

Bukku Cafe
Jalan Singgahsana 4A/KU5,
Bandar Bukit Raja, 41050 Klang,

Tel Number
+6012-567 7392

Business Hour
08.30 AM – 10.00 PM (Opens Daily)

E-mail
bukku.cafe@gmail.com

Source
klfoodie


#20 La Fleur X Uniqorn

If you’re itching for a little dose of magic in your life, La Fleur X Uniqorn is the place to be at. In true Instagram-worthy café style, La Fleur X Uniqorn has its own bright baby pink bathtub covered to the brim in balls of various pink shades. If this doesn’t scream Insta-worthy, we’re not sure what will.

La Fleur X Uniqorn
E1-01-02, Sunway GEO Avenue,
Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway
Subang Jaya

Tel Number
+6011-1179 6750

Business Hour
02.00 PM – 12.00 AM (Opens Daily)
02.00 PM – 01.00 AM (Every Friday)
12.00 NOON – 01.00 AM (Every Saturday and Sunday)

E-mail
lecafedelafleur@gmail.com

Source
discoverkl

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

5 COSY BOOK CAFES FOR THE LITERARY-MINDED

Since book cafes have become a global craze, bookworms nowadays have some of the coolest venues to hang out while enjoying their books. Malaysia is no exception. There are a myriad of book cafes in Malaysia that will definitely persuade those literary-minded people to leave their favourite reading nooks at home. Here are five places perfect for the bibliophiles:

Hedley Books Cafe @ Kota Bahru, Kelantan

 

 

Who would have thought that there is a Harry Porter inspired book café in the middle of the state that is steep in culture and tradition? Believe you me, Hedley Books and Cafe is one café that you should look for whenever you find yourself in Kota Bahru, Kelantan. With logos of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin adorning its wall, and Harry Porter’s robes, as well as his magic wand, you will feel like you have stepped into Hogwart and become part of Harry Porter’s world.

There are more than 1,000 book for you to read. Just choose one from the bookshelves and enjoy your reading while sipping your favourite coffee; or maybe you can try the pie that the book café is famous for while re-reading a book from the Harry Porter’s collections; or take a selfie of you wearing Harry Porter’s robe and scarf, complete with a magic wand.

So, what are you waiting for, head to the east coast and search for this gem of a café.

Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Photos are courtesy of Hedley Books and Cafe

Contact Details:

Hedley Books and Cafe
PT 1667 Tingkat 1, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, Kubang Kerian,
16150 Kota Bharu
Tel: 012-988 1997

Instagram: www.instagram.com/hedleybookscafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hedleybookscafe

 

BookXcess’s Madeleine Café, The Starling, Selangor

 

Madeleine Café – BookXcess’s first in-store café – which offers a range of coffee-based drinks, herbal and regular teas, as well as a limited food menu is just perfect for book lovers who can’t wait to read their newly-bought book. BookXcess is bookstore where you can get a good selection of new books at a discounted price.

With a bookstore that measures some 10,500 square feet, The Starling BookXcess is considered one of the chain store’s largest outlets. You will definitely need to stretch your leg, quench your thirst, fill your stomach at the attached Madeleine Café after spending hours hunting for books at such large book store.

Business Hours: 10am-10pm every day.

Contact Details:

BookXcess
T-331A, T-331B,
The Starling Mall, Uptown, Damansara Utama.
Telephone No.: +603 5614 4554
Website: www.bookxcessonline.com/

The Wood Second Hand Book Store Café, Gajah Berang, Melaka

 

The Wood Second Hand Book Store Cafe at Jalan Gajah Berang Melaka is a little hidden gem for book lovers looking for a place to read books written in Mandarin.

At this book café, the smell of old books that mingles with the scent of a freshly-brewed coffee will really make you feel a bit nostalgic. Grab a rattan chair and lose yourself in the world of beautifully-written words at The Wood Second Hand Book Store Café.

Opening hours:

11am – 8pm (Mondays – Sundays)
Closed on Wednesdays

Contact Details:

Address: No. 35 Jalan Gajah Berang, Melaka
Tel: +6012 616 7128
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewoodsbookstore

 

The Nook Books Coffee, George Town, Penang

 

The Nook Books Coffee is a used bookstore and coffee shop, which is located at Khoo Cheow Teong Court along Fish Lane (Lorong Ikan) in George Town, Penang. This is the place to go for both book and coffee lovers. Here, if you fell in love with the book that you are reading, you can keep the book at a reasonable price.

The Nook Books Coffee is so warm and cosy that this place will make you forget that you are at a book café. All you want to do is find a corner and curl up with a good book.

This book cafe is open daily except for Tuesdays, from 9 am till 6 pm.

Contact Details:

The Nook Books Coffee
4 Khoo Cheow Teong Court
George Town, Penang

Tel:  012-525 2762

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thenookgeorgetownpenang 

Lit Book, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Founded and managed by a husband and wife duo who are former journalists and ardent bibliophiles, Lit Books specialises in English literary titles. From collector’s editions of classics to modern and contemporary reads and of course, exciting new releases, Lit’s handpicked titles are sure to appeal to avid and casual readers alike.

More than just a bookseller, Lit was conceived to be a haven for book lovers, where conversation and discourse are encouraged and welcome. On top of books, there’s also the Lit Bar, a beverage station and a corner where readers can enjoy some coffee with their books.

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11am-9pm, Tuesday: 1pm-9pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Details:

Lit Books
P-01-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12 Jalan Persiaran Tropicana, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7886 6988

Website: https://litbooks.com.my/

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

TOP 5 SPOTS TO SAY “I DO”

Malaysia has long been a preferred destination for weddings and honeymoons. A combination of multicultural people and beautiful landscapes makes Malaysia a unique place to hold a wedding and also honeymoon. But before the wedding and honeymoon, one must go through a wedding proposal first, right? Well, why don’t you do all three in Malaysia?

First, let me throw out some ideas for a unique and memorable wedding proposal in Malaysia, just in time for the coming February, the month of love.

1. Underwater

What better place is there to pop the question for scuba diving enthusiasts than under the sea? Surrounded by sea fans, whips, a school of fishes and colourful corals, it was a perfect place to surprise your love one with a marriage proposal. It will be your own Atlantis for sure. Of course when you are underwater, you can’t use our voice to propose to her but you can hold the sign asking her to marry you or lay out a banner on the side of a shipwreck with most romantic words that will impress her hook, line, and sinker. You do need a team though to make sure you’ll have a perfect and memorable marriage proposal.

Scuba diving sites in Malaysia that can be the location for your marriage proposal include Redang, Lang Tengah, and Perhentian Islands (Terengganu), Sipadan, Sapi, Mabul, Layang-Layang, and Mataking Islands (Sabah), as well as Satang Besar, Satang Kecil and Sempadi Islands and Miri waters (Sarawak).

2. Top of the Mountain

There’s no finer backdrop to propose to your wife-to-be than the top of the Mount Kinabalu in Sabah. Standing at a majestic 4,095 meters or 13, 435 feet above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia. You may have to wake up at 3 am to climb to the top in order to watch the sunrise but the sheer beauty of the scenery will take your breath away and help romanticised the venue of your marriage proposal. It will definitely help your love one forget about the grueling four-hour climb, the altitude change and cold temperature.

Mt. Kinabalu is a popular destination, visitors who wish to climb Mount Kinabalu are advised to make reservations 6 months in advance to avoid disappointment. The number of climbers is limited to 135 pax daily.

Website: http://www.sabahtourism.com/activity/climb-mt-kinabalu

3. Zipline

Take your love one all the way to Langkawi Island and get her to spend two and a half hours soaring along 12 different ziplines over the waterfalls and within the top and middle layer of the island’s rainforest. And with her adrenaline still high from gliding through an oxygen-rich forest,

can you imagine how incredible it is for her when she got off the line and the first thing she will see is you on bended knee with a ring in one hand? It’s worth a try, don’t you think so?

Umgawa is the island’s first world-class zipline eco-adventure tour, which offers spectacular views of Matchincang Peak, Seven Wells Waterfall and the Andaman Sea. Umgawa’s course features 12 ziplines, one double zipline, three sky-bridges suspended in the trees, and a spectacular descent from towering trees.

Website: www.umgawa.com

4. The Rainbow Skywalk

The Rainbow Skywalk is the talk of the town in Penang Island because it offers stunning seamless views of George Town and beyond. Located at George Town’s highest point, the open-air Rainbow Skywalk, a semi-circular glass-bottomed platform extending out from the edge of the Komtar tower is at Level 68, offering visitors the thrilling experience of walking on air 249m above ground.

Make the best of this venue and wait for the sun to set over the Penang Hill and beyond, or wait for the city of George Town to light up before you propose to your love one. I’ll bet it is going to be one of the most beautiful and romantic marriage proposals ever. But before you do that, please make sure your love one doesn’t have a fear of height. Then, you are good to go!

Website: https://thetop.com.my/rainbow-skywalk

5. Plane In The City

Located in the heart of the city at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Plane In The City, which is an an actual Boeing 737 aircraft, is listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the 1st Aeroplane Restaurant in Malaysia.

The Plane In The City is the perfect venue to propose to your wife-to-be because just admit it, it won’t be as romantic as in the actual plane flying at 35,000 feet, right? With this real-life flight simulation, you don’t have to deal with small aisle or an unpredictable turbulence or crying babies, or being rejected in front of strangers of various nationalities. To make it more interesting, you can propose on the wing of the airplane, and that experience my friend, will be unforgettable.

Website: http://www.planeinthecity.com