Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Why Kuching should be on the radar of every digital nomad

As a digital nomad in Southeast Asia, there’s a good chance you’re used to doing things the unconventional way. If that’s the case, you ought to read on and learn about the place dubbed the next Chiang Mai.

We’re talking about Kuching, Sarawak. 

Source: appc2019.ifm.org.my

Located in the Malaysian part of Borneo, Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, a founding partner in the nation of Malaysia. Modern yet laid back, Kuching has outstanding infrastructure yet remains very much in touch with nature. 

Modern Kuching can be traced back to 1841, when James Brooke, the son of an English judge in the East India Company who happened to be sailing the Malay Archipelago, helped the King of Brunei crush a rebellion in southern Borneo.

Source: Culture Trip

As a reward, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II of Brunei gave him Sarawak, a swampy and mostly jungle-covered land inhabited by notorious and very dangerous headhunting indigenous tribes.

And that’s how James Brooke became the first White Rajah and the Kingdom of Sarawak was born. With the exception of the second world war period from 1941 – 1945 when it was occupied by the Japanese, Sarawak was a standalone kingdom under the White Rajahs until 1946.

At the end of the occupation of Sarawak, on 11 September 1945, the British military took over Sarawak for 7 months before handing it back to Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke. 

Seeing the damage done by the Japanese, Rajah Brooke realised he no longer had the resources to develop Sarawak. He hoped that with the cession of Sarawak as a British crown colony, the British would be able to rebuild Sarawak’s infrastructure and develop its postwar economy.

So Sarawak became a British colony from 1946-1963 before becoming equal partners along with Peninsular Malaya, Sabah and Singapore to form Malaysia. (Singapore later withdrew itself and became an independent nation in 1965).

Source: blogspot.com

The White Rajahs played an important role in uniting the multiple races in Sarawak. With multiple ethnicities such as Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, Chinese and Indians residing harmoniously, Kuching has become a true melting pot of cultures and is seen by many as a role model for cultural and religious harmony. 

Kuching is called ‘The City of Cats’. You will find cat murals and statues everywhere in the town centre. The city’s obsession really stems from its name. The word ‘Kucing’ means cat in the Malay language. 

How Kuching got its name is a mystery. Some say that when the first Rajah of Sarawak, James Brooke, arrived around 1839, he pointed to the settlement and asked a local what it was called. The local, mistakenly thought he was pointing at a passing cat and said ‘Kucing’ (pronounced Coo-ching). 

A descendant of the passing cat that James Brooke mistakenly pointed at. Or so we like to think. 😉 Source: Aish Mann

Others claim the city was named after trees that once grew throughout the area, bearing small fruit called mata kucing, or ‘cat’s eye fruit’, which is similar to lychee. The last theory is that the name was chosen when residents discovered short-tailed cats living along the banks of the mighty Sarawak River which flows through the city.   

As you walk around the streets of Kuching, you’ll feel the soul of the city in its historic buildings, vibrant street art, and warm, friendly people. 

‘The Early Mercers’ at India Street. Source: Aish Mann

With lush rainforests and the South China Sea in close proximity, a chilled authentic vibe with all the luxuries of a modern city, Kuching is the perfect haven for digital nomads who want an idyllic environment in which to work.

So, why should digital nomads base themselves in Kuching?

We asked a few who have made the move to Kuching and here’s what one said: 

After visiting a lot of tourist places, I found a peaceful and quiet place in Kuching to focus on my work. iCube is very comfortable and convenient. I can find everything I need in the nearby mall Icom Square with lots of food places and a gym. People here are very calm, kind and respectful. Everyone speaks English, so it’s easy to connect with locals. It’s not the case everywhere in Asia and this is a very appreciable point for me.” –Virginie Sarachman, France.

The sky puts on a spectacular show almost every day at Waterfront, Kuching. 

We also spoke to Melvin Liew the ‘go to’ guy for digital nomads in Kuching. Here’s what he had to say about the gradually growing digital nomad community in Kuching. 

We saw the trend (of digital nomad arrivals) increasing when the tourism sector in Sarawak started to grow. It is essential to have a solid community and the constant improvement of infrastructure for Digital Nomads in Sarawak.” – Melvin Liew, Director, iCube Innovation

Another reason for digital nomads to live in Kuching 

If you’re from Europe or North America, you get a 90-day visa on arrival, compared to a 30-day visa for Indonesia and a 2-week visa for Thailand.

Source: tour-borneo-malaysia.com

That means you have plenty of time to get settled in and every time you leave the country, you get a 3-month visa on your return.

Now, it may seem like Kuching is in some faraway, inaccessible land, but the truth is, you could be sipping a cold beer in the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road, Singapore in a mere 3 hours. 

Singapore too sterile for you? Then you can be in downtown Kuala Lumpur in 3 hours too. The beautiful beaches of Kota Kinabalu are just 2 hours away.

Fancy something laidback? Then the city of Bandar Seri Begawan would be up your alley with direct flights from Kuching that will get you there in less than 2 hours. And the cherry on the cake is that flights to all these destinations start from just US$20! 

Now, where should you stay in Kuching?

Kuching has accommodation for all budgets. Airbnb works pretty well here and you have an array of apartments/condominiums to choose from. 

James from locationindependent.co.uk suggests placing yourself as close to the Waterfront area as possible. He says there really isn’t an expat neighborhood but Waterfront is the most central part of Kuching and almost all the main spots are walkable from there. 

Another main area is Padungan Street. It’s a bit further away from the town centre but it is a lively street with some of the best food options. 

If you prefer a short-term rental, we suggest you come and stay in a hotel to personally view places before renting, just to be on the safe side. 

How do you move around town?

Kuching is the most pedestrian-friendly city in Malaysia, especially if you live around the town centre.

Carpenter Street. 

Car or motorbike rentals are available but we recommend Grab (equivalent of Uber) and Maxim. Both apps work flawlessly around Kuching and each ride costs between US$2 – 4 if you’re in the town area.

Where to stuff your face 

Now that you’re mobile, it’s time to get some delicious food into that hungry tummy!

Lucky for you, Kuching is full of gastronomical marvels. 

With numerous influences from indigenous tribes as well as Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, you’ll never run out of new things to appease your hunger. 

One of the most famous dishes you absolutely have to try is Sarawak Laksa. This typical Sarawakian breakfast dish is made of a special prawn-based broth thickened with coconut milk.

A perfect, mouth-watering bowl of Sarawak laksa. 

Served with a generous portion of omelette strips, crunchy bean sprouts, chicken shreds, and plump prawns as well as a squeeze of calamansi lime for extra zest and thick sambal paste on the side. 

The late Anthony Bourdain called Sarawak Laksa, ‘The breakfast of the Gods’. 

#Laksa #Kuching Breakfast of the Gods

A post shared by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on May 28, 2015 at 6:57pm PDT

 

One of the best places to find a fiiine bowl of Laksa is at Chong Choon Cafe. Remember, Sarawak laksa is a breakfast dish, so it sells out by around 10 am.

Other must-try dishes in Kuching include Kolo Mee at Annie Kolo Mee or Oriental Park Cafe and authentic Sarawakian tribal food at Tribal Stove the Dyak

A beautiful bowl of Kolo Mee. 

One meal with a drink in a traditional Kuching restaurant or coffee shop should cost you no more than US$2-5. Here’s a more comprehensive food guide with tips on where to find cheap eats in Kuching.

How do you pay for stuff?

You can’t use US dollars to pay like in Cambodia. The currency used in Kuching is Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Although some places only accept cash, most places accept credit cards or E-Wallets. 

Some of the E-Wallets you can use are GrabPay, SarawakPay, FavePay, and Boost E-wallet

What’s the internet like?

Ah yes, internet: the lifeline of a digital nomad. 

Connectivity issues can be quite scary if your livelihood depends on the internet. And the Bornean rainforest doesn’t exactly sound like the kind of place you can do seamless Video calls. Buut…

Don’t worry, Kuching has all-around 4G coverage and you can find wifi at almost every cafe. 

The 3 main service providers in Sarawak with solid coverage are Celcom, Maxis and Digi. 

You can pick up a sim card at the airport for as low as US$8 and this will last you a whole month with constant coverage!

Here’s a price comparison between the service providers. 

Where the magic happens… 

Now that you’re settled in and well connected, it’s time to look for a place to work. 

There are a number of co-working spaces available but the main curator of the digital nomad community is iCube Innovation

Source: coworker.imgix.net

They have the most up-to-date facilities if all you want to do is put your head down and get some work done. 

Their packages start from as low as US$36 per month for a hot desk which is substantially lower than co-working spaces in Bali and Chiang Mai where average monthly packages cost US$100 and US$120. 

Other than iCube, other interesting co-working spaces are MaGIC Sarawak and The 381 Hub

If you’d rather work from a new location every day, we’ve got you covered! There are plenty of cafes around town where you can set up shop. Here’s a list of some of the most aesthetically pleasing and work-friendly cafes in and around the city centre: 

  1. Tease by Jase’s Tea House
  2. Commons at The Old Courthouse
  3. The Coffee Clinic
  4. Kai Joo Cafe 
  5. Coffee Obsession

After-work shenanigans

We’re going to give it to you straight. If you’re a party animal, Kuching isn’t for you. [Pro tip: You can always head to Kuala Lumpur and paint the town red there!] 

Drinks and Art. What better way to relax after a long day of work? Source: Aish Mann

However, if you like to unwind and chill with a cold beer and good ambiance, there are a number of places you can try. Note, a bucket of four beers in Kuching usually costs around US$8. 

  1. Bear Garden
  2. Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar
  3. The Wayang
  4. Monkee Bar Bistro
  5. Borneo Rednecks  

A stay in Sarawak isn’t complete without Tuak. Tuak is a Sarawakian rice wine. You can usually find it at bars around Kuching. Try it, but be careful…

What else is there to do?

After working diligently and finishing a few months’ work in a few days, you’re bound to want to do some touring. 

Other than a promising, laid back, and focused environment, there are plenty of activities to help you get close to nature. 

When you’re looking to get out of the city, you can head to sites around Kuching. Check out our articles on the magnificent caves and peculiar wildlife found in Sarawak. You can be soaking in a natural hot spring or exploring millennia-old caves in a matter of hours!

Miri is an interesting destination, more lively than Kuching, it also has the best dive sites in Malaysia. Subscribe to our newsletter to get content like this sent straight into your inbox! 

All in all, Kuching is a perfect destination for digital nomads because of how gentle it is. If you’re a digital nomad looking for an affordable, tranquil place to get some work done, Kuching should definitely be on your radar. 

 

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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

6 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!

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!

De.Wan 1958:

Malaysia’s beloved chef and Tourism Malaysia ambassador, Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan, has opened a restaurant to serve up all his favourite dishes! Savour the diversified Malaysian cuisine and enjoy state-of-the-art banquet hall designed for immersive event experiences. De.Wan 1958‘s unique space makes it feel like you’ve arrived home to a warm and welcoming space. But far from being just a place to enjoy delicious food, the space make the perfect venue for corporate and personal celebrations, too.

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

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.