2D1N Itinerary in Ipoh, Perak

It's often a pity that Ipoh was only viewed a foodie pitstop for those heading up to Penang. Only in recent years, thanks to social media, more hidden gems have been unearthed. One being mirror lake (don't confuse it with the Shah Alam lake) and the main objective of my most recent 2D1N trip to Ipoh. 

Of course, as the planning progressed, more attractions around and about in Ipoh were added to the list and we only had 24 hours.

Pepsi Wants You to Disconnect to Connect this Pepsi Blackout Hour

Pepsi launched Pepsi Blackout Hour which challenges you to disconnect from your gadgets to enjoy quality bonding during mealtimes. In line with that, Pepsi is bringing the Pepsi Blackout Hour experience on-ground & digitally from 15th December 2021 to 4th January 2022 to encourage quality mealtime moments with loved ones.



The pandemic has caused many people to become more dependent than ever on their gadgets, resulting in a new normal whereby devices have become the preferred method to establish and maintain social connections, even when dining with our loved ones at home. While gadgets bring ample benefits, it comes at the cost of keeping people from focusing on what’s important during mealtimes – enjoying the food and bonding with loved ones.

Get ready to shine in Triumph's festive classics

Celebrate the festive season in style with Sculpt Clematis and Natural Elegance from Triumph. These expertly designed tailored fits create a luxurious look, ideal for festive celebrations. 

More Than Just Furry Love

The benefits of owning a pet go a lot further than meets the eye. Besides benefitting the pets themselves, owners too stand to benefit from improved physical and mental wellbeing. And two pioneering “pet champions” have joined forces to not only advocate pet adoption, but show just how rewarding it can be…

Cinnamon

Enjoy Dine-in Perks and Discounts with PandaPro

Food delivery services are a godsent during lockdown but let's face it. Some dishes and cuisines are just best experienced in person, fresh from the kitchen. To give you diners better value deals, foodpanda Malaysia has recently launched pandapro with 25% flat discount off your dine-in bill from selected partner restaurants. 

[Cafe Review ] Poppy Kat cafe, Cheras

Cats, coffee and croffle - the three major Cs of Poppy Kat cafe in Cheras. After seeing postings of its orange interior and cats circulating on social media, I just had to check it out. The opportunity came one gloomy morning after a hike to a certain lake that shall not be mentioned (since it's a private property). 

Cycle (Virtually) Your way to Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon

Cyclists can look forward the return of The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon with a new route and a virtual reality riding experience for those unable to fly into Hong Kong. 

 The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced recently that the hugely popular event will make its keenly-anticipated return on 16 January 2022, and will for the first time include the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB). Free virtual ride experience will also be offered to cyclists around the world.

HKTB Executive Director Mr Dane Cheng said the event would feature two “first” elements. “This year’s Hong Kong Cyclothon will not only be the first sports event held on the world’s longest bridge-tunnel sea crossing as it is taking a whole new route on the HZMB, but also the first time a virtual experience has been incorporated into the event, offering cyclists worldwide who are unable to take part physically a thrilling and immersive experience of racing over the landmark bridge.

-Mr Adam Kwok, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), the Hong Kong Cyclothon’s long-time title and charity sponsor, remarked in his speech, “Every time, the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon brings new enhancements for everyone. This time, we will have a rare opportunity to change the cycling route from the Tsing Ma Bridge to the Hong Kong Section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. I’m sure Hong Kong cycling enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to this magnificent route! 

A Never-before-taken Route
The Hong Kong Cyclothon this year will first move to the HZMB (Hong Kong Section). Cyclists will start from the HZMB Hong Kong Port and pass by the Scenic Hill Tunnel and the highway between Airport Channel and the western waters, returning along the way before reaching the HKSAR boundary.

For Malaysians participating virtually:
To share the excitement of racing on the bridge as widely as possible, a free virtual race experience is being introduced to allow cyclists from Hong Kong, the Mainland, and overseas unable to join in person to enjoy a mesmerising simulation of the experience.

This year free Virtual Races will recreate the 26-km actual route of the HZMB (Hong Kong Section). Participants can feel the authentic ups and downs and resistance of the scene in an immersive virtual journey. E-sports elements such as timed acceleration zones are also included to add excitement to the ride.

Members of the public and cyclists can also use their own training bike stations and join the virtual races directly through the app. Participants can check their time and ranking upon completion of the route.

For more information and to register, check out www.discoverhongkong.com/cyclothon

Farm To Plate Teams Up With Plantonic To Create first-ever Plant-based Tasting Menu

The benefits of clean and healthful eating have gained heightened awareness in recent times. Today, increasing emphasis is being given to diets that focus on fresh, whole and “real” food which have been minimally processed or altered to maximise their nutritional offering, without compromising on quality or taste.

One prominent champion of this culinary approach is Farm to Plate – a rustic, fun eatery which has become well known for its hearty fare using fresh and seasonal ingredients cooked with an emphasis on family-style, affordable dining. Based in Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, the eatery lives true to its name with a focus on produce-driven cuisine showcasing the best ingredients directly from local farms in their purest forms and flavours, to its kitchen, before making its way onto its diners’ plates.

[REVIEW] Club Med Cherating Resort, Pahang

I was in dire need of a holiday getaway in 2020 and decided, with my friend, to book at Club Med Cherating for a 4D3N trip. Why Club Med? 

Why not? It had everything inclusive of the price, from food and drinks (plus booze) all day, activities, two beaches, two swimming pools and the sea right at the doorstep of my room. It was the perfect place to go especially in a time of a pandemic when you just want to minimise exposure and contact with people and just not think about what and where to eat for your next meal on holiday. 

Foodpanda and KFC Tag-Teams 11.11

Looking for im-peck-able offers this 11:11? Look no further as foodpanda Malaysia together with KFC will be delivering a surprise “snek box” in conjunction with the #PandaBawaKFC campaign to loyal customers around the Klang Valley.

Targeting pedestrians and road users of Persiaran Subang, Bandar Utama and Bukit Bintang, this KFC “snek box” giveaway is scheduled to run on 12 November 2021 from 10am to 7.30pm.

Malaysia's first Braille-enabled vending machines by ATLAS Vending in collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Blind

There are a lot of things in life we often take for granted - the clothes on our backs, the change in our purse and even our senses. Without our senses, even the simplest tasks in our daily life becomes something that requires extra thought and consideration. 

Say for example, buying a drink from the vending machine. Aiming to enable accessibility for visually-impaired customers, ATLAS Vending, the biggest F&B Vending Operator across Malaysia and Singapore, has collaborated with the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) to roll out its pilot programme for vending machines specially equipped with additional assistive features. 

[Review + Promo code!] Sudio T2 - 7.5 hours playtime, ANC + Transparency Mode

I have found that the best defense against random strangers walking up to you in public either to sell you stuff or to recruit you...is a good set of earphones. Bonus points especially if those earphones come equipped with noise cancellation because then, you have the legit excuse of not hearing them or your mother asking you to clean up the house. 

But of course, for safety reasons, having noise cancellation as a permanent feature can be dangerous especially when you're out for a jog or cycling. This is why the new Sudio T2's option for you to turn it off and switch between active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode is god sent! 

But I am getting ahead of myself.

[3D2N Damyang Itinerary] Bamboo Forest, Asia's First Slow City and Cafe Spots

If you're looking for an off beaten path adventure in South Korea away from the usual touristy destinations then why not hop on a bus and head to Damyang! I only learnt about this destination recently via an online tour with Trazy, thanks to KTO Malaysia and my photographer side is just itching to visit Damyang after this pandemic. 

Jonetz by Don Don Donki's Azuki Bar, Malaysia's first Halal Japanese Ice Cream

For the first time ever, Malaysians can enjoy Malaysia's first halal Japanese Ice Cream with the launch of Jonetz by Don Don Donki's Azuki Bar. Malaysia is the first retail outlet to introduce this brand to fans of Jonetz by Don Don Donki. 

You Need To Try These Local Dishes in Jeju Island, Korea

When in Jeju Island, eat as the locals do. There is no better representation of a local culture than through its food - an element molded by the ingredients of its surroundings and the lifestyle of its people over history and time. 

Jeju's local cuisine is one such an example. With its unique location in the south of South Korea and surrounded by sea, Jeju has access to ample seafood. Its inland landscape and climate invites for great farming opportunities as well. So if you're planning a visit to Jeju Island post pandemic (because I am!), you can rest assured that some of the food here will simply be out of this world. 

Here's a list of 10 local dishes to try on Jeju. Make sure to bookmark it! 

Bawangchaji launches Rosé Tie Guan Yin (花容月貌)

To all you tea lovers who want something floral yet still with that familiar taste of tea, check out Bawangchaji's new Rosé Tie Guan Yin (花容月貌). Sounding exotic like something from a wuxia c-drama series or danmei, you can enjoy this tea at a price of RM17.90. Wah, so expensive, you might be think but it does come in a generous serving of 700ml per cup. 

Where to Stay on Jeju Island, South Korea

South Korea’s island of the gods and horses– Jeju Island – might just be the perfect getaway destination with gorgeous beaches, quirky museums, land of three natural wonders under its UNESCO belt and beautiful natural landscapes. Even if you rent a car, you won't find the time to see the entire island in a day because there are just so many things to see and do along the way. 

Be Fit Smart with Triumph's all new Shape Smart range.

Triumph has recently announced the launch of Shape Smart, their latest lingerie set to join the bestselling Fit Smart family. Designed to offer a beautifully sculpted silhouette, the 4D stretch smooth fabric used across Shape Smart’s range of non-wired bras and briefs renders them invisible under clothes, allowing you to look as fabulous as you feel. 

Texas Chicken Merdeka Beats Lineup (31 Aug - 30 Sept)

As Malaysians commemorate the 64th Merdeka anniversary this August, Texas Chicken Malaysia is embracing Malaysian heritage and celebrating our homegrown talent through the power of music, in the Merdeka Beats campaign. For generations, Malaysians have been united and inspired by music and the arts, and in this challenging time, Texas Chicken Malaysia hopes to get the people moving on their feet - united as one and moving with the rhythm and beats of Merdeka.

ecoBrown’s introduces PLUS Series Brown Rice Drink, a ‘whole’ new way of wholesome living

With this pandemic keeping everyone at home and sadly away from gyms and sports, it's no surprised that Malaysians are adopting healthier diets for a more balanced and wholesome lifestyle. To encourage and inspire them to follow through with this lifestyle by promoting health and overall well-being, ecoBrown’s has recently launched a brand new product range - ecoBrown’s PLUS Series Brown Rice Drink. 

This first-of-its-kind in Malaysia cereal drink is packed with the goodness of unpolished brown, red and black rice and comes in three flavours - Cereal PLUS (Original), Cocoa PLUS & Coffee PLUS. 

BaWangChaJi Malaysia X Park-In Bingsutt Premium Mooncake Gift Set

In conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival, BaWangChaJi Malaysia,  recently launched their very first exclusive mooncake tea gift set through a collaboration with PARK-IN BINGSUTT, a virtual pop-up store inspired by Hong Kong style cafes also known as ‘Cha Chaan Teng'. While giving a choice for fans to have joyous and premium celebrations, they have recently launched 300 limited sets of the premium mooncake gift sets which were then sold out within 5 hours while more than 1,000 sets were being sold within 2 days. 

A BATHING APE® × ASICS : GEL-1090 Sneaker Collaboration

ASICS is excited to announce its latest partnership with renowned Japanese street fashion brand, BAPE. The two iconic brands have joined forces for the release of the GEL-1090™ sneaker, combining ASICS’ 2000s performance running aesthetic with timeless BAPE® graphic patterns and design sensibilities.

The GEL-1090™ running shoe from 2003 has been re-engineered with GEL™ technology cushioning for the modern consumer, and reimaged through the BAPE® lens, transforming the shoe’s heritage design with details reminiscent of the Harajuku scene in the early 2000s.

ACELABS Lumiere Diamond range, a Girl's new Best Friend

As they say, diamonds are a girl's best friend. And even more when said diamonds can be applied for those yearning for radiant and youthful skin. 

Inspired by the rising trend of diamond-infused cosmetics, ACELABS has recently introduced its Lumiere Diamond Skincare, a skincare range that uses REAL diamond powder. What sets the new range apart from many, is its instant “soft-focus” effect, which leads to brighter, younger, and smoother-looking skin.

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon Virtual Run is Back with a lucky draw marathon prize to Europe!!

For the second year running, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) will go virtual and will take place between 20 - 28 November 2021. The premier virtual running event in Malaysia is organised by Dirigo Events, with Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia returning as Title Sponsor. The free-to-register Virtual Run (VR) will offer the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and 5km distance categories and runners from all walks of life from all over the globe are expected to participate.

Grab Your Choco Ba-ba-bana-nanna KitKat, inspired by Minions!

KITKAT has some exciting news for everyone! Introducing the newest creation – the limited edition KITKAT Choco Banana – in partnership with Illumination’s Minions, from one of the most successful animated franchise of-all-time. To all KITKAT fans, come and explore this amazing KITKAT Choco Banana and let this fun-filled treat bring a big smile to your break!

The Minions are known to love bananas, which inspired the delicious combination of chocolate and banana flavoured treats by KITKAT, one of Malaysia’s most iconic Confectionery brands. Savour every single bite of KITKAT’s signature crispy wafer, combined with its distinctive banana flavoured filling, all encased in deliciously smooth KITKAT milk chocolate.

3 Jeju Olle Trails to Hike in Autumn [including checkpoints, elevations and tips]

If you're looking for a different way to see and explore Jeju Island that isn't hopping on and off a bus or a self-drive around the island, I've got you covered in this blog post

A little known aspect of Jeju Island is its 425km worth of walking trails otherwise known as Jeju Olle Trails. That's right. You can actually explore Korea's most southern island by foot. Circling its coastline and cutting inland, you can take your pick of 26 different walking and hiking courses all across the the island, courtesy of Jeju Olle Foundation. 

Triumph’s Fit Smart Bra Wins Prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award

When it comes to the clothes we wear underneath, I don't think a lot of us realise or even appreciate how much thought and effort goes into designing our underwear to ensure proper fit and comfort. With this, it says a lot when a bra brand wins a prestigious award for design. 

Meet ASICS' new Celebration of Sport Collection - 46 vibrant designs across 5 sports

Literally put your best foot forward in any sports you tackle when you put on any one of ASICS's new Celebration of Sport Collection. Alongside a full apparel range, the new collection sees footwear across ASICS’ Performance Running, Core Performance Sport and Sport Style categories given a striking design revamp. 

8 Quirky and Out-of-this-World Cafes in South Korea to Visit after this Pandemic

If there’s one thing South Korea has in abundance, it’s cafes. Instagrammable cafes, cafes with stunning views, with unique themes and spectacular coffee and desserts, cat cafes - you name it, Korea probably has it.

From hidden entrances in Mapo-gu to sitting around in a wedding dress over dessert in Jeju Island, here are 8 quirky and out-of-this-World cafes in South Korea to include in your itinerary.

The Next Spicy Noodle Challenge is Here! Grab Daebak Ghost Pepper Cheese Now Available at 7-Eleven

It’s getting hot in here! If you like all things spicy, you’re going to love the new instant noodle at 7-Eleven Malaysia. Following the overwhelming response of Daebak Ghost Pepper Combo Pack last October, t7-Eleven has just released the long-awaited Daebak Ghost Pepper Cheese edition that is sure to satisfy any noodle fan's cravings for some extra spiciness. 

5 Iconic Marathons in South Korea to Start Planning Your Next Runcation for

More than just the land of Kpop and Kimchi, South Korea is also home to some of the most scenic, historical and fastest marathon routes in the world. Imagine running along coastal roads and under cherry blossom trees in the springs and against a fiery backdrop of red and yellow in the autumn. 

Marathon season in Korea starts in March, taking advantage of the cooler weather and carries on throughout April and May during which you will get to see fields of flowers come alive. Race season picks up again in October when the temperatures drop once more and the trees turn colour. 

Here are my bucket list of marathons and races in South Korea. 

Korean Kombini, emart24 has landed in Bangsar South

Another Korean Kombini has arrived in Malaysia and we are excited! I got a sneak peek of their exclusive Korean snacks from its I’m e and No Brand private labels prior to the store opening and I must say I am addicted to their snacks!

emart24's first Reserve Store in Bangsar South looks sleek AF and very befitting of its surroundings in the hub of Kuala Lumpur's rising tech companies. Their new trendy, stylish and artisanal convenience store is stocked with fresh Korean street food, aromatic coffee, Korean snacks, and an extensive K-beauty range all in a lifestyle-first concept.

Stay at Innisfree' Green Tea Farms on Jeju Island via Airbnb

Any K-beauty product fan would known about Innisfree and that their most iconic product range - the Green Tea Line - gets their star product from the green tea fields of Jeju island, South Korea. Jeju Island is a stunningly beautiful tropical volcanic island and also the only place in the world that holds a  UNESCO Triple Crown. 

Imagine waking up to this view at Seogwang Tea Farm Camping

And thanks to this collaboration between Innisfree and Airbnb, two lucky guests will have the opportunity to experience a restorative, back-to-nature overnight stay on some of the island’s major green tea farms, available on Airbnb for the first time ever! 

First Realstudio Officially Established In Malaysia With The Latest Fashion Trends

realme has officially introduced realstudio as its young, trendy and fashionable sub-brand which is established exclusively in Malaysia. As a tech trendsetter, realme believes in doing two things well which are fashion design and technology. Being a technology brand all these years, the team in realme Malaysia is getting trendier every second, every day and with this comes the debut of realstudio with its first realHYPE collection. 

Wall’s Malaysia Introduces Carte D’Or, A Premium Range of Ice Cream from France to Malaysians

Experience indulgence in every spoon with Carte D’Or, the latest addition to Wall’s Malaysia’s range of premium ice creams. Established in 1978, Carte D’Or is a quality Parisian dessert brand with a long heritage of professional craftsmanship, made from carefully selected authentic ingredients sourced from around the world.

The Carte D’Or range of ice cream includes four indulgent flavours. They are the Dark Chocolate Truffles, made with premium Italian chocolate, French Vanilla Crème Glace, made with Madagascan vanilla, Caramel Glace with Almond Tarte Crumbles, made with Australian almonds, and Glace à La Strawberry, made with Strawberry pieces.

Guardian Malaysia Lowers and Locks In Prices of 1,500 Essentials

Guardian Malaysia recently launched a nation-wide initiative to lower and lock the prices of 1,500 items of health, beauty and personal care essentials to cushion the impact of financial challenges brought about by the pandemic. The “Low Prices Locked To Stay Low” initiative is a regional effort by Guardian SEA and underscores the Group’s commitment to ensure prices of daily essentials such as bath, hair care, personal hygiene, vitamins and supplements remain affordable during this challenging time when customers are increasingly looking to stretch their dollar.

The prices of these items have been lowered and will remain unchanged for the rest of the year so that customers need not have to visit multiple places for great deals, said Soren Lauridsen, CEO of Guardian South East Asia (Guardian SEA), as well as Guardian Health And Beauty Sdn Bhd (Guardian Malaysia).

Nescafe New Look, Two New Flavours

If you're looking out for your favourite Nescafe canned drinks in stores, you will be in for a surprise with the new look of the Kopitiam Series. On top of that, there are two new variants added to the collection, the Nescafe Kopi-C and Nescafe Kopi Cham - popular drinks that all Malaysians known and love from their beloved kopitiams.

Bet On Upcoming English Premier Leagues in Malaysia Number 1 Bookie

Very few sports leagues garner the amount of love, appreciation, and attention that the English Premier League does worldwide. Every single match is exciting, unpredictable, and keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, as every good sports game should. Apart from the pure joy of watching each game, one other thing sports lovers have come to appreciate about the English Premier League is the ripe atmosphere it presents for betting. As far as sports leagues go, the English Premier League remains one of the most profitable for bettors of all kinds. Depending on what style or type you choose to play, you don’t need to bother yourself with complex strategies or game statistics and information. This makes it a very attractive arena for punters in Malaysia.

Steps and Tips to Renting A Car in Jeju, South Korea

Public transportation like train and subways tend to be my favourite means of getting around a city especially in spots like Tokyo and Sydney especially if I am solo travelling. But if I am travelling in a group or have specific rural destination in mind, then renting a car is the way to go. 

Source: Canva

Some destinations are just made for exploration on wheels. Such as Jeju Island. While equipped with a network of buses around the island, the best way to experience every inch at your own pace is by renting a car. Not only can do you have the freedom to do whatever you want at your own pace and interest, a car is more cost effective if you're travelling in pairs or groups. So where does one start with the renting process? 

Auntie, Uncle, Poh poh, Gung Gung can now Grab to your vaccine appointment!

In such a time when we are all trying to do our parts to beat this pandemic, we need to be proactive in helping our fellow Malaysians, the senior citizens even more so. Already at risk, they are the ones often left behind in the stream of information about the pandemic, bombarded by false information and left perplexed by technology. Time and time again, we have learnt of how senior citizens have missed their vaccine appointments for various reasons. Not knowing how to check MySejahtera, forgetting the appointments, not having any means of getting to the vaccination centres...

Triumph SS 2021 Collection, available online at the new Pavilion KL

The iconic Natural Elegance timeless design features optimum support with a tailored fit to create a natural cleavage. The soft and stretchy floral lace decorates the wired padded cups and straps for a feminine look. Its sister range, Natural Elegance Smooth is practically invisible under clothes with lightly padded breathable cups and smoothing support across the back. The two colour contrasting lace is stylish and easy to wear every day. 

Grab these new Onigiri flavours from 7-Eleven!

Hey, onigiri lovers! What's your favourite filling of onigiri? 

Well, great news for you because you can now grab and enjoy new flavours of favourite snack at 7-Eleven. be it for breakfast, lunch or even as a snack, the onigiri is the embodiment of Japanese convenience and wrapped in easily removable packaging, 7-Eleven's offering continues this trend with its ready-to-go meal. 

[PROMO CODE] New Sudio Nio Case Made of Vegan-friendly Material - Guess What It is!

Sustainable living is quickly becoming a lifestyle for many and that includes international brands like Sudio. In line with their aims to shape life through immersive sound with their audio products, they believe that a part of shaping life comes from respecting life on this planet. And that can be done with sound environmental practices. 

Taking a step closer to sustainability, Sudio has incorporated plant based leather derived from the most unassuming of organic materials into the new Sudio Nio case. Take a guess. No, it's not banana and no, it's not oranges either despite have a skin like leather. 

Korean Egg Roll (Gyeran-mari 계란말이) Recipe

This Korean dish is so easy I have no idea why had taken me so long to try it out. I bought an omelette pan from Don Don Donki for this purpose and until now, it has just been used to fry bacon. But nevertheless, making Korean Egg Roll also known as Gyeran-mari (계란말이) is super easy. You can even make it with the usual frying pan for a bigger portion.