The last time I was on a plane traveling some few thousand miles away was more than a year ago. That was before the whole pandemic struck the world and we were all in lockdown. Travel and bucket lists are all on a temporary stop as we all just reminisce of the past travel memories and dream of the day, we can one day travel again. I can’t even count the number of bookmarked deals and travel places that are in my saved folders especially with all the deals that I have been seeing on the web.

To the point where I started seeing more travel recommendations places to stay on my feeds which is no doubt due to my frequent searches on Google. Even a short trip down south to our neighboring country, Singapore doesn’t sound that bad (well if only the borders would open up again).

Credits: Traveloka

It’s really so easy nowadays to find the preferred hotel from websites to travel apps. I just saw Raffles Hotel advertisement on my timeline feed. Must be because I googled Hotel in Singapore last few days. We can compare prices on hotels easily and read reviews. Reading reviews help choose the right hotel that best suits our budget and expectation. 

I started to really explore the world about 6 years ago where the first major expedition is to Europe to visit my sister in Amsterdam. That was where I really picked up a few travel tips which you can take into consideration when planning for your next trip. 

Top 3 Travel Tips Before Planning Your Next Holiday 

1. Booking the right accommodation

This is so important that I have to put it at the top of the list. Here’s a funny story: During my travels to Europe, my sister booked accommodation for us. She was still very inexperienced during that time and since we were on a budget, she focused on the price but unfortunately missed out on the reviews. This landed us in hot water (or should I say freezing water) when we arrived in London and had to stay at this location which was very dodgy where the heater was not working and they did not even have running hot water! Imagine all this happening in winter! We were freezing to our bones that night, cuddling each other to sleep before I searched up the nearest accommodation. That was when we saw the reviews for that location were bad. So first tip, check the reviews!

2. Check your prices

As much as we want the best holiday experience, there is no point going for a holiday and coming back eating bread every day. My second tip is to search for the best deals by comparing several sites. It used to be a hassle but now with so many travel websites, you get to compare prices and get the best room rates and exciting promotions. Plus the prices listed are inclusive of all applicable taxes, surcharges, and payment fees which is really important too! I remember there was once where I booked a hotel at a super good deal, only to realize there were additional charges once we checked it which cost a bomb! This includes hotel stays and flight tickets too

3. Itinerary vs Non-Itinerary

We don’t know when we would be able to travel again but I sure am bookmarking all these deals I’m seeing. Once the borders are opened, you’ll know where to find me! What are your travel tips and where would you like to travel to?

Gong cha has officially launched their first-ever Flagship Store in Malaysia! Located on the second floor of The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, the newly refurbished outlet offers an exclusive menu as well as a premium bubble tea experience with designated seating areas.

With a sleek interior design featuring the brand’s signature red tone, the store aims to elevate customers’ bubble tea experience with a premium touch.

The space is divided into a workstation fitted with plug points, while the other is a lounge area. This allows customers the versatility to either get some work done comfortably while sipping on their favourite beverage, or have a relaxed, catch-up session with friends, all while observing strict SOPs to offer peace of mind and curb the spread of Covid-19.

Apart from its usual drinks on the menu, the new Flagship Store will also be serving premium tea brews at an introductory price of RM10. For die-hard fans of the beverage brand, Gong cha merchandise such as Straw-Hiding Tumbler, Planner and Color Changing Cup will also be sold at the outlet.

Partnering exclusively with e-commerce platform Shopee and in conjunction with the ongoing Raya Bersama Shopee campaign, Gong cha is serving up a special drink for bubble tea lovers. Called the Raya Bersama Shopee x Gong cha drink, it features sweet and chewy strawberry flavoured heart-shaped pearls bathed in rich, luscious iced chocolate milk and topped off with Gong cha’s signature salty, creamy milk foam -  perfect for iftar, or as an after-meal dessert.

As this drink is a limited edition, Shopee exclusive drink that can only be bought from Food & Services Vouchers via the Deals, Top-ups & Bills in-app portal for RM13 from 16 April till 14 May 2021. It can then be redeemed at any Gong cha outlets nationwide. Do take note that these will be at half price on 18 Apr, 20 Apr, 23 Apr, 28 Apr, 1 May, 5 May, 12 May & 14 May!

Meanwhile, Gong cha fans who already have their go-to drinks should also check out the Deals Near Me in-app portal on the Shopee app for an amazing Gong Cha ShopeePay cashback voucher! At only 5 sen, ShopeePay users then enjoy a 40% cashback (capped at RM4) when they pay with ShopeePay at the outlet. What’s more, only on 18 April, Gong cha lovers can also purchase a Gong cha ShopeePay Voucher to enjoy an RM8 cashback when they spend RM20!

In celebration of the new store, customers stand a chance to win exclusive vouchers and merchandise from Gong cha when they play ‘Spin The Wheel’ at the outlet. The game will be available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 23 April till 16 May 2021. To participate, customers will have to purchase their drinks with ShopeePay. Any drink will earn them a chance while the Raya Bersama Shopee x Gong cha drink allows them two chances.

Terms and conditions apply. From 16 April onwards, visit https://shopee.com.my/raya-bersama-shopee-gongcha for more information. 

Shoppers can shop the new DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 PRO robot vacuums exclusively on Shopee at ECOVACS ROBOTICS Brand Day from 17 - 18 April

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and ECOVACS ROBOTICS, the world’s leading home service robotics maker, introduces the latest robotic vacuum cleaners, DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 PRO, at the first ECOVACS ROBOTICS Brand Day on Shopee. Through this collaboration, ECOVACS ROBOTICS aims to empower users to live a smarter and hassle-free lifestyle with easy access to its innovative robotic solutions. Starting from 17 April, the DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 PRO which come upgraded with more powerful and intelligent features will be made exclusively available on Shopee. Shoppers can look forward to attractive perks such as gift-with-purchase of the DEEBOT T9, limited-time deals and brand vouchers during the campaign.

Johnny Zhu, General Manager of Asia Pacific, ECOVACS ROBOTICS, said, “The prevalence of smart technology has driven up demand for smart home cleaning solutions across the region in recent years. At the 11.11 Big Sale last year, ECOVACS ROBOTICS was listed as the best-selling brand for vacuum cleaners in Southeast Asia, on Shopee. We are very excited to partner with Shopee again for this exclusive launch to introduce a robot into every home, helping consumers to ease their cleaning chores. We look forward to replicating our success this year, and strengthening our partnership with Shopee, giving more consumers access to high-quality and intelligent home service robotics.”

Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director at Shopee, added, “Shopee Mall is home to many of our region’s favourite brands, with ECOVACS ROBOTICS being one of the most loved smart home appliances brands for homeowners in Southeast Asia. We’ve observed that more shoppers are purchasing big-ticket items online, and are willing to spend more on quality home appliances on our platform. We are delighted to launch this first Brand Day with ECOVACS ROBOTICS to provide our shoppers with first-hand access to smarter tools for their homes.”

The Best DEEBOT Just Got Better

DEEBOT T9

The new DEEBOT T9 is the first model with intelligent 9-in-1 obstacle avoidance features that combine powerful vacuuming and mopping functions, with a built-in mobile air freshener. Its leading-edge TrueDetect 3D 2.0 obstacle detection and avoidance technology help the robot intelligently clean the floor without entanglement or being stuck around the home. Users can enjoy an effective and superior cleaning experience with the model’s upgraded suction power and Intelligent Control feature to provide hands-free cleaning management. 

DEEBOT N8 PRO

Similarly, the new DEEBOT N8 PRO comes with enhanced laser detection function and integrated industry-leading algorithms, which helps the robot to plan an efficient cleaning route faster and with more precision. Users can use the ECOVACS Home App to control where the robot enters and clean, to maintain privacy where needed. The electronically-controlled water pump and water tank allow for mopping and vacuuming in one go, without the need for repeated stops to top up the water tank. 

From 17 - 18 April, ECOVACS ROBOTICS Brand Day will bring a host of exclusive deals and fun exclusively on Shopee, which include:

• Special launch prices and gift pack only on Shopee: Get the new DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 PRO at special prices of RM1949 and RM1549 respectively, with a RM50 Discount Voucher and a gift pack only on Shopee. Shoppers can also enjoy up to 70% off on selected ECOVACS ROBOTICS products and limited-time RM50 vouchers.

• Learn how to clean effectively on Shopee Live: Shoppers can watch Key Opinion Leader Apple Tan unbox the new DEEBOT T9, and demonstrate how the new DEEBOTs can maximise home cleanliness with their superior vacuuming and mopping functions. 

Find out more about the ECOVACS ROBOTICS Brand Day on Shopee at https://shopee.com.my/ecovacs.os 

Leading cosmetics, skincare and fragrance retailing group Sa Sa will be treating their fans with their inaugural Super Brand Day (SBD) on Shopee Mall. For two days, fans can indulge in a beauty spree with special discounts and deals for best-selling premium brands such as Estee Lauder, Kiehl’s, Laneige, Origins, Sulwhasoo, Suisse Programme and many more.

In conjunction with the platform-wide Raya Bersama Shopee campaign, the Sa Sa SBD will have a platform ‘takeover’ with irresistible beauty offerings up to 70% discount. Happening on 15 & 16 April, Malaysians are in for a treat for special deals such as Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, LANCOME Youth Activator Serum, LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask, SUISSE PROGRAMME Advanced Cellular Boosting Solution, Kiehl's Dark Spot Solution, SK II Pitera Essentials Facial Treatment Essence, Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam EX and many more, offered at an exclusive price.

Kitty Kwok, Vice President of Business Development (eCommerce), Sa Sa International Holdings Limited, said, “Sa Sa’s online performance has grown tremendously with the presence of its Official Store on Shopee Mall over the past year, and became one of the top online beauty stores due to the support of our Malaysian fans and beauty brand lovers. Through the Super Brand Day on Shopee, we would like to share the happiness with all our customers by showering them with discounts, vouchers and giveaways. As we approach one of the most celebrated festivals of the year for our Malaysian customer base, we hope they can also take this opportunity to pamper themselves with these beauty treats for a bountiful and beautiful Raya.”

With over 1,500 beauty products listed on their store, there’s bound to be something for everyone during the Sa Sa SBD. Two types of Fortune Bags will be offered at the price of RM133 and RM93 that will surprise shoppers with mystery items in the bag. 

Save more on Shopee by applying these vouchers upon checkout: 

SASARM6 to enjoy RM6 off with a min spend of RM60; 

SASARM22 to enjoy RM22 off with a min spend of RM220; 

SASARM35 to enjoy RM35 off with a min spend of RM350 and 

SASARM888 to enjoy RM100 off with a min spend of RM888.

Also, don’t miss out on the Shopee Live session happening on 16 Apr, 9PM as Sa Sa will be giving away special gifts as well as limited-time vouchers.

Enjoy store-wide free shipping when you purchase a minimum of RM50 on the Sa Sa Official Store during the Super Brand Day. Head over to https://shopee.com.my/SaSa.os to enjoy attractive offerings, and add your favourite products to your wishlist. Checkout with ShopeePay for an effortless shopping experience during the Sa Sa Super Brand Day.

Donuts and coffee - the essential breakfast, tea or even snack on the go which is stereotypically American due to television. If you’re hunting for an evening snack or looking for a sweet treat for iftar, come join us in the urban jungle on the hunt for donut bargains using mobile wallet, ShopeePay.

Malaysians can now enjoy these sugary treats with promotions featuring brands like Krispy Kreme, Big Apple Donuts and J. Co Donuts.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme relaunched their Nutella filled ring donuts due to popular demand, and recently opened a branch in Bangsar South. 

Add on an Iced Hazelnut Latte to chill out on the hot afternoons - for a minimum spend of RM10, earn RM4 cashback when using ShopeePay.

Big Apple Donuts

Not to be outdone, Big Apple Donuts is opening a branch at Bandar Mahkota Cheras, and is also offering Nutella filled treats with their Stella Nutella and Captain Nuts donuts. 

Earn yourself RM3 cashback with a minimum spend of RM15 - we recommend the box of 4 for sharing - or maybe stress eating, we won’t judge.

J. Co Donuts

While the other two go nuts, J. Co decides to spill the tea - literally. Visit your nearest branch and try out their recently introduced Houjicha lattes, frappes and, of course, the donut - which is selling like hot cakes. 

Use ShopeePay and earn RM4 cashback when you spend a minimum of RM10 at your nearest J. Co branch. Or, buy a ShopeePay Voucher for 5 sen on your Shopee app, and claim a 40 percent cashback of up to RM4 at your nearest outlet, exclusively when you pay with ShopeePay.

Been feeling the heat lately? 

Stepping out of the house makes us think twice, let alone doing some fun activities out in the hot sun. Be it a BBQ gathering or a fun day out in the sun, getting through the heat can be a real challenge. Add in Malaysians’ love for spicy food, and it’s clear we’re in need of a way to cool down! 

Tiger Crystal has just the way for you to Beat the Heat and carry on doing what you love! Brewed at a crystal-cold temperature of -1 degree Celsius, Tiger Crystal is not only refreshing and less bitter, but absolutely perfect for the hot weather! With the amazing promotions ongoing from now until 31st May, now is the time to pick up some ice-cold Tiger Crystals for ultimate refreshment. 

For starters, there will be 10,000 free cans of Tiger Crystal given away on the weekend of 10th and 11th April. All you have to do is check out the Tiger Crystal booths at any of the participating outlets listed here, complete the simple registration process and bring home a free can of Tiger Crystal, while stocks last! 

That’s not all, from now until 30th April 2021, you can purchase two 6-can-packs of Tiger Crystal from Giant, Village Grocer, Ben's Independent Grocers, myNEWS, 99 Speedmart, 7Eleven as well as selected supermarkets in East Malaysia and get exclusive Tiger Crystal flask (available in two designs), Tiger Crystal multifunctional pen or Tiger Crystal 3-in-1 charging cable. Of course, if stepping out of the house to purchase is a chore in this hot weather, you can also opt to purchase them from online platforms such as Drinkies and Shopee without breaking a sweat! 

To further cool you down, from 15th April until 31st May, you may check out even more participating hypermarkets and supermarkets nationwide, namely AEON, AEON Big, Jaya Grocer and Lotus’s to purchase two 6-can-packs of Tiger Crystal that are also accompanied with an exclusive Tiger Crystal flask! More information on this promotion and list of participating outlets can be found at tigercrystal.my. 

“With the weather in Malaysia at its hottest recently, we have lined up attractive promotions for our fans to pick up an ice-cold Tiger Crystal to Beat the Heat and cool down. Whether by redeeming their share of the 10,000 free cans of Tiger Crystal or by purchasing the 6-can-packs that come with exclusive Tiger Crystal premiums, we’re sure that our fans will find Tiger Crystal the perfect way to stay cool,” said Pearly Lim, Marketing Manager for Tiger Beer. Tiger Crystal and its promotions are available to non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. 

Tiger advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers to not drink and drive. To find out more on how you can Beat the Heat with Tiger Crystal, visit tigercrystal.my or Tiger’s social media pages at www.facebook.com/TigerBeerMY and www.instagram.com/tigerbeermy.

The past year has been very overwhelming, many people missed many different celebrations. Be it birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, graduation ceremonies, or even just gatherings with friends, Malaysians are longing to bring back the missed fun and be part of a celebratory ambiance again. With that notion in mind, Guinness wants to spark little sips of optimism and give everyone a chance to celebrate all last year’s missed occasions this St. Patrick’s month.

For 31 days in a row, Guinness will spread joyful St. Patrick’s spirit to its fans in Klang Valley and Penang with the Guinness St. Patrick’s Celebration Kits. These kits are curated exclusively for fans to catch up on their missed celebrations. All they have to do is tell Guinness their missed occasions by sliding into the comments section or chat box on Guinness’s Facebook or Instagram pages, and top five submissions will be selected daily for 31 days and rewarded with the kits.

The exclusive Guinness St. Patrick’s Celebration Kits vary according to fans’ missed occasions. Each kit is carefully curated with a dash of Guinness and St. Patrick’s elements to it, ranging from scrumptious burger platters, mouthwatering cakes, exquisite cocktails, ice creams for the sweet tooth and juicy at-home BBQ platters. Guinness partnered with various vendors across the Klang Valley and Penang to create these masterpieces, namely myBurgerLab with Tipsy Boar, Coley, Makhan By Kitchen Mafia, The Ice Cream Bar and Anniekins Cakehouse in the Klang Valley as well as Mish Mash, Cake By X and Three Tiers Ice Cream in Penang.

Available only throughout the St. Patrick’s Month between 1st and 31st of March 2021, fans who wish to purchase these kits instead can do so too at each vendors’ respective outlets or platforms. More details on this can be found here.

That’s not all! For an added touch of St. Patrick’s merriment, Guinness lovers can also score themselves a free limited-edition Guinness tumbler that comes in three designs, with any purchase of Guinness Draught or Guinness Foreign Extra Stout all through March. It is time for fans to check out participating outlets nationwide or e-commerce platforms too, and pick up a Guinness to make it up to all their missed celebrations! 

Guinness and all promotions are available to non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. Guinness Malaysia advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers to not drink and drive. For full terms and conditions and to find out more about Guinness St. Patrick’s Month, visit guinnessstpats.my/ or Guinness Malaysia’s social media pages at www.facebook.com/guinnessmalaysia and www.instagram.com/guinnessmy. Slainte!

 

Photo credit: Rotiboy 

It is almost impossible to miss the smell of the freshly baked coffee bun when you walk past any Rotiboy outlet, even with a face mask on.

Rotiboy’s signature Rotiboybun with butter filling that is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside is a bundelicious bun that epitomises the Rotiboy brand.

Since 1998, Rotiboy has baked more than 600 million buns, and the baking continues.

Photo credit: Rotiboy 

If you are not a big fan of coffee, you can always opt for the ‘richest’ of the Rotiboy siblings, the Buttermilkboy - stuffed with a milky filling, vanilla flavoured topping, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips for texture. 

Fresh from the oven: Good news for all Rotiboy lovers! The Malaysian bakery chain is now accepting ShopeePay as a payment option at all its outlets nationwide. This means Malaysians will now enjoy a RM2 cashback with a minimum spend of RM5 when they purchase their favourite Rotiboy buns with ShopeePay from now till 30 April 2021, two times throughout the campaign period. 

Aside from the famous buns, it is also the time for Rotiboy to showcase their festive cookies. Don’t miss out the chance to get your hands on their scrumptious Pineapple Tarts, Peanut Cookies, Almond Nib Cookies and Chocolate Almond Cookies. They are available at all Rotiboy outlets starting from 20 April 2021 in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri. 

One of Rotiboy’s best-selling cookies is the buttery, crumbly pineapple cookies with golden-coloured pineapple jam filling. The peanut cookies on the other hand will get you hooked on it. Both of these are available in 400 or 355 grams respectively, priced at RM34.80 each [two for RM68.00 with Rotiboy’s Buy 2 Raya Premium deals].     

As for the Almond cookies, it comes in two variants - original and Chocolate. The almond extract and toasted flakes lend to the fragrant, nutty flavour of these crumbly cookies. Available in 340 grams or 390 grams respectively, these cookies are priced at RM29.80 each or get both at a bundle price of RM58.40 with Rotiboy’s “Buy 2 Raya Special” deal.  

To enjoy even more savings, remember to use your ShopeePay when you are making a purchase at any Rotiboy outlets to enjoy a RM2 cashback with a minimum spend of RM5.