Grace Yap

When you're looking for a quick city getaway in the city and a break from routine, check out these accommodation in the city that are close to many things to do, cosy and run by friendly staff and often populated by cool guests. Plus, rates are affordable – win win.RECOMMENDED: The absolute best hotels in Kuala Lumpur and the 11 best family-friendly hotels in Malaysia

The best public libraries in the city for the bookishly curious, and kids.

Malaysia has some of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world – home to an array of wildlife, plants and stunning vistas. You don't have to travel too far to check out these magnificent wonders of nature. Here are five national and state parks you can explore in Peninsular Malaysia.

YouTube is a great educational and entertainment tool, more so now than usual. These channels are aimed at younger kids and will keep active minds focused with bright animation, simple narration and interesting topics including what viruses are, why hand washing is important (the Baby Shark version is a winner!) and how to keep occupied while staying at home.

It may seem common for people to say that running on a treadmill is boring, but if you’re following a set of workouts to achieve a certain goal, and using the functions instead of just running at the same speed the whole time, it might not be so bad after all. Plus, the treadmill gives you a trouble-free run; rain or shine, it’s got your back. Here are three different types of workout that can help you create a habit while making sure your time spent on the running belt is worth it. 1. All about speed In a controlled environment, the treadmill is a great place to work on speed. Begin with a five to 10-minute warmup, then 30 seconds of push and 30 seconds of rest. Implementing intervals during your workout burn more calories and its afterburn effect. You’ll get breathless and your heart rate will shoot up, but rest when it’s time to rest – catch your breath. Increase your incline by 1% after each set but choose your pace according to your ability. Repeat the sets for a complete workout of 15 minutes. 2. Be a trail runner Trail runners are tough! If you’re wanting to up your game while staying indoors, try his run and hike exercise. Begin with a 1% or 2% incline level (depending on your ability), and over 30 to 45 minutes, one step at a time, add on the incline levels slowly up to 6% while lowering the speed gradually. For this exercise, take a longer period to cool down. 3. A fartlek interval Go fartlek-style interval (“fartlek” is Swedish for “speed play”). This is a ‘random’

All aboard! The Train To Busan from Resorts World Genting. Drawing inspiration from the blockbuster 2016 South Korean zombie apocalypse movie, the horror house entails stopping at all stations, including the zombie-infected Seoul Station, the over-run Daejeon station platform and the toxic Chemical Cargo Train en route to Busan. So, local and global fans will be familiar with the story of a father and daughter attempting to survive among a zombie outbreak. Roger Ong, Assistant Vice President of Entertainment & Events from Resorts World Genting said “I hope that everyone will have a very good time,” says Ong. “We have spared no expense in recreating and replicating the world of the blockbuster film Train To Busan. It is truly a unique set-up and we hope our guests will love the experience. This Horror House is part of our drive to continue innovating and consistently introducing new and unique experiences found nowhere else in the world but at Resorts World Genting. The Train to Busan railway office is now open. I have my ticket, and I hope you do too. Please come aboard and let Resorts World Genting take you on a thrilling ride.”  The creator of the horror experience Jed Mok, Chief Executive Officer of VividThree said “We asked ourselves: what we would do if we were one of those ordinary, everyday Koreans that somehow got caught up in a zombie apocalypse? What would have happened if we made a different choice in those scenarios, compared to what was done by the movie’s charac

Marvel Studios and ILMxLAB (Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment studio) had recently announced the release of Avengers: Damage Control, a virtual reality fan experience. Fans can head over to The VOID in Resorts World Genting to explore the Marvel Cinematic Universe for yourselves.   The location-based virtual reality experience features Letitia Wright, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Rudd, and Evangeline Lilly. You will be enlisted by Shuri (Letitia Wright) to test her latest prototype design: Emergency Response Suits, created with a proprietary blend of Wakandan and Stark Industries technology. The plot will escalate when sinister forces intervene and guests at the Wakandan Outreach Centers will be recruited into action, exploring iconic locations across the MCU. Seize this chance fight side by side with Avengers like Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), and more. “The opportunity to bring such a beloved universe alive through immersive storytelling has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Shereif Fattouh, Senior Producer, ILMxLAB. "Avengers: Damage Control lets you feel what it's like to shoot repulsor blasts with your own two hands, suited up in Shuri’s latest technology. This original adventure allows you to go beyond the screen, and become a character in the story itself." Avengers: Damage Control pairs virtual reality with real-world sets and physical effects like heat and wind. The result is a uniquely immersive e

It's nearly impossible to keep the kids away from electronic devices these days, so might as well make the most of screen time with apps that will actually teach them something useful. Here we've rounded the best educational apps for kids that offer fun and knowledge at the same time. 

Prize: One pair of tickets Zouk Genting plus one pair of tickets to Starlight Carnival. Resorts World Genting is giving you the chance to experience the exciting carnival and Asia’s best clubbing scene at Zouk Genting. With its first-ever debut of Zouk Live! on November 2, get ready to exercise, energise and exhilarate yourselves to an evening of music. There will be a unique music-meets-movement session with Épique master trainers, Jean Liew and Alando Atkinson, Piloxing session by master trainer Andien Sahad and Mayhem Jam with their dance workout. Zouk Live! kicks off with DJ duo Bate, followed by South Korean superstar, DJ Sura. Move on to the after-party where they will be supported by Zouks resident DJs Joshen and Rowena.   Entry to Zouk Live is complimentary with valid Starlight Carnival wristbands, and participation in Zouk Live activities are free. Zouk Genting, Level G, SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting. Main stage operates Fri-Sat and eve of public holidays, 11pm-5am. Starlight Carnival from now till Nov 2; Thursday - Friday, 6pm – 12am and Saturday, 3pm – 1am (03 2718 1118/zoukgenting.com/rwgenting.com).

Perched on the 9th floor of Pavilion Elite, Cloud 9 is designed in the concept of fine dining while overlooking the bustling streets of Bukit Bintang. The elegant and stylish restaurant offers a unique diversity to the white tablecloths concept of fine dining whereby customers can experience the highest quality of food in a formal setting while being in the company of friends and family. The restaurant caters to 36 person seating, equipped with facilities to cater to private conferences as well as a karaoke entertainment room with HD projection. Upon entering the restaurant, customers can unwind at the Social Bar and enjoy the view of the streets below while waiting to be seated. They offer a fine selection of wines and liquors. The Hi-Tea set (RM 90) brings you an array of delicious pick-me-ups including savouries like tuna and cucumber sandwiches, chicken mushroom pies, smoked salmon tartine and sweets like macarons, vanilla and chocolate pound cakes and burnt vanilla custard. Their house-baked scones come with jam, butter and clotted cream. You can get a 50% off for Moet Chandon and Dom Perignon Champagne with a purchase of one Hi-Tea set. From the main menu, start off with a modern take on the traditional Sarawak dish, Umai, with marinated sea perch, avocado and crispy tortilla “hair” or the Foie-gras Tourchon, served with crispy duck ham, brioche toasts and plum paste. The main course promises options from the sea and from the land. It includes the White Pomfret Fillet

In the olden days, families would give offerings including mooncakes, to the moon in belief that it will bring them good luck. In keeping the Mid-Autumn tradition alive, Hilton hotels in Malaysia presents the Celestial Blooms mooncake series which fuses tradition and innovation. The golden-baked petite delights exemplify elegant craftsmanship, high quality and unique flavours. Hilton Malaysia offers an array of baked skin mooncakes flavours including the much-loved Pure Lotus, Green Tea Lotus, Tiramisu Lotus and Black Sesame Lotus. There is also a premium selection featuring special flavours such as Dragon Fruit Lotus Paste with Single Yolk, Black Sesame Lotus Paste with Single Yolk, Pandan Lotus Paste with Single Yolk, Durian Lotus Paste with Single Yolk, White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk and Mixed Nuts. This year’s traditional mooncake gift box boasts calm cyan blue hue with delicate floral designs representing the appreciation and giving thanks for an abundant harvest. A round shape symbolises completeness so the motive of the full moon encapsulates moon gazing - a mystical and vital part of the celebration.  The premium mooncakes are from RM28 nett per piece and traditional baked mooncakes are from RM25 nett per piece. With the Celestial Blooms mooncake gift box from RM 88nett (box of 4), you will get medley of unique baked mooncake flavours. Participating hotels include Hilton Kuching, Hilton Kota Kinabalu, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor B

Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur welcomes the Mid-Autumn Festival with a selection of handcrafted mooncakes made with the finest ingredients to celebrate the Chinese tradition.  This year's collection includes a selection of classic favourites such as the Pure White Lotus, Single Yolk White Lotus, Red Bean as well as assorted Fruits and Nuts. For those who want something a little different there are 4 specially curated flavours making their debut. Green Tea Pure Lotus, Black Sesame Pure Lotus, Single Yolk Pandan Lotus Mung Bean and Purple Potato White Lotus. Perfect for gifting, the Premium Edition is presented in a specially-designed two-tiered dainty gift box, dressed in resplendent red with intricate gold lotus motifs. It is priced at RM132 nett for any 4 flavours. While the Deluxe Edition comes in a stylish dual-coloured elegant box with oriental motifs. This box is priced at RM 108 nett for any 4 flavours. Individual mooncakes are RM 30 nett per piece. The mooncakes are available at the hotel lobby from now until Sept 13. Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, 60 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. (03 2117 4888/millenniumhotels.com/en/kuala-lumpur).

Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced the launch of the new Club Marriott in Malaysia, a leading region-wide dining loyalty program. Members will have more choices and benefits whenever they dine out at any of the participating hotels in the country or visit one of the 338 participating hotels across 18 brands in 17 countries across the region. What’s more, the members will continue to have access to more gastronomical experiences with more hotels joining the program every month. “Loyalty is the key driving force that always allows us to cut through the competition,” said Petr Raba, Vice President, Food and Beverage, Asia-Pacific for Marriott International. “Club Marriott gives us the platform to drive loyalty in food and beverage, via rewarding and recognizing our Malaysian guests through exclusive benefits and memorable experiences across a variety of brands,” he added. With Malaysia being home to one of the most expansive portfolios of participating brands in the Asia Pacific, members have access to a plethora of perks and benefits to enjoy with family and friends. Guests can join as a member at any of the 14 participating hotels and resorts across 8 brands throughout the nation including Sabah and Sarawak. Moreover, members will also be able to enjoy complimentary dining certificates for group dining or use their personal dining credits in a number of exceptional restaurants along with receiving welcome amenities, room discounts, upgrades, and spa vouchers at par

For this first-ever Starlight Carnival at Resorts World Genting, the event finale will be the debut of Zouk Live on November 2. Zouk Live is an activity curated experience for Zouk lovers of all ages. Visitors get a chance to enjoy high octane music to raise their heartbeat through fitness, dance and partying. The Unique Fitness Experiences will be kicking at 3pm with Zouk Genting and Épique Fitness collaborating on a unique music-meets-movement session, combining unique fitness experiences with a thrilling soundtrack of EDM anthems. The first session “HIIT In The Highlands” will be led by Épique master trainers, Jean Liew and Alando Atkinson as they take would-be revellers on a 45-minute total body HIIT workout to build strength and increase endurance. At 4pm, the Piloxing (Pilates, Boxing and Dancing combined) session will be led by master trainer Andien Sahad, where guests will switch rapidly between the three disciplines to keep your body guessing and your mind excited. As the sun begins to set, take a deep breath and slow down with Yoga In the Highlands. Following suit is the Mayhem Jam at 9pm, where dancing takes the spotlight. Spin your way through the various decades of dance music, as Zouk DJs throwdown with a throwback set that moves from 70s funks to 80s pop to 90s hip-hop. Mayhem Jam 1 is set on the Classic Thriller – the tune of Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller led by choreographer Maybeline Wong, while Mayhem Jam 2 switched to a Hip Hop Flava led by Mayhem T

As night falls on Resorts World Genting, SkyAvenue transforms into a party paradise. Be sure to visit these venues at the Zouk Atrium located on the ground floor and alfresco dining located on the 4th floor of SkyAvenue on your next trip there. While The Zouk Atrium offers a spectacular party scene, the alfresco dining is an open-air concept that houses an array of venues from restaurants which serve long into the night, to live music venues and internationally renowned night clubs. A hotspot during weekends and public holidays! "Genting now offers the ultimate lifestyle experience located in the Zouk Atrium where you can eat, drink, sing, dance and celebrate all in one place, but the best part is that you can safely walk back to your hotel, or book transport to KL with unbelievable ease," said Joseph Ryan, General Manager of Zouk Genting. There are the attractions like Zouk Genting, by the masterminds behind Zouk Singapore, which caters different party niches, Empire by Zouk that leads the hip hop charge while RedTail by Zouk is a gaming bar with Malaysia’s first-ever giant games offering. Patrons can also belt out to your favourite songs at RedTail Karaoke. Photo: Resorts World Genting The main stage of Zouk aims to be a temple to electronic dance music. Up to 1500 party-goers can be housed here, moving and swaying to the command of some of the world’s greatest DJs, illuminated by an ecstatic blend of music and pyrotechnics. Keep an eye out for Zouk Genting’s upcoming DJ’s

An epicurean collaboration between the culinarian teams from Four Seasons Macao and Kuala Lumpur promises to be a feast for the senses! During this exclusive Michelin Star Week from September 20 - 22, Executive Chef Jimmy Wong of Yun House at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur will be collaborating with Executive Chef Charles Cheung of Zi Yat Heen, the renowned Cantonese restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Macao. With nearly 40 years of experience in Chinese kitchens, Chef Charles has garnered many awards including a coveted Michelin Star. Together they will be creating indulgent gourmet Cantonese cuisine and creative dim sum accompanied by perfectly paired specialty teas. The chefs will also create an a la carte menu, which will be served for lunch and dinner and available throughout the Michelin Star Week. Expect dishes like Braised Lobster Fillet and Bean Curd in ‘Mapo’ Style, Steamed Chicken with 15-year Hua Diao Wine and Crispy Nippon Sea Cucumber in Abalone Sauce. A lunch and dinner set menu is also available during the week at Yun House where mouth-watering dishes like Steamed Giant Garoupa Fillet with Ginger and Spring Onion in Bamboo Basket, Wok Fried Prawns with Lily Bulbs and Asparagus and Zi Yat Heen Seafood Fried Rice will tempt diners. A Michelin Star Night to remember is a special one-night-only dinner on September 20 where Chef Charles and Chef Jimmy will present a Michelin-starred 7-course gourmet dinner. Dishes will include Chef Charles’ signature Black Ch

Bar Trigona at Four Season Kuala Lumpur is leading this newly launched programme where guests can adopt their own personal beehive with an annual contribution of RM 500 and the beehives will be installed at the Dino’s Kelulut Organic Farm in Negeri Sembilan. A fun fact is that bar is named after the stingless Trigona honeybee, which lives in the tropical jungles of Malaysia and produces some of the world’s most sought-after honey.  The bar sources its own honey in small batches from Malaysian farmers. Head Bartender Ashish Sharma notes, “Buying local honey is a great way to support healthy hives and precious biodiversity. In fact, we take this hyper-local approach to our entire menu – many of our standout ingredients come from small farms in Malaysia.” Responsible for pollinating 80 percent of the world’s fruits and vegetables, these industrious workers play a vital role in the food supply chain. Patrons will receive six jars of artisanal Trigona honey (worth over RM 1,000 at market price), harvested from their very own hive, along with a small bottle of bee propolis, prized for its healing properties. They will also get a personalised adoption certificate, invitations to special events, a 10 percent discount at the bar and quarterly updates on how their bees are progressing. Four Seasons will also organise a group trip to the farm for those who are interested in meeting their hive and the farmers.  The contributions will go towards preserving safe habitats for honeybees, pro

See the ‘Mona Lisa’ today without having to travel to Europe. In a joint effort between the National Art Gallery, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and RAI (The Italian Public Television), the works of Leonardo da Vinci are now on display in a special exhibition at the National Art Gallery. The ‘Leonardo Opera Omnia’ exhibition showcases digital reproductions of 17 paintings by the master artist in high definition, true-to-size pieces. This innovative ambitious project provides KLites a chance to view the works of da Vinci right here in KL. Deputy Director of National Art Gallery, Amerrudin Ahmad said, “The exhibition is as an exposure and a part of education, aiming to showcase the European civilisation and culture of the Renaissance era through visual information drawn by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century.” Photo: Grace Yap Expect to see renowned masterpieces like the ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘The Last Supper’ and more. There’s also a special display on the ‘Codex on the Flight of Birds’, a small notebook written and illustrated by da Vinci studying the flight behaviour of birds. Best part is, there’s no need to jostle with huge crowds when trying to catch a glimpse of the ‘Mona Lisa’. The exhibition is open daily, 10am-6pm. Admission, free. For more information, visit the National Art Gallery’s website and Facebook page.  

Hilton Kuala Lumpur has welcomed back our very own Malaysian created cocktail, the Jungle Bird, to the Aviary Bar. The previously named Chambers Bar at the hotel has been rechristened Aviary Bar, after the bar at the former KL Hilton (that was located on Jalan Sultan Ismail) where the popular tiki cocktail was created. The Jungle Bird was served as a welcome drink to hotel guests in the ‘70s, and now hotel guests can once again enjoy the drink in the cool surrounds of the new and improved Aviary Bar. Photo: Grace Yap Meanwhile, Malaysia’s most awarded hotel has also unveiled its brand new lobby. Guests to the hotel are welcomed into the elegant space with grand pillars, high ceilings and a beautiful chandelier. Black marble tiles give afford a modern and luxurious vibe, while huge windows allow in plenty of natural light and open up to scenic views of Perdana Botanical Gardens. A few steps away from the new lobby is the new Oro Café (which serves light meals, pastries and sweets), The Lounge, and an escalator that leads up to modern European brasserie Graze. For more information, visit the Hilton Kuala Lumpur website.

Does KL really need another shopping centre? Before we collectively (politely) say, “Well, no,” allow us to explain that while we may not need yet another collection of the same brands and shops in a mall, The LINC KL is actually very different. This particular space aims to provide a sanctuary in the middle of the city and although it’s located on one of the busiest intersections, it’s surprisingly green and calm inside. 'The Owl' by Amarul Abdullah. Photo: Grace Yap One of the most distinctive features of KL’s latest retail destination is the huge tree that has been cleverly incorporated into the design and is the centrepiece of the building. There are also various murals and creative installations by both local and international artists. ‘The Owl’ by Malaysian artist Amarul Abdullah is an impressive vivid mural of this nocturnal bird, while the Kuala Lumpur Cityscape mural is a vibrant interpretation courtesy of three artists from Myanmar and Malaysia. The installation that’s attracting a lot of attention is the one with 41,600 origami doves in 40 colours hanging off the ceiling – we’re sure you’ve already seen it in many an Instagram post. Photo: Grace Yap If you’re feeling peckish the current roster of eateries includes Wrappe, Bean Brothers, Bo & Banker and Spice Garden. Soon to open are De Wan 1958 by Chef Wan and Sushi Hara. Plus, there isn’t the usual deluge of shops at The LINC, which is what makes it so pleasant. There’s a Ben’s Independent Grocer, Harriston Ch

The stylish Graze at Hilton Kuala Lumpur recently underwent a revamp to revitalise its space and update the items on its menu. Its signature warm wood-accented interior is complemented by artsy black and white portraits of famous European landmarks lining the walls, providing a cosy brasserie dining ambience. With a menu that focuses mainly on French, German and Italian cuisine, Graze offers diners familiar European favourites made with the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce in the market. Leading the culinary team is the affable German Chef de Cuisine, Darrius Seitfudem, whose technique and skills are showcased through dishes that fuse local produce with imported ingredients, creating a modern twist to classic flavours and dishes. Chef Darrius is also the brains behind Graze’s Signature 11 – a selection of 11 new dishes on the menu that are all about big tastes and balanced flavours, made up of appetisers, entrées, mains and desserts. Linguine with sautéed girolles, mushroom cream and chives The house-made appetisers within the Graze Signature 11 include the Scottish Salmon Tartare, and a silky-smooth Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Mousse on toasted rye bread with tangy red onion marmalade, which cuts through the richness of the dish. There’s also the linguine, which is made from scratch and served with sautéed girolles, mushroom cream and chives; and the spicy Provencal Fish Soup with rouille, croutons and Gruyere cheese – a Southern France affair. Moving on, the Bake

When last year’s Tiffin Food Court encountered a sudden hurdle and didn’t happen, we were all bummed, but wished Tiffin all the best and hoped that things will work out for the better. In early August, we (and we’re sure lots of you too) were happy to start hearing whispers that pop-up food court will be back. And come back it did. Tiffin Food Court 2018 is open every Thursday to Sunday night (from 5pm till late), until October 21. You can find it in an old military warehouse in PJ, right behind The Gasket Alley, all decked out with plenty of cool décor. Over the next few weekends, you can expect more than 50 vendors showcasing curated dishes and drinks, including four new outlets previewing their menus for the first time. To keep the party going, there will be DJs spinning throughout the night. If you haven’t already checked it out, here’s what we’ve learnt and what you can expect when you visit this upgraded food court. 1. This isn’t your typical hawker food centre. Vendors here include Define:Food serving up items like Truffle Risotto and Wagyu Mac & Cheese Croquettes, alongside Li’s familiar Malaysian favourites, Softsrve’s ice cream, Aunty Manju’s Indian dishes, Tanuki Raw’s rice bowls, oysters from Boozeat and more. Plus, Tiffin guests will be among the first to try out food from new places like NGOUU (offering twists on local dishes), Pizza Lab and Boba Lab (myBurgerLab’s new pizza and bubble tea venture), and Bowls of Steel, a Malaysian-ised noodle bar with flavours