JB City Square Level 3, Lot JK-03,01,02, & 03, JB City Square Shopping Centre, Jalan Wong Ah Fok, 80000 Johor Bahru
Lot M2-23 & M2-26 Level 2, City Square Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru
Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Jalan Abu Bakar, 80100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Jalan Straits View, Bukit Serene, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru City Square (108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook), 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Galleria @ Kotaraya LG-02 & LG-03, Lower Ground, Galleria@Kotaraya, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Danga City Mall, 2378, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Wadi Hana, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Plaza Kotaraya Jalan Trus 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia
Masjid An-Nur 6, Admiralty Road Admiralty Road Singapore 739983
Gone were the days when we only donned the mask during the haze period. We are currently living in a new normal where wearing a mask is mandatory when you are leaving the house. Unlike the beginning of the global pandemic breakout, we can see boxes of surgical masks available in any store everywhere. If you are one who prefers reusable masks like me, the options in the market are vasts. Not only are they inexpensive, but they come in various designs and colors, becoming fashion wear for us. Personally, for me, reusable masks are much more comfortable to wear for a longer time. But what's more important, they are kinder to the environment and helps you reduce waste. If you are keen to try on some reusable masks, let us list down the best reusable masks that you can find in the local market. 1. Pomelo Image Credit: Pomelo If you are an avid online shopper, especially when it comes to clothing, you must be familiar with Pomelo. This fashion brand has different kinds of masks available, but the one I will be highlighting is the People+ series. They are designed with triple defense layers, which is suitable to keep you protected during this period. Fret not if you have sensitive skin as the inner layer of the mask is made from 100% cosmetic grade silk cotton. Various designs, ranging from florals and abstracts are made available.Price: $14.00, Free Delivery available on online orders.Website 2. Bewa Image Credit: Bewa Bewa is known for its Muslimah fashion from Baju Kurung to Baju Jubah. Bewa has also ventured out into designing its own reusable masks. Its designs and patterns don't only focus on floral but also Batik and lace. You may choose materials from cotton to satin, whichever you feel comfortable in. Not only are the masks beautiful and unique, but most of them also contained an anti-microbial filter to keep you protected. For those who are wearing Hijab, you should definitely check Bewa out as some of the masks are designed with head ties instead of earloop.Price: Starting from $15.00; Delivery charges starting from $3.80Location: Joo Chiat Complex, #03-1041/1043Website 3. ShieldMask+ Image Credit: ShieldMask+ ShieldMask+ is known for its high-quality masks. It is designed with 4 layers of protection and an adjustable strap to fit you perfectly. The simple designs make it suitable for both males and females. You can also protect the little ones as they have specially fitted masks for kids.Price: Starting from $18.00; Delivery charges starting from $5Website 4. Zalora Image Credit: Zalora Zalora must have been another popular online shopping site for you to source for apparel. You can find different kinds of clothing styles, the same goes for their reusable masks. Its ergonomic designs make it comfortable to wear. It contains a slit for filters that you can install it yourself to double the protection. Its solid colors are suitable for both males and females, or go for the pineapple design if you fancy!Price: Starting from $9.00Website 5. Ans-Ein Image Credit: Ans.ein The love for arts of two Singaporean mumpreneurs drove them to establish Ans-Ein, a wearable art. Each pattern on their apparel is unique, designed by various passionate artists. Similar to any other local labels here, Ans-Ein had added in the reusable masks as their line-ups. Their reusable masks are made with 3 layers of protection with an option to choose between the earloop strap or the head loop strap. You will be spoilt for choice to choose from the different designs available; solid colors, batik, or denim to name a few. You can also purchase their masks for a good cause as Ans-Ein has started on a project to distribute reusable masks to essential workers.Price: Starting from $5.00; Free normal deliveryWebsite 6. OliveAnkara Image Credit: OliveAnkara OliveAnkara patterns had been focused on African prints and fashions. The founder of OliveAnkara, Ifeoma, has introduced African inspired clothes here in Singapore and it can be beautifully donned on any woman. This same concept can be found on their reusable masks. Their pleated masks are available in kids' and adults' sizes. A pocket can be found on the reusable masks for you to fit in a surgical mask or filters for extra protection. Also, 10% of the proceeds will go to local charities!Price: Starting from $15.00; Free normal deliveryWebsite 7. Le Petit Society Image Credit: Le Petit Society You may have heard of Le Petit Society as they have a few outlets in the malls. Catering to clothing for children, their stylish yet comfortable collections are suitable for all. Their range of reusable masks doesn't only come in kids' sizes but also for adults. The double layers masks allow you to insert filter for extra protection. You can also request for names or initials embroidery at the bottom corner of the mask, adding a personal touch to it.Price: Starting from $10.00; Delivery charges at $5.50Website 8. MeowPrint Image Credit: meowprint.sg Have you ever wanted to customize your own reusable masks for your class or maybe for your company? MeowPrint is a company specialized in customizing fabrics like T-shirts and bags to name a few. Now, you can also customize your own reusable masks. From choosing the fabric colors to inserting logos, it is all made possible at MeowPrint. The price is attractive too for bulk orders, making it a perfect souvenir for your company.Price: Starting from $3.11 per pieceWebsite 9. Littleoddforest Image Credit: littleoddforest If you are into colorful, whimsical, and quirky designs, then Littleoddforest is for you. You can find animal-inspired designs like alpacas and even unicorns. Their reusable masks are not only designed for kids but adults likewise. These reusable masks are made up of 3 layers of fabric with pockets for you to insert your own filter. The best thing about the masks is the open-ended elastic bands, where you can adjust them according to your face size. If that sounds like a hassle to you, you can opt to add the rubber stopper at the end.Price: Starting from $22.90 for kids, $24.90 for adults; Free local deliveryWebsite 10. Uniqlo Image Credit: Uniqlo AIRism Uniqlo has no doubt been providing us with comfortable and stylish apparel for every occasion. As with any other brand label, Uniqlo has also produced their own lines of reusable masks. When it was first released officially in Japan, we had been wondering if we will be able to get our hands on them. The AIRism face mask is designed with a 3-tier structure, giving you comfort while getting you protected. Comes in a pack of 3, you can find them in most Uniqlo outlets or even purchase them online.Price: $14.90 for a pack of 3.Website 11. 1929Mask Image Credit: 1929Mask 1929Mask is known for its high quality, effective yet comfortable reusable masks. A Singaporean family has created a 3-ply reusable mask that is water-repellent and provides maximum protection. Its patterns are suitable for both males and females. For our Hijab sisters, don't forget to add in the mask extender to your cart when purchasing a mask here!Price: From $25.00; Free local deliveryWebsite 12. CYC Made to Measure Image Credit: CYC Corporate Label One of the most renowned tailors in Singapore, CYC Made to Measure has expanded its apparel lines to reusable masks. Its unique prints ranged from Singapore icons to solid colors and even Liberty London prints. All of the masks purchased come with a hydrophobic filter. They have all sizes available too, for both kids and adults. You can visit its two stores or order them online.Price: From $20.00; Free local shippingWebsite There you have it, the best reusable masks you can find in Singapore. You can always add some colors and prints to your everyday look while donning a face mask. It will also keep you protected during this pandemic period. Don't forget to also keep your distance when you are outside to help curb the outbreak. Stay safe!...
Cover Image Credit: Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash This week has been filled with travel related news. Here's a summary for this week: SIA Flight to Nowhere Set to Launch in October 2020 Image Credit: Photo by Goh Rhy Yan on Unsplash Singapore Airlines (SIA) is planning to launch flights to nowhere this October. Jumping on the flycation trend, following the footsteps of similar flights from All Nippon Airways, EVA Air Air, and Qantas, albeit the later is flying over Antarctica. The decision to hold this three-hour flights to nowhere came after the news of Singapore Airlines Group cutting 4300 jobs due to the brunt of COVID-19. The flights are set for domestic passengers to take off from Changi Airport and land again at the same airport. SIA decided to launch this initiative after they found that 75% of 308 people surveyed were willing to pay for such flights. In addition to this, SIA is also exploring a partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, Hotels, and other partners to value-add to this service. Objectively, SIA is hoping to pump the business back into the industries to mitigate the COVID-19 fallout. The decision to go through with this plan has made a lot of buzz on social media and environmental groups, with many expressing concerns about the environmental impact that the flights will have. The concern is justified though, as it has been proven to be a big contributor to the global carbon footprint. SIA does share its environmental efforts on their website, but currently, at the time of writing, there are no developments to their story or decision. Mexico Reopening Tourist Site after 5 Months Image Credit: Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash COVID-19 has affected Mexico as badly as it has affected the rest of the world. The travel restrictions, closing of facilities in order to keep people safe, many have had their livelihoods affected by the pandemic. To help boost the country’s economy and help those affected by it, Mexico has decided to reopen the country’s archaeological site such as the pyramids of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a popular tourist spot. Not forgetting that COVID-19 is still a threat, the reopening does come with additional safety measures. The main archeological zone is limited to only 3,000 visitors per day, temperature checks and masks are required at the site as well. After 5 months of closure, the reopening was very well received by the general public. Singapore - Hong Kong Green Lane Update Image Credit: Photo by Ryan McManimie on Unsplash Singapore and Hong Kong are starting to show interest in talks of gradual resumption of cross-border travel between the two. Citing strong business and social ties, the resumption will be beneficial for both. Currently, Hong Kong is already in talks with Japan and Thailand, to set up for a similar arrangement. In addition to Japan and Thailand, Hong Kong has also expressed interest in a travel bubble with 11 countries, among them is Singapore. Currently, Singapore has travel arrangements with China, Malaysia, Brunei, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan Read more on the Reciprocal Green Lanes on our blog “Everything you need to know about Singapore's Green Lanes Travel Arrangement”. Hawaii Tentative Reopening Image Credit: Photo by Luke McKeown on Unsplash Hawaii has been playing with the idea of opening its borders for a few months now. Recently, due to the change in leadership, it has been reported that Hawaii is set to begin a testing program to let incoming passengers avoid quarantine if they are tested no earlier than 72 hours before arriving to the island state. Travelers will have to also have an FDA-approved nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) done and have to show proof of their negative COVID test from a CLIA certified laboratory. Currently, the pre-travel COVID-19 test is targeted that the new scheme will be in place by 15 October this year. Tourism is a big part of Hawaii’s economy but with the uncertainty of COVID-19, the number of cases can directly impact whether this tentative reopening will start according to the target date. For more information on this scheme, please check with Hawaiian authorities. Singapore & Thailand Added to England and Scotland’s Quarantine-free list Image Credit: Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash Carrying on with the ‘Quarantine-Free’ travel theme, Singapore and Thailand have been added onto England and Scotland’s Quarantine-free list. Starting from 4 AM, 19 September 2020, travelers from Singapore and Thailand will not have to self-isolate or quarantine themselves upon arrival in England or Scotland. The prerequisite of this is that the traveler must not have been in or transited through any other non-exempt countries in the preceding 14 days. To learn more about this, please check with the travel advisories from the authorities of the respective countries. P&O Cruises Cancel All Cruises until 2021 Image Credit: Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash Cruise company P&O will be extending its suspension of all sailing until 2021. Earlier on, it was planned that they will be resuming it from mid-November, but with the evolving restrictions on travel from the UK, they have decided to extend the suspension. Guests who have booked on canceled cruises will be reached out by the company with refunds available. This comes in line with their parent company, Carnival Corporation’s announcement to sell off 12% of their fleet and after the news that P&O is planning to cut 450 jobs across the cruises to keep the company afloat. Vietnam Resumes International Flights Image Credit: Photo by Tony Pham on Unsplash Vietnam is set to resume international commercial flights to multiple Asian destinations starting from Friday, 18 September 2020. This arrangement, however, is reserved for Vietnamese nationals, diplomats, experts, managers, skilled workers, investors, and their families. In general, this arrangement is reserved for business and official travel only and does not include tourists. The countries included in these flights are South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Laos. As with other flights during this time, travelers are required to have a negative COVID-19 test certificate and travelers will be tested upon arrival and kept in quarantine if required. Please check with the respective authorities for more details on the travel arrangement. SIA Suspends Flights to Canberra & Wellington Image Credit: Photo by Shawn Ang on Unsplash Singapore Airlines announced that they will no longer be flying direct from Singapore to Canberra, as reported by ABC news. This was decided based on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry pushing them to make this decision along with the laying off of over 4,300 staff from their workforce. Currently, Singapore Airlines will suspend services to Canberra, Dusseldorf, Stockholm, and Wellington from their network of flights. U.S. Airlines Are Getting Rid of Change Fees Image Credit: Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz on Unsplash A few weeks ago, it was reported that United Airlines has made the decision to get rid of their change fees. Now, other airlines in the United States are following suit. All of the airlines, except for JetBlue, have eliminated the change fees which has been a costly fee associated with domestic flights. This will affect the fees of not only domestic flights but will also affect some short-haul flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada for some airlines. There you have it, you are now caught up with the latest and most prominent travel news this week! Happy Weekend and Stay Safe!...
Cover Image Credit: Photo by Kemo Sahab on Unsplash One of the holiest months in the Islamic Calendar, Muharram is coming to an end very soon. In accordance with the Islamic Hijri Calendar, Safar is the second month in the 12 month Islamic Hijri Calendar. As with any Islamic dates, the dates are different every year due to the nature of the Hijri Calendar being a lunar calendar as opposed to the solar Gregorian Calendar. The timing or day of the event depends on the sightings of the moons. This year, the month of Safar will be starting on 19 September 2020 for the Islamic year of 1442 AH, Inshaa Allah. History There is a common belief that the month of Safar was named as such due to the fact that in the pre-Islamic times, people used to travel extensively during this month to gather food and other necessities, leaving their houses empty. This relates back to the word “Safar” which when translated from Arabic means empty. Misconception The month of Safar has been a target of the misconception that the month is filled with misfortunes and superstitions. However, when we consult the hadiths it can be understood that Safar is just one of the 12 months of Allah SWT. Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “[There is] no 'Adwa [no contagious disease is conveyed without Allah’s permission], nor is there any bad omen [from birds], nor is there any Haamah [disease], nor is there any [bad omen in the month of] Safar…” [Sahih al-Bukhari 5707; Sahih Muslim, 2220] Hadhrat Jabir (RA) reported Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue” [Muslim] Significance There are no specific deeds recommended during Safar in Islam but we should always continue our ibadah throughout the year. Let us follow the advice of our beloved Prophet (SAW) and may Allah (SWT) give us ease and guidance to perform our ibadah and forgive our sins. In Shaa Allah....
Cover Image Credit: Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash This year has been a really weird time for the aviation and travel industry. With the travel restrictions in place for many countries, many airlines had to ground most or all of their planes in their fleet. This is bad news especially for the plane enthusiasts, who long for the experience of flying again. One way that they can somewhat relive this experience is through aviation-themed restaurants and hotels around the world! Sadly, most of the restaurants are not halal but here are some of the most interesting aviation restaurants and hotels from around the world for us to adore and maybe even book a hotel visit if we are in that country. Some of the restaurants are not halal but are covered just to show the idea and novelty of the whole experience. Restaurants Dreamliner Airways Cafe (HALAL) Image Credit: Dreamliner Airways Cafe on Facebook The aviation theme that it has is already special, add to that that it is one of the only one that is halal makes it truly unique. Finally, something that we can try! Located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, this restaurant lets diners experience the joys of flying. With great attention to detail, the cafe’s decor is modeled after the interior of a commercial jet equipped with windows and airline seats. Even the staff there don on flight attendant uniforms to give you that extra level of immersion. The only different thing about the cafe and flying for real is the food that they serve. Which is really not a bad thing to leave out of flying for real, a stark contrast of the beloved microwaved airline food. The cafe serves a range of Western and Asian cuisine with generous portions, great for the hungry “traveler”. As halal aviation-themed restaurants go, Dreamliner Airways Cafe is definitely something that is really unique. This Cafe is Halal as of the time of writing. Location: The Dreamliner Airways Cafe, No. 7, Jalan Harmonium 35/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Bahru Opening Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM (Daily) Facebook Thai Airways Restaurant (NON-HALAL) Image Credit: Sam Chui Thai Airways have been making airwaves recently with the launch of their plane-themed restaurant. Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the Thai Airways Restaurant was set up to capture and recreate the authentic inflight experience for the visitors to their restaurant, with airline seats, decor, and of course the plane food. It’s like flying with Thai Airways but without leaving the ground. The airline takes the experience of the guests seriously as diners will have to ascend the Passenger boarding stair truck (that truck with stairs that you use to get into the plane sometimes) to enter the restaurant, which will surely help in the guests immerse themselves into the experience. To top it all off, guests will be gifted a boarding pass when they leave as a souvenir for their visit. Sadly the restaurant is not halal at the time of writing. First Airways (NON-HALAL) Image Credit: First Airlines Speaking of immersion, this listing takes it to the next level. Your mind will be tricked into thinking that you are actually flying over distant lands, in first class too! Operating in Japan from 2016 onwards, this Virtual Reality flight experience brings visitors around the globe on virtual tours of different countries without even leaving the ground. Decked with first-class flight seats and a commercial plane interior decor, even the staff are dressed like actual flight attendants. If you are interested in the “plane”, it is modeled after the Airbus A310. The food and fake window scenery will change based on where the virtual reality tour is held at. Countries including New York, Paris, and Rome are just some of the countries that they offer. A really interesting take on aviation with the help of cutting edge technology. The restaurant is not halal at the time of writing. Runway 34 Restaurant (NON-HALAL) Image Credit: Runway 34 Restaurant If you are more of a propeller kind of person, then Runway 34 will excite you. Located near Zurich Airport, Switzerland is unlike anything from the previous listings. This place not only has the looks and feel of a plane, but Runway 34 also has the whole plane, the real deal. Parked in the middle of the hangar, the plane sits as a centerpiece for the restaurants where diners can choose to have their meals inside or outside the cabin. The plane in question is a retired Ilyushin Il-14, a twin-engined commercial and military personnel and cargo transport aircraft from the 1950s. The plane really does help the restaurant pull off the retro 1950s look well. The restaurant is not Halal at the time of writing. Hotels Hotels that you have to see it to believe it! STF Jumbo Stay Stockholm Image Credit: Jumbostay This has to be the closest thing you can get from bringing your mattress into the airplane cabin to sleep in! Located in Stockholm, Sweden, this repurposed jumbo jet literally lets you stay in the cabin of a retired Boeing 747. Space are aplenty too with the 747’s huge cabin space, there are several dorms and rooms. It is even equipped with a luxury suite in the cockpit! Vliegtuigsuite Teuge Image Credit: Booking.com Another entry to this list of Aviation hotels is the Vliegtuigsuite Teuge in the Teuge, Netherlands. This retired Ilyushin 18 is now a single elongated suite that lets you experience owning the whole plane all to your self. The airplane is big enough for a bedroom area, a kitchenette, and a jacuzzi among other things. All the luxury without any turbulence! Costa Verde 727 Fuselage Home Image Credit: Uniq Hotels Ever wondered what would happen if a plane got stuck in a tree? They get turned into a hotel suite of course! Somewhere in the Costa Rican Jungle lies a salvaged Boeing 727 up in the trees. The painstaking process of placing it up there looks to be very worth it though, as it is safe to say that this is one extraordinary hotel! What makes it more interesting is that the interior decor is predominantly made of wood. From the furniture to the wall, the amount of wood is definitely something you would think of first when you see a salvaged airplane. There you have it some of the different places that offer you the flying experience without even leaving the ground. Frequent travelers and plane enthusiasts can now at least reminisce the days where we were all free to fly around. Maybe with the current border situations still looking to be very uncertain in may parts of the world, more airlines can follow the examples of these places, who knows our next staycations and meals might even be in the cabin of a once flying commercial airliner!...
Singapore and Japan will Launch the Green Lane starting from September 18 Image Credit: Photo by Marcus Ng on Unsplash Japan has joined the list of countries that will have a reciprocal green lane arrangement with Singapore. The reason for the implementation of this arrangement is to facilitate essential business and official travel between the two countries. This arrangement will be the first such framework that Japan will be implementing with another country. The arrangement will start on 18 September. Similar to the other ongoing green lane arrangement, the requirements, health protocols, and application process. Other than this, there is also an ongoing talk between Japan and Singapore about the implementation of a “Residence Track” where there will be a special quota of cross-border travel by business executive and business professionals “. Learn more about the reciprocal green lane here. Phuket Reopening Delayed Image Credit: Photo by Frankie Spontelli on Unsplash The popular holiday destination, Phuket has delayed the reopening of their borders due to a virus case discovered recently. This infection was reported to be the first local infection in 100 days. Previously, Thailand planned to reopen the island of Phuket to foreign visitors in October but with the new case of the virus, it seems that the replanning is at hand. Currently, there is no information as to when the reopening will take place after this development....
Prayer times for Johor Bahru,Malaysia