Horror fans all over the world are lamenting the loss of Disneyland’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which will cease operations on January 2^nd, 2017.
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Much to the dismay of some long-time fans, Disney Parks recently made the official announcement to check the 13-story Tower out of Disney California Adventure park in favour of a brand new Guardians of the Galaxy ride.

Credit: Jeremy Finke on Flickr

Slated to be completed in the summer of 2017, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! will feature many beloved characters from the blockbuster in a whole new narrative. You’ll get a different kind of adrenaline rush with this ride

Credit: Disneyland 

But of course, the (more than a decade old) attraction won’t be going down without one last scare! With Halloween season just right around the corner, park visitors are certainly in for a treat.

Credit: Jennifer Lynn on Flickr

From 9 September to 31 October, evening visitors will experience the free-fall ride in complete darkness, called the Late Check-Out. It’ll also mark the first time the park has turned the lights out on the ride!

Commemorative merchandise, alongside special food and beverage, items will also be sold throughout the season.

Credit: Norm Lanier on Flickr

And to immortalise your last ride, capture yourself “checking out” (complete with vintage luggage) with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee

Don’t be disheartened though! You can still ride the tower at other parks around the world like Walt Disney Studios Park (Disneyland Paris), Disney Hollywood Studios (Orlando) and even Tokyo Disneysea!

Let us know in the comments below what you think of Disney’s decision to replace this terrifying yet iconic attraction

Ho Chi Minh is known for many things: the Vietnam Independence movement, bike-congested streets, historical attractions and most importantly, the freshness of their local delicacies. We don’t know about you but our food checklist is filled to the brim with goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), bun bo hue (spicy rice vermicelli soup) and their national dish, pho (chicken or beef noodle soup).

[Need a reason to go to Vietnam? Here are 10 reasons why you’ll fall in love with the country]

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The prime hotspot for halal foodscape in Ho Chi Minh would be District 1 where these little gems are scattered around the Saigon Central Mosque, Ben Thanh Market and Nancy Mosque. If you’re caught in the city’s hustle and looking for something to eat, let us show you around.

1. Kampung Pandan Restaurant

Begin your food journey with a bowl of hearty soup from Kampung Pandan

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Just a short stroll from Ben Thanh Market, Kampung Pandan Restaurant is one of the many halal finds you’ll discover in District 1. If you’re on a mission to sample Vietnamese delicacies, Kampung Pandan serves up Muslim-friendly versions of pho (beef or chicken), fresh spring rolls, chicken and giang leaf soup as well as thienly (jasmine flowers) with beef.

#HHWT Tip: Table reservation is well encouraged prior to your visit to this restaurant.

Phone: +84 9 0937 6388
Website
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Price: The main courses are priced from VND 60,000.
Address: 53, Thu Khoa Huan street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.
Directions: Situated on the north side of Ben Thanh market, nearby landmarks are the Independence Palace and Grand Silverland Hotel & Spa.

2. D’Nyonya Restaurant

Delicious sweet and sour fish from D’Nyonya

Credit: D’Nyonya Saigon

If your itinerary happens to lead you to this side of District 1, spend your lunch and dinner hours at this spot where their cuisine is largely laced with sweet, sour and tangy flavours. The city’s signature pho is in the house, alongside the local stir fried chicken with chili and lemongrass as well as coconut prawns.

Phone:  +84 8 3822 3902
Website
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Price: Main course is priced between VND 85,000 – VND 219,000.
Address: 56, Dong Du street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.
Directions: 1-minute walking distance from Saigon Central Mosque. The nearby landmark is Starbucks Dong Du.

3. Pho Muslim

Sample the country’s national dish at Pho Muslim

Credit: Maraqwa

If you prefer to sign off your Ho Chi Minh travel experience with pho and only pho, there’s an unassuming eatery that delivers to your specific craving. True to its name, Pho Muslim only serves two things: pho in the morning and bun bo hue in the evening.

Street food gem found within the unassuming exterior of Pho Muslim

Credit: Nazim Z.

Imagine starting your day with the locals’ breakfast for champions a.k.a. a steaming bowl of pho – a Vietnamese noodle soup that comprises of a bed of rice noodles, tender beef slices and rich beef broth – don’t forget to brighten up the flavours with mint leaves, a bit of soy sauce and chilli paste. The evening bun bo hue is also a dinner favourite where this Vietnamese spicy lemongrass noodle soup is enriched with juicy slices of beef and fresh herbs.

#HHWT Tip: The restaurant isn’t open during lunch hours, so swing by early morning and late evening.

Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 6:00am – 1:00pm (pho) / 4:00pm – 10:00pm (bun bo hue)
Price: VND 40,000 (a bowl of pho and a drink)
Address: District 1, Nancy Mosque, Ho Chi Minh.
Directions: The restaurant is located across the Trang Huang Do street from Ho Chi Minh City Police Headquarters.

4. Saigon Green House

The charming interior of Saigon Green House

Credit: Saigon Green House – Halal Restaurant 

If you need to break away from the city heat, swing by Saigon Green House for a bit of air-conditioning and a whole load of Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine. They’re all about giving a good first impression that is easily translated through the wooden furnishing and mural-themed interiors to the neat menu selections.

Hearty lunch with a side of watermelon juice

Credit: linabun 

Aside from Malaysian favourites such as nasi goreng kampung to mee mamak, the Muslim-friendly twist of the Vietnamese classics is something you shouldn’t miss. Pho ga (chicken noodle soup) and canh chua ca (sour soup with fish) are delicious choices and not forgetting the goi trai buoi (grapefruit prawn salad). The best way to round off your meal is with a cup of local tra tac (Vietnam tea).

#HHWT Tip: If you’re interested to go for a quick manicure, the restaurant also shares the same space with Harmony Nail Spa.

Phone: +84 8 3825 0457
Website
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Price: The main courses are priced between VND 70,000 – VND 110,000
Address: 52, Truong Dinh street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.
Directions: 3-minute walking distance from Ben Thanh Market and the restaurant is located opposite Mariamman Hindu Temple.

5. Salima Halal Vietnamese Restaurant

Go for fresh spring rolls instead of fried ones

Credit: Zul Aiman Z.

If you’re back for a second round of shopping at Ben Thanh Market, rest and refuel at another Muslim-friendly eatery named Salima Halal Vietnamese Restaurant where a medley of Vietnamese, Malaysian and Cham selections are on the menu.

Noodle treat with a side of tangy dressing

Credit: Ct Zara Salihan

Fried rice in coconut and sweet and sour fish are both yummy selections for lunch. For foodies who have fallen hard for Vietnamese cuisine, you guys may satiate their cravings with fresh spring rolls, pho ga and bun thit nuong (cold rice vermicelli noodle with grilled beef) at Salima Halal. Be sure to mentally calculate your bill as menu prices here is slightly higher than average.

#HHWT Tip: The Nguyen An Ninh street also has a few halal restaurants to try like Warung Malaysia, Hajah Basiroh Restaurant and Kedai Muslim Halal Al-Amin.

Phone: +84 8 3827 1232
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Price: The main courses are priced between VND 90,000 – VND 120,000.
Address: 22, Nguyen An Ninh, Ben Thanh Market, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.
Directions: 1-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. Just turn left after the Vietinbank on Phan Chu Trinh street.

6. Halal @ Saigon

Start your meal right with nasi lemak rendang at Halal Saigon

Credit: thesimplestaphrodisiac 

Straight forward deliciousness and strategic location have made Halal @ Saigon a popular spot for lunch and dinner. Situated across the street from Saigon Central Mosque, you will find locals and tourists visiting this unassuming eatery for their Muslim-friendly menu.

More delicious yums to enjoy

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Apart from the fiery tom yam and nasi lemak rendang, the Vietnamese foodie in you would appreciate the servings of goi dua tom (young coconut shoot salad with shrimp), ngheu kho to (claypot baby clams) and goi cuon tom (fried shrimp spring rolls). Vegetarians, fret not, there is an array of meat-less delicacies for you too.

#HHWT Tip: Online or phone reservations are best advised as the restaurant is popular among locals and tourists.

Phone: +83 8 24 6823
Website
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Price: The main courses are priced between VND 68,000 – VND 279,000
Address: 31, Dong Du street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.
Directions: 1-minute walk from Saigon Central Mosque. The nearby landmark is Starbucks Dong Du.

7. The Daun Restaurant

Fresh spring rolls make the perfect starters at The Daun

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Now that you have developed a budding fondness for restaurants with a balance of Vietnamese and Malaysian/Singaporean dishes, The Daun is another recommendation on our list.

Simple yet well-presented fried rice for lunch

Credit: Zulkiflee Abdullah

While you utilise their complimentary Wi-Fi, equalise your focus on the Vietnamese side of the menu where local delicacies such as bong thien ly xao bo (stir fried thien ly flower), banh xeo (savoury fried pancake), fresh spring rolls as well as the city’s classics: pho and bun bo hue are served. Like all satisfying meals, remember to finish off with a cup of Vietnamese filtered coffee like the locals do.

Phone: +84 12 6424 3229
Website
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:00am – 10:30pm
Price: The main courses are priced from VND 70,000 onwards.
Address: 194, Le Thanh Ton street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh.\
Directions: 1-minute walking distance from Ben Thanh Market. The restaurant is located between Lavender Hotel and Ngan Ha Hotel.

Whether it’s the famous pho or the underrated bun bo hue, there’s always a dish in the city that will unleash the Southeast Asian foodie in you.

[If you’re heading to Hanoi, here are 7 halal eateries you can’t miss!]

If your bank balance isn’t looking the healthiest this year but you’re still itching for a getaway, here are our top picks in Southeast Asia that won’t bust your budget!

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[Check Out: 8 Tips To Save Money To See The World]

1. Malaysia – Ipoh  

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Mouth-watering halal food has always been a major draw for those who visit Malaysia, with a blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines to choose from. Penang Island would usually be the port-of-call when it comes to good food, but we say that the town of Ipoh in Perak is also a contender! Cheaper than its more famous cousin up north, Ipoh is up and coming with affordable boutique hotels, yummy (and cheap!) food options (think finger licking nasi kandar, halal Chinese hawker dishes, traditional ice balls and even hipster cafes) and is central to lots of other attractions that Perak has to offer, from the hot springs of Tambun to the to the cool climate of Cameron Highlands.

If you’re planning to explore more of Malaysia, make sure you tick these 1o mouth-watering halal local dishes off your list!

#HHWT Tip: Like Penang, Ipoh now has a number of mural artworks and street art around town depicting Perak in the old days, popular Malaysian culture and even classic children’s games. Hunting for murals and taking a photograph or two is a fun way to spend the afternoon in Ipoh, before enjoying a cup of coffee at their many cafes.

 2. Cambodia – Siem Reap 

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If you’re a history buff and love visiting ancient ruins, the amazing Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is definitely a must visit. We’re in awe of the structures and intricately carved patterns in the solid rock of the temples. There’s also plenty to see and do beyond Angkor Wat of course, from bargain hunting at their street markets, visiting the floating villages to watching an amazing sunset over the Tonle Sap lake. Best part is, there are also halal restaurants and Muslim-friendly accommodations in Siem Reap!

#HHWT Tip: Bring US dollars if you’re travelling in Cambodia – most attractions and dining places accept USD. Also, it’s easier to exchange any extra cash you have leftover back into your home currency!

[Check out: 4D3N Itinerary for your Siem Reap adventure!]

3. Philippines – Boracay

Boracay is pretty much synonymous with white sand beaches and even though it’s been gaining popularity amongst tourists through the years, it’s definitely still worth a visit! (Perfect short getaway? :P) The best part? You can find budget accommodation near the famous beaches and go crazy with the water sports from as low as 4USD (banana boating)! Need more convincing? Check out 6 reasons why you HAVE to visit Boracay!

4. Thailand – Chiang Mai

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We’ve been to Chiang Mai and we love it! With great street food like mango sticky rice (who can say no to fresh mangos?), markets to bargain to your heart’s content, culture you can’t wait to immerse yourself into (we love the Bo Sang Umbrella Village) and even a sanctuary for abused and injured elephants that you can visit and give back to the community (you’ll know why you should NEVER ride elephants after visiting the sanctuary), Chiang Mai is the northern Thailand gem that you should be exploring right now!

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#HHWT Tip: If you’re not afraid of heights (or even if you are, it’s time to conquer that fear!), you should definitely check out zip lining in Chiang Mai. It’s loads of fun and the adrenaline rush you get from zipping from tree to tree will make you feel just like Tarzan

5. Indonesia – Lombok

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Bali getting a little touristy for you? Head on over to Lombok, also known as the island of 1000 mosques. Unlike Bali, halal food is easily available in Lombok, which also boasts great beaches, diving spots on the nearby Gili Islands and a local vibe that you can’t get in Bali. You can enjoy a private villa with unbeatable prices, kick back and relax as you soak up the beauty of Lombok and the Gilis.

Lombok, tropical Nippah Beach

Credit: matthewwilliams-ellis

If you’re all up for exploring more of Indonesia, check out these 8 incredible (and secret) destinations in Indonesia!

#HHWT Tip: Fret not if sandy toes aren’t really your thing and adventure is more your game. Lombok also has amazing waterfalls and even an active volcano that you can trek up to (or take a helicopter up…but that’s not really for budget conscious travellers). Lombok has got it all

6. Vietnam – Hanoi

Credit: gregorharih

Want a budget trip but not willing to compromise on experience? Hanoi is just the place you need to visit with its vibrant culture! With numerous scenic sites and cultural relics, there’s plenty to see in Hanoi on a budget. Yes, you can expect to spend around USD20/day (or less) for your food, lodging and sightseeing.

[Check out: 7 Halal Eateries In Hanoi You Can’t Miss!]

#HHWT Tip: Hop on a scooter taxi to truly experience Hanoi like a local! A typical 10 min ride should cost you less than a dollar (USD).

Now time to look for cheap airfares and you’re all set to go!

Seoul is one of our favourite travel destinations because there’s an awesome balance of sightseeing, yummy food and of course, SHOPPING! If you’re always on the lookout for quirky finds or if you want to shop like the locals do, these are 5 street markets you shouldn’t miss!

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P.S. Make your trip planning even easier! The HHWT Travel Planner app is now up on the Apple App Store and the Google Play store for Android

1. Seocho Saturday Flea Market

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What to expect: You can find almost anything under the sun at this flea market, from clothing to books and household products. It is one of the biggest flea markets in Seoul and is definitely a less touristy experience you can’t miss! 

Opening Hours: 9 am – 3 pm (Sat)

Address: Between Isu and Sadang Station

How to get there: Subway Line 2 or Line 4 to Sadang Station (Exit 14) | Turn to the left and continue straight until you reach the market which runs down the entire street.

2. Bling & Platoon Night Flea Market

Credit: theblingmagazine

What to expect: With great music and awesome shopping, The Bling Night Flea Market is the hottest night flea market in town. Hosted by a club culture magazine, you can expect to find the trendiest shoes, bags, clothes and accessories!

Opening Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm

How to get there: https://www.facebook.com/theblingmagazine/timeline (Venue changes)

3. Seoul Folk Flea Market

Credit: henrikchoi

What to expect: Seoul Folk Flea Market is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs! An established flea market that sells all things traditional, you’ll find all types of traditional Korean crafts. Definitely the best souvenir to remember your trip!

Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm, daily

Address: 109-5 Sinseol-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

How to get there: Subway Line 1 or 2 to Sinseoldong station (Exit 9)

4. Gwangjang Vintage Market

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What to expect: Even if you’re not a vintage junkie, you’ll fall in love with the beautiful and affordable vintage pieces! Most products are imported from the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

Payment: Cash only

Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm (Mon-Sat)

Address: Level 2 of Gwangjang Market

How to get there: Subway Line 1 to Jongono 5-ga Station (Exit 7 & 8)

5. Hongdae Free Market

Credit: @studio_mew on Instagram

What to expect: A unique experience of interacting with artists from all over Korea and appreciating all the crafts and performances! You’ll find lots of handmade products and beautiful jewellery too!

Opening Hours: 1 pm – 6 pm (Sat) | Appears in March to November only

Address: Hongdae Children’s Park

How to get there: Take line 2 to Hongdae Station (Hongik University Station) (Exit 9) | Take the first right and go straight until you come to a T-junction with Hongik University in front of you | Turn right and head straight for about 20 metres and the park is on your right.

P.S. Want to find halal food near these shopping areas? Download the #HHWT Travel Planner mobile app and you can plan your trip to Seoul easily by finding halal food and prayer spaces near attractions!

Do share with us if you have any must-buys or must-visit shopping areas in Seoul in the comments because we’re secretly shopaholics too And of course, if you’re wondering where to try authentic halal Korean food, check out our food guide and list of cafes you must not miss!

If you’re heading to Korea, you cannot leave without trying patbingsu.

Credit: Giphy

This iconic Korean dessert typically consists of shaved ice topped with chopped fruits and/or red bean paste, condensed milk and fruit syrup. So we’ve narrowed down 3 places in Sinchon where you can have a sweet treat while taking a break from all that shopping.

Note: None of these places are halal certified. However, bingsu typically consists of ice, milk and fruits. Do check with the staff if you are unsure. 

P.S. If you’re heading to Seoul, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android! 

1. Pop.Con.Tainer (Dessert Café)

Credit: yuming90

Pop Container as the name suggests, is a cute little dessert café which is built inside a real ship container. Brightly coloured and cozy, this place has received many good reviews.

Credit: imjoannachen on Instagram

Their Oreo Chocolate Bingsu is highly recommended by the reviewers and is a definite must-try. One serving of bingsu is typically for two people and costs around 10,000 Won.

Opening Hours: Sun – Wed: 1000 to 2300, Fri – Sat: 1100 to 0000, Closed on Thursdays

Address: 5-11 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: 

2. Homilpath (Bingsu Café)

We're not kidding when we said the patbingsu 팥빙수 at Homilbat 호밀밭 is one of the best in Seoul! Wish we could travel to Korea for this right now Click on our link in bio for our Korea cafe guide! #havehalalwilltravel #hhwt

A photo posted by Have Halal, Will Travel (@havehalalwilltravel) on Mar 30, 2015 at 3:54am PDT

Homilpat café specializes in bingsu only. Unlike other places, you have to option of ordering an individual servings of bingsu. Prices start from 5,500 Won. This place offers a variety of fruit bingsu such as strawberries, watermelon and even mixed fruit.

Credit: kennish_t on Instagram

There is also a green tea bingsu option!

#HHWT Tip: There is always a long queue outside the cafe. So head over during the winter season to beat the queue.

Opening Hours: 1230 to 2200 daily

Address: 43 Sinchonnyeok-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: 

3. Solbing Dessert Café

Credit: suree1024 on Instagram

Solbing Dessert Café is Korea’s largest chain bingsu shop. You will find branches of Solbing almost everywhere. There is a branch in Sinchon too. The prices are more reasonable here, and they have a variety of flavours for their bingsu.

Opening Hours: 1100 to 2330 daily

Address: 31-45 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions:

So there you have it. 3 awesome places to get your bingsu fix while you’re in Sinchon!

P.S. If you’re heading to Seoul, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android! 

Source: PassportAndTickets

Thrill seekers, prepare to be amazed, for Dubai has just opened its best and BIGGEST indoor theme park! With the size of 1.5 million square feet (that’s equivalent to 28 football fields!), this park is house to 20 rides, a cinema, plenty of shopping emporiums and restaurants! Can you imagine how massive that is?!

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What’s more exciting is that their rides and attractions are based on four different themes, including your favourite MARVEL superheroes! Yes, MARVEL fans, you heard us right!

At IMG Worlds of Adventure, be thrilled with these must-ride attractions and must-dos:

MARVEL ZONE

1. Ride the Spider-Man Doc Ock’s Revenge

Source: PassportAndTickets

With New York’s skyline as its background, swing through with Spiderman as this rollercoaster takes you spinning 400 metres, high off the ground. We won’t suggest this to be your first ride, but, hey, if you’re down for all big rides, this is also the very first sight once you enter the dome-like park. Breathe in, breathe out, and prepare to have an adventure of a lifetime!

2. Thor Thunder Spin 

Source: imgworlds.com

Another one of the bigger and thrilling rides of all, Thor Thunder Spin, as the name states is one dizzy fight. Let this Mighty Avenger come to your rescue from the madness of Loki, God of Mischief. We know this is not one to ride after lunch!

 3. Hulk Epilson Base 3D

Source: imgworlds.com

Not much of a thrill-seeker? Hop on to this 3D experience as The Hulk takes you on an experience you never want him to be – when he’s angry! Dare to be at the front row seat and see The Hulk in action!

LOST VALLEY ZONE

4. Predator

Source: PassportAndTickets

Even by the look of it, this ride is enough to terrorize our minds. With exhilarating loops and rolls, this will take you on a journey through the jungles of the Lost Valley. Ride the Predator to experience a heart-pounding vertical drop feature too!

 5. Spin with the dinosaurs at Lost Valley

Source: @imgworlds

How much cuter can this get? At the Lost Valley zone, wind down from all the big thrills to a more relaxed spin-around on this kid-friendly Dino Carousel. Choose your dinosaur carefully and imagine riding with a whole lot of other friendly (or not) dinos around you!

CARTOON NETWORK ZONE

6. The Powerpuff Girls – Mojo Jojo’s Robot Rampage 

Source: @imgworlds

Don’t be fooled by cute and bright-coloured seats. This will definitely leave your world (and hair) upside down! After all, you are helping The Powerpuff Girls to fight Mojo Jojo’s evil robot creation threatening the city. So hop on their backs, and hold on tight!

IMG BOULEVARD ZONE

 7. Meet and Greet 

Source: PassportAndTickets

What’s a theme park without being able to hang with your favourite MARVEL Super Heroes or cartoon characters? This zone features attractions with live entertainment and interactive experiences.

 8. The Haunted Hotel

Source: @imgworlds

You think you’ve seen horror? This walk-through attraction is definitely NOT for the faint-hearted. Challenge yourself and come face-to-face with these terrifying actors that could just scare you out of nowhere!

Retail Stores and Dining

Source: @imgworlds

After that whole spinning and screaming and hair-pulling experience, treat yourself to some souvenirs for memories sake with an exclusive range of merchandise. Choose your favourite Super Heroes and cartoon characters to bring them home! They also have a wide variety of themed restaurants, so be sure to enjoy dining in a couple of them if you’re here!

Source: @imgworlds

We’re not sure about you, but we are definitely digging this theme park! Complete with everything, we’re pretty sure you can spend the whole day here!

Source: giphy

How to get there: Located at E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – near Arabian Ranches, next to Global Village) (20mins from each of Dubai’s two international airports)

Opening Hours: 12pm to 10pm daily

What happens when your cravings strike and you just can’t find a halal Korean eatery near your house? Well, it’s time to get down to making your own Korean dish! And not to worry if you can’t find halal gochujang because we have a alternative for that

Credit: Giphy

Korean Garlic Gochujang Hot Wings

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made out of red chili, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It’s a pungent, salty and spicy paste great for making sauces, marinates and glazes as in this recipe.

Credit: lacrema

#HHWT Tip: If you can’t find halal gochujang at your nearest grocery store, you can substitute it by mixing chili powder with tauchu (bean paste that you can purchase at almost any Asian food store), sugar, sesame oil and a little bit of water. This makes a paste that’s similar…Or just use any chilli paste / powder you have lying around, add it with a little soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Feeds: 2 pax

Ingredients

• 6 pairs of chicken wings, chop off the drumette from the wingette
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp pepper
• 200g butter
• 200g Gochujang sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, mash to a paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Oil for deep-frying
• Sesame seeds and spring onions for garnish

Steps

1. Heat up a deep fryer with 3 inches of cooking oil.
2. Mix the paprika, thyme, salt and pepper with all-purpose flour.
3. Drench each drumette and wingette with the seasoned flour.
4. Deep fry the chicken wings in small batches to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and remain its crispiness. Fry till golden brown and drip off excess oil on kitchen towel.
5. Prepare the Gochujang glaze by melting butter in a small saucepan with garlic till fragrant.
6. Add brown sugar till dissolve.
7. Toss the glaze and fried chicken wings in a small bowl till combine.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions and ready to munch!

The next time you’re watching a Korean drama and dreaming of yummy Korean fried chicken, you can easily whip up this dish without even having to search for halal gochujang! And of course, if you are planning to visit Seoul, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner app to find the top attractions, best halal food and prayer spaces in Seoul!

Craving for a short island getaway without putting a strain on your bank account? Phuket is one of the best budget destinations. Barely two hours away from Singapore, you get to enjoy a stress free island life and still come back with a happy bank account balance.

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Ps. I lost my wallet upon arrival at Phuket when I was there, and our supposed splurge-friendly trip had turned into a budget trip instead. Read about how I spent just SGD700 for two pax (including flights!) for almost a week’s stay at Phuket.

Getting Around

Finding the cheapest flight is one thing, finding your way around on a foreign land is another. Here are a few ways you can get around the island for low or zero costs!

1. Ride the Song Taew, not Tuk Tuk!

Credit: homeiswhereyourbagis

Unlike Bangkok, you need to take into consideration that Phuket is an island and there isn’t any form of public trains to get you from point to point. A Song Teaw is somewhat similar to a Tuk Tuk, but much bigger because it’s a converted truck with two rows of seats at the back. This means that you can fit more people, for the same price! It is fairly cheap and easily available but be sure to ask for the price and set an amount before boarding, to avoid getting scammed.

2. Rent a motorbike / car / truck!

There are many nooks and crannies to explore and there isn’t a better way to do this than at your own speed and convenience. A truck or small car would cost around 600฿ – 800฿ per day, but a bike rental would usually cost around 150‎฿ – 200‎฿ per day. Don’t worry about petrol, it only costs 20฿ for a bottle of gasoline here.

Safety Tip: Even though riding a bike with the wind blowing in your hair makes you feel like you’re on top of the world, be sure to put your helmet on at all times. Be confident while on the road and if you want to make that turn, just do it – never hesitate. If you ride with hesitation and without proper safety precautions, you may end up with your face flat on the road and your leg scrapped and stuck underneath the bike… like me.

3. Know Your Area

There are many temples that don’t charge entry fees for you to check out and some of them even turn their compound into a night market when the sun goes down! Plus, most of the tourist attractions are within close proximity anyway. If there are places where you can take a stroll to, take that stroll. You never know what you can find!

Credit: Giphy

There might also be free shuttle buses that operate between some hotels and tourist spots. So if let’s say you happen to be at Jungceylon Mall and you’re too lazy to walk back to your hotel or too lazy to bargain for a cheap tuk tuk ride, hop on a shuttle bus that goes to the hotel next to yours… for free!

4. Plan Your Days

It is always important to plan in advanced so that you don’t waste your money unnecessarily.

For example, if you’re looking to book a day tour, there would usually be transport provided for you to and from your hotel. Check with the tour agency for what is included within your package before paying the price and plan your days ahead in detail.  If you decide that Day 2 would be free and easy, rent a bike. If you’ve booked a day tour for two days, you wouldn’t want to rent a bike for a week, but only to have it parked and underutilized.

Where To Stay?

1. Hotels / Resorts

Credit: Onlinetur

While it isn’t the cheapest, this is still my preferred choice of accommodation while on a stress free weekend trip because a) hotels are usually nearest to tourist spots, b) there’s free wifi and c) there’s room service so I don’t have to worry about keeping the room clean! I particularly enjoyed my stay at Patong Paradee Resort and the best part was that it only cost us 1300฿ (SGD 54) for two nights.

2. Guesthouses / Hostels

Credit: FIN Hostel

Hands down, the cheapest way to stay if you’re looking for a space to simply just sleep for the night. A bed in a shared dorm room (with a common toilet) can cost as low as 80‎฿ – 150‎฿ per night while a private room in a guesthouse will cost you around 350‎฿ per night.

3. Airbnb

Credit: 2W Unique

When in countries like Japan, Airbnb would be an ideal budget choice. However, while searching for a place to stay in Phuket, you really have to search thoroughly as private accommodation like these (though still affordable) are usually further away from the main tourist spots as compared to hotels or hostels.

Where To Eat?

1. Street Food

Definitely my favourite way to try local cuisines, for only a fraction of what a restaurant charges. My favourite spots to find these goodies are Malin Plaza or the Wat Karon Night Market, simply because they are both less crowded than the areas around Banzaan Market or Karon Plaza.

2. Hotel Breakfasts

If you’re staying in a hotel, most of them have a huge buffet spread for a cheap cost. Have a hearty breakfast in the morning so you’ll be fueled up for the many activities you’re going to do. Some hotels will even let you pack a sandwich or muffins to take away – make use of that!

3. Local Restaurants

Credit: Migrationology

On nights that you wish to indulge in a proper meal and eat off a plate on the table, choose restaurants that are worth your dollars but yet, will not burst your budget. Places like Krua Chirafa has good spreads serving local Thai muslim food for affordable prices.

Free Things To Do In Phuket

1. Island View Points

Credit: Resava

My favourite out of all the free things to do in Phuket – to get an almost bird’s eye view of the gorgeous coastline. They are mostly located out of the way and on the edges of Phuket, but you can always rent a motorbike so you can access all these view points easily and at your own time.

2. Phromthep Cape Lighthouse

Credit: Patong Tour

In continuation with the previous point, Phromthep Cape (otherwise known as Sunset Viewpoint) is one of the many viewpoints in Phuket, but with a lighthouse that you can enter for no charge and a sunset view that will make you wish you brought a portable chair to sit on and admire.

3. Lounge By The Beach

Grab a cheap set of snorkeling gear from the convenient store and snorkel for free! There are tons of beaches in Phuket – Patong, Kata, Karon, Surin, and the list goes on. The sunset at Patong Beach is spectacular but to simply lounge around, I prefer the latter because it’s less crowded. You can even go parasailing or jet skiing there!

4. Mosque Hopping

Credit: Miftahul Mumineen Mosque

Yes, you read that right. Instead of going temple hopping like the rest of the tourist population, how about you try something out of the norm. I only came up with this idea while writing the post actually, but this isn’t something new, I’m sure there have been travelers who’ve done this before.

There are approximately ten mosques located around the island, so that should be interesting!

5. Old Phuket Town

If you wish to explore Phuket beyond its coastline, this is the place where you’ll find the old school side of Phuket, with all the European feels and many photo opportunities around their historical sites. If you wish to check out the Phuket Mining Museum, entry is 100 per person.

Tips To Save Even More

1. Skip The Island Hopping Tours!

Get to the islands by speedboats or ferries that are easily available at the ports or departure counters by the beach – it will cost you only 400฿ for a ferry ticket from Phuket to Phi Phi Island. You’ll spend much lesser and you have power over your whole itinerary!

2. When all else fails, visit convenient stores.

Be it whether you got a sunburn or you ran out of money to buy your last meal, find one. We relied on convenient stores alot while in Phuket – namely Family Mart & 7 Eleven. They are everywhere, there’s halal food choices for budget broke backpackers like us and when we got into the accident, we looked up and there it was across the street for us to get some water, alcohol swabs and bandages.

3. Smile in the land of smiles

Credit: Giphy

Try greeting in the local language. Decline politely when you’re not interested in their products. Be in proper attire while visiting places of worship – all these little actions will be greatly appreciated by the locals. As much as we wish to explore foreign land, we should always respect their local culture first. From all of the times I’ve been in Thailand, I got offered discounts whenever I’m not on a bad mood so.. smile!

There is so much that Phuket has to offer so if you’ve been thinking of giving this island a visit, do it. Safe travels, always! ♥

Find Nurul online at: wanderlogy | Instagram: @nurulmimsy

Being one of the world’s greatest ancient capitals, Beijing is absolutely worth a visit especially if you’re a history and cultural buff as there’s just so much to see and do in the city! But if you’re feeling lost, not to worry, our guide will definitely help you out. From the iconic Forbidden City to the awe-inspiring Great Wall, read on for ten of the top attractions that you need to have on your list for your Beijing trip!

Credit: Giphy

1. Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Allocate ample time for The Forbidden City. The place is HUGE!

The Forbidden city is the most iconic tourist attraction in Beijing. The palace is the world’s largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. It is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall with more than 8,700 rooms. The Forbidden City is a valuable historic museum that gives you a glimpse of how the emperors lived their lives back in the day. Expect to spend 2 – 2.5 hours here, or even more if you explore the Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery.

Credit: Loïc Lagarde

Opening hours:

Entrance fees:
April to October – CNY 60, November to the next March – CNY 40 (The fares do not include the admission fee for the Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery)
Treasure Gallery (in Palace of Tranquil Longevity, including the Opera Museum and Stone Drum Museum) – CNY 10
Clock and Watch Gallery (in Hall for Ancestry Worship) – CNY 10
*  Free for children under 3.9 feet (1.2 meters), each accompanied by an adult.

2. Tian An Men Square

Tian An Men Square is located just opposite the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) via the Tian An Men gate. This is the place that the infamous Tian An Men Square protest took place. Although there is not much interest in the square besides its historic significance, no visit to Beijing is complete without a picture taken at the square.

Tian An Men Square: the most heavily guarded tourist attraction I know of.

Credit: Nowozin at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

There are no entrance fees to enter the square, but security is heavy. Visitor’s belongings are scanned before entry and the area is occupied by police, both in uniform and plain-clothed. Expect to spend about 30 minutes here.

3. Temple of Heaven

The architecture is simply breathtaking!

Credit: By Maros M r a z (Maros) (Maros M r a z (Maros), edited by Thegreenj) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors from the Ming and Ching Dynasty visited for annual ceremonies of prayers to the heavens for good harvest. Expect to spend 1.5 – 2 hours here.

Entrance fees: CNY 10
Opening hours:
Gate：6.00am – 10.00pm
The scenic spots inside the Temple of Heaven：
From March 1 to June 30： 8.00am – 5.30pm
From July 1 to October 31： 8.00am – 6.00pm
From November 1 to February 28： 8.00am – 5.00pm

4. Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

A worshiper offering her prayers.

Lama Temple, is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.  It originally served as an official residence for court eunuchs. It was then converted into the residence of Yinzhen (Prince Yong), the fourth son of the Kangxi Emperor.

Today, worshipers still come to the temple for worshiping and you will be able to see the worshiping activities at the main altar. Expect to spend 1 – 1.5 hours here.

Entrance fees: CNY 15
Opening hours:
9.00am – 4.30 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31)
9.00am – 4.00 (Nov. 1 to Mar. 31)

[Check out our full guide to Beijing with tips and halal food]

5. Summer Palace

One of the structures in the Summer Palace overlooking the lake.

The Summer Palace has to be one of the most scenic of all the attractions within the Beijing city area. It is the largest and most well preserved royal park in China, and has been recognized as The Museum of Royal Gardens.

It was built as a place for the royal families to rest and entertain, but later became the main residence of royal family members at the end of the Qing dynasty.

Today, it is a great place for families and tourists to relax by the huge lake and enjoy the scenery, although exploring the whole area might take up at least 3 hours and a whole lot of stamina.

Entrance fees:

Opening Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 6.30am – 6.00pm
* Scenic spots are open from 8.30am to 5.00.
November 1 to next March 31: 7.00am – 5.00pm
* Scenic spots are open from 09:00 to 16:00.

6. Olympic Park (Olympic Green)

You should consider a night walk in the Olympic Park.

Credit: By Peter23 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Beijing hosted the Olympics and Paralympics in 2008 and with that, the Olympic Park complex was constructed to host the sports events. The park consists of the iconic National Stadium, otherwise known as the Birds Nest, National Aquatics Centre, Olympic Forest Park, National Indoor Stadium, China Science and Technology Museum and China Ethnic Museum (China Ethnic Culture Park).

For those who watched the 2008 Olympics, you might remember how architecturally iconic the Birds Nest stadium was and how it spawned a number of documentaries about it. Well, I just had to see that for myself while I was in China and you should too.

If you’re into photography, you can come at night for a totally different view as compared to how it looks like in the daytime. Plus, if you do not want to enter the individual places of interest within the vicinity, you can enter the public park which is free and you still can take good pictures.

7. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers

The Drum Tower

Credit: By Czzhermit (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The Bell Tower

Credit: By Zaptel (IMG_1543) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Originally the Bell and Drum Towers were used as musical instruments in China. Afterwards, they were used to tell time. In the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220), there was a morning bell and a dusk drum, helping the people to work and live regularly as there was no other way to tell the time.

After climbing what seems to be the tallest staircase in the world, you will be presented with a birds’ eye view of Beijing, whether you climb the Bell or the Drum Tower. It is also a good place for taking pictures and selfies

Entrance fees: CNY 15 (Bell Tower), CNY 20 (Drum Tower), CNY 30 (Combo ticket)
Opening hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm daily

8. Wangfujing Street

Indulge in a 1-mile-long shopping experience at Wangfujing street

Credit: By BrokenSphere (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Ask anyone in Beijing about shopping, and they will point out Wangfujing Street. It is the most famous commercial and shopping district in Beijing. It is a 1-mile-long street that is home to a wide variety of shops and boutiques so you can shop till you drop!

At night, the main attraction is the Wangfujing Snack Street located south of Haoyou World Mall. It has hundreds of stalls and shops than mainly sell snacks, souvenirs and folk craft. There are 3 floors. On the first floor there are 500 different types of local food on sale. Be prepared to be shocked by what is offered here. However, the second floor is the place you want to be as it caters mostly to Muslims with many different types of halal food stalls. The third floor sells mostly exquisite tea and wine with Beijing opera for leisure.

9. Mosques

Niujie Mosque

Credit: By Antoine Taveneaux (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Beijing has a large Muslim population that consists mainly of the Hui Muslims and Uygur Muslims. This gave birth to a number of Mosques in the city with the Niujie mosque being the oldest one built in the year 996 during the Liao dynasty.

When I visited the Niujie Mosque, I got the chance to meet the imam. He was friendly and warm and took the time to give us a short tour of the mosque. I really appreciate the gesture, but, if only I could understand Mandarin, it would be informative as well. Don’t forget to donate to the mosque as it will help a lot since they don’t receive the same assistance as a mosque in a Muslim country.

Muslims who are on their very first trip to China might feel a bit awkward entering a Mosque that looks very similar to a Chinese temple however, after stepping inside there is a reassuring sight of the wudu’ place, prayer hall and mimbar to put you at ease.

The Niujie Mosque is definitely not the only Mosque in Beijing. Among other famous mosques in Beijing are the Huashi Mosque, Haidian Mosque, Nan Douya Mosque, Dongsi Mosque and the Changying Mosque. They are worth exploring too.

10. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China – Jinshanling section

As you would expect, I left the best for last. The Great Wall of China was the main reason for coming to Beijing. Actually, there are many sections of the wall opened to the public. In the Beijing area alone, there are 10 sections.

However, to travel to the walls, you would need to go on a tour package (unless you have Chinese relatives or friends to drive you there). To make things easier, most of the hotels in Beijing have booking services for you to go there. Packages range from CNY 300 to 600 or more, depending on which section you want to travel to.

Yes, I did cross those mountains!

I personally went through the Jinshanling section and I can recommend it to “more than casual hikers” that have a taste for adventure. Make sure you have a good fitness level and if you go for marathons, it definitely is a plus, but not a requirement. It has a mix of tough, unrestored terrain, a scenic view and to top it off a dramatic ending (zipline across a big reservoir). One of the most awesome things you can do in your youth!

I can’t recommend Jinshanling to those with physical limitations, the elderly and small children. If you are not that into hiking long and tough distances, Huanghuacheng or Mutianyu is recommended. Badaling and Juyongguan, are also recommended, but are a bit crowded on holidays, since it is the less challenging and most tourist friendly of them all.

London is ranked in the Top 5 World’s best cities to shop in according to Expedia, the travel website. So, it’s essential for you to visit London’s shopping areas when you are there! Here we take a look at London’s top 5 places to shop. And when you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, why not grab a bite at one of the Muslim friendly eateries around the area?

Credit: giphy

1. Oxford Street

Most high street brands like Topshop, River Island are amongst the most visited stores at the street. Don’t forget to check out John Lewis, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer if you are shopping for home and living. Selfridges is a place that has all your luxury labels under one roof. Most stores are open from 10 am to 9pm except Sundays where the closing hour is at 6pm.

How to get there: Nearest Tube station is Oxford Street (Victoria, Central and Bakerloo line)

Must visit stores:

Topshop

If you love street style then you should check out Topshop for its’ three floors of fashion world with UK’s own independent labels available in store. There’s also a floor full of in house make up line and accessories. You’ll surely spend almost a whole day just there!

Credit: Topshop

Address: 214 Oxford Street, W1W 8LG

Nike Town

A massive four floor of Nike goodies for Nike fans of all ages. Get your own personalised Nike sneakers on the second floor’s customisation area, where you can put your creative skills to the test!

Address: 236 Regent Street W1C 1DE

Lush

It is the biggest Lush store with its’ two floor venue. Be sure to grab their limited edition bath bombs and environmentally friendly make up!

Credit: Lush

Address: 175-179 Oxford Street  W1D 2JS

Muslim Friendly eateries:

China Express

Chinese takeaway at its’ best. With a wide selection of dishes from Korean BBQ chicken to Malaysian style “ayam masak kicap” (chicken in soy sauce), expect to be served with a hearty portion of noodles or rice. I recommend having a portion shared for two! The starting price is at five pounds.

Credit: zomato

Address: 29-31 Oxford Street, W1D 2DR
How to get there: Nearest station from Oxford Circus is Tottenham Court Road
Opening times: 10 am till 11pm
Price: £

Kula Café

If you have a sweet tooth and love healthy fruit juices, then you should try Kula Café! Located just behind Selfridges, this café has a variety of halal desserts. Be sure to get their chocolate cake with Ferrero Rocher chocolate as a topping!

Address: 21 James St, London W1U 1DS
Opening times: 8 am till 11pm
Price: ££

Ben’s Cookies

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, then this is a great snack for you. Ben’s Cookies are perfect for vegetarians and stated Halal on their website (except for the Rum & Raisin cookie which contains alcohol). Top rated cookies are the dark chocolate cookie and coconut cookie! Each cookie is sold according to weight so the price ranges from £1.40 to £1.75.

 
Credit: Ben’s Cookies

Address: Bond Street station side, 355-361 Oxford Street, London W1D 2HE
How to get there: 4 mins walk From Oxford Circus station 139 Oxford Street, London W1D 2JA
Operating hours: 9am till 9pm
Price: ££

2. Carnaby Street

Tucked away behind the departmental store Liberty in West End London, Carnaby Street is place that promises all the cool shoe brands that us shopaholics love. From Vans, Doc Martens to Cheap Monday this is the place for all the cool kids!

Address: Soho, London W1F
How to get there: Nearest tube station is Oxford Circus and it is a five minute walk from the station.

Must visit stores:

Liberty

Famous for its’ Tudor style architecture, you can experience a bit of English history in central London.  This is the home of the infamous English floral prints with its’ famous collaboration being with Nike.

Credit: Alvin Leong on Flickr

Address: Regent Street, Soho, W1B 5AH

Martens

If you grew up trying to imitate punk culture then you need to check out this shop! The brand needs no introduction. This particular outlet is worth checking out when there’s less crowds and more limited editions pairs.

Credit: Carnaby

Address: 48 Carnaby Street London, W1 9PX
Operating hours: Mon- Sat: 10 am till 7 pm, Sun: 12 pm till 6 pm
Price: ££

Size?

Another store worth going for all things footwear. With all the rage about sneakers, Size? is the perfect place for you to find that exclusive pair of sneakers for your collection.

Credit: Size?

Address: 45 Carnaby Steet London, W1 9PX
Operating hours: Mon- Sat: 10 am till 7 pm, Sun: 12 pm till 6 pm
Price: ££

Muslim Friendly eateries:

Stax Diner

Serving classic American diner cuisine, treat yourself to some burgers and fries at Stax Diner! From milkshakes to waffles and fried pickles, you’re in for a delicious time.

Credit: Stax Diner

Address: First floor of Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW
How to get there: Piccadilly Circus station (7 mins walk) Oxford Circus station (6 mins walk), There’s a pathway beside Vans store leading to Kingly court.
Operating hours: 12pm till midnight
Price: ££

WrapChic

This store gives you a fusion of Mexican meets Indian food. Expect the Mutton Hyderabadi to be right up at your alley for spicy food on the go. If you prefer a more Mexican style, then get the Fish Malabari instead! The wrapchos and spicy chicken wings are also worth a try. Prices for a set meal starts from £6, for a wrap and drink.

Credit: Travel Shop Girl

Address: 38 Beak St, London W1F 9RG
How to get there: Just along Carnaby Street, you’ll find WrapChic opposite Lyle & Scott boutique.
Operating hours: Mon – Thurs: 8am till 6.30pm, Fri: 12pm till 7.30pm, Sat: 12pm till 7.30pm, Sun: 12pm till 5pm
Price: £

3. Knightsbridge

If you’re looking for an exclusive area to shop with luxury labels, then this is the place for you! The area is often packed with tourists so you might want to come early to check it out.

Address: Sloane St SW1
How to get there: It’s on the Piccadilly line between South Kensington and Hyde Park Corner

Must visit stores:

Harrods

Credit: Harrods

Known for its lavish interior, Harrods is home to expensive labels so hard to pronounce it’ll make your tongue twist! Take your time to visit all the floors – the toy department is amazing for those who are young at heart and also the kids of course!

Credit: 2.bp

Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
How to get there: It’s a 2 minute walk out of Knightsbridge station (Piccadilly station)
Operating hours: 10 am – 9pm
Price: ££££

Duke of York Square

Situated next to Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York Square boasts a few high end labels at its premises. You can spot brands like Zara, All Saints and Whistles here.

Credit: Duke of Yoke Square

Address: 80 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY
How to get there: It’s a 14 mins walk from Harrods. The nearest station is Sloan Square (District and Circle line)
Opening hours: Weekdays: 10 am till 7pm, Saturdays: 10 am till 6pm, Sundays: 12 am till 6pm
Price: ££ – £££

Muslim Friendly Eateries:

Knightsbridge is amongst London’s most visited area by Muslims from all corners of the world. So looking for a restaurant with mainly Middle Eastern influences are plenty here!However, since the area is pretty posh, the restaurants are a bit pricey. No worries though, we’ve found a few that’s pretty affordable.

Al Arez 2

This particular restaurant serves typical, large helpings of Lebanese food. We’d suggest the mixed shawarma plus their soup comes with crunchy pita. Don’t try to get there during lunch hour as it will be packed with Harrod’s employees. Or you could try and be friendly with them and get discounts. Kidding, please don’t attempt that

Credit: Márcio Cabral de Moura

Address: 128, Brompton Rd, London SW3 1JD
Operating hours: 10 am til 11.30 pm
Price: ££

Maroush

Maroush is known for its late opening hours and shisha smokers. You can get hot Lebanese food here after a full day of shopping. You can also take in London’s nightlife without the partying

Credit: Maroush

Address: 38 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NU
Operating hours: 10am till 4.30am
Price: ££

Harrod’s Food Hall (Ground Floor)

From exotic fruits (read durian) to bottled water priced at £30, Harrods food hall is a charming place to try what the rich is eating. We’d recommend bringing home the sinful desserts from the chocolate room.

Credit: Harrods

Operating hours: 10 am till 9pm
Price: ££

4. Covent Garden

This is a must visit area, situated close to Chinatown and Trafalgar Square. This is where you can purchase souvenirs for your family back home.

Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD, England

Must visit areas:

Jubilee Market

If you’re a vintage and antique hunter, you can check this market out. You can get souvenir trinkets made by artists here. The items are a bit pricey so be sure to walk around first! There’s a lot of souvenir T-shirt sellers here, so you can bargain a bit but don’t get your hopes up!

Credit: Jubilee Market

Address: 1 Tavistock St, London WC2E 8BD
Operating hours: Mon: 5am till 5pm, Tues to Fri: 10.30am till 7pm, Sat – Sun: 10 am till 6 pm
Price: ££

Kiko Milano

Aspiring make-up artists, rejoice! You’ll somehow find yourself at one of Convent Garden’s Beauty Quarter store, Kiko Milano. This Italian make up brand is a must visit and it is affordable for a beauty haul. It is a two floor shop so if it gets crowded, just head downstairs to avoid the crowd.

Credit: Timeout London

Address: 22-23 James Street WC2E 8NS
Operating hours: Mon – Fri: 10 am till 9pm, Sat: 9 am till 9pm, Sun: 12 pm till 6 pm
Price: ££

Stanfords

This is a store all travellers will be happy to visit! Stanfords sells everything about travelling, from books to maps. This is also a great place for a quick Instagram opportunity, given its’ old school style interior. You can even get their cool map design wrapping papers and turn them into posters (that’s what we did!).

Credit: Thierry Gregorius

Address: 12-14 Long Acre Convent Garden WC2E 9LP
Operating hours: Mon – Tues: 9am till 8pm, Wed – Fri: 9am till 8pm, Sat: 10 am till 9pm, Sun: 12 pm till 6 pm
Price: ££

Muslim Friendly Eateries:

Rasa Sayang

A Singapore meets Malaysia restaurant, Rasa Sayang is a gem in Chinatown for Malaysians, especially those missing the traditional Malaysian food. We’d recommend getting the fish assam pedas and white rice. Finish your meal off with a cup of hot or cold Teh Tarik

Credit: @missusredz on Instagram

Address: 5 Macclesfield St, London W1D 6AY
How to get there: An 8 minute walk from Convent Garden. Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly line) is the nearest station.
Operating hours: Mon – Thurs: 12 pm till 11pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm till 12am, Sundays 11.30am till 9:30pm
Price: ££

Yolkin

If you love macarons and ice cream this is the perfect combo for you! With flavours like Milo, Pandan, Black Forest and Milk Tea, you’re in for a heavenly treat. Each item usually costs around £ 4.50  and the menu changes every week.

Credit: Yolkin

Note: Yolkin is not halal certified so please purchase at your own discretion.

Address: 40 Great Windmill Street, Soho, W1D 7PF London
Operating hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm till 5pm
Price: ££

Primrose Bakery

A café to finish off the day after a great day out. Decorated in pastel colours, this charming café has delicious pastries (available in vegan and gluten free!). Get their earl grey tea and red velvet cupcake for a perfect tea time!

Credit: @maurine.six on Instagram

Address: 42 Tavistock Street, WC2E 7PB
Operating hours: Mon – Sat: 10 am till 7 30 pm, Sun: 11 am till 5pm
Price: ££

5. Brick Lane

This is the typical hipster central, where all the fashion and art scene in London is. So if you’re a hard core Instagram-er, do check out Brick Lane’s amazing graffiti walls. There are loads of café spotting to be done here as well as vintage shopping!

Address: 5 Brick Ln, London E1 6PU, UK
Directions: It’s a 5 minutes walk from Liverpool Street station (Central, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and Circle line)

Must visit stores:

Rough Trade

For those who still love to collect music vinyls, this is the place to be! There’s a café inside where you can relax and enjoy the music. It has an old school record store feel to it with the latest music genre. You will for sure be tempted to buy something here

Credit: risa ikeda on Flickr

Address: Dray Walk, 91 Brick Lane
Operating hours: Mon-Fri: 8 pm till 9 pm, Sat: 10 am till 8 pm, Sun: 11 am till 7 pm
Price: ££

Old Spitalfields Market

A trading place for arts, fashion and food all in one place! You’ll be greeted by delicious smells from the food carts once you’re in the market square. Be sure to bring enough cash for your spending since you’re more likely to invest in food! There’s so many to choose, from the pastry cart to savoury kebabs (all halal of course!)

Credit: Craig Nagy on Flickr

Address: Horner Square, Spitalfields, E1 6EW
Operating hours:  10 am till 5 pm
Price: ££

Dark Sugars

This store is famous for its home-made chocolate chilli so you might want to give it a taste before you buy it. Expect a spicy kick mingled with the bitter sweetness of the chocolate! Highly recommended for those who are down to try out new things.

Address: 141 Brick Ln, E1 6SB
Operating hours: 10 am till 10 pm
Price: ££

Muslim Friendly Eateries:

Poppies Fish and Chips

With the aromatic smell of the chips, this restaurant is hardly to be missed. And contrary to most fish and chips dishes in the UK, Poppies doesn’t use beer batter! The breaded fish is fried to perfection, served with mashed green peas and chips. Yup, remember in the UK, fries are called chips instead!

Credit: Poppies Fish and Chips

Address: 6-8 Hanbury St, E1 6QR
Operating hours: 11 am till 11 pm
Price: ££

Beigel Shop

This 24 hour bakery is, unfortunately, not halal but it is kosher. You HAVE to try the salmon cheese and pickled bagel, it’s absolutely amazing! Plus, they have rainbow bagels at only 50 pence a piece!

Credit: Beigel Shop

Note: As the shop isn’t certified halal, please purchase at your discretion.

Address: 155 Brick Ln, E1 6SB
Operating hours: 24 hours
Price: £

The Boiler House Food Hall

Every weekend, The Old Truman Brewery will be packed with tourists from all over the world. If you would like to avoid the crowd, it’s wise to go early as the place will start packing from lunch time onwards. The market has a wide range of food, so you can find halal food from Asian and Middle Eastern vendors! The vendors tend to change from time to time but halal food is still easy to find here.

Credit: eGuide Travel on Flickr

Address: The Old Truman Brewery 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU
Operating hours: Saturday 11 am till 6pm Sunday 10 am til 5pm
Price: £

London is booming with diverse shopping places and Muslim friendly eateries just waiting to be discovered! We’ve just scratched the tip of the iceberg. So if you happen to find any more hidden British gems, do let us know in the comments below

Tokyo may be a pricey city, even more for tourists on a tight budget. Still, some places are worth spending money on! After all, it’s always better to leave the country without regrets, especially if you don’t know if you’ll ever be back, right? Here are some places that are worth every yen you spend.

Credit: Giphy

P.S. If you’re heading to Tokyo, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android! 

1. Tokyo Skytree

Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization

Standing at the height of 638 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest broadcasting tower and the tallest structure in Japan. There are two observation decks located at the heights of 350 and 450 meters where you can view the entirety of Tokyo! Meanwhile, its lower floors consists of a shopping complex with an aquarium, a planetarium and a museum.

Credit: YOUinJapan 

Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm (last entry 9 pm)

Admission fee: For foreign tourists, ¥3000 (first observation deck) and ¥4000 (first and second observation decks)

Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

How to get there: Tokyo Skytree Station will get you directly to the Tokyo Skytree Town. Otherwise, there are shuttle buses from Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport, Tokyo Disney Resort and more. Visit the official website for more info!

2. Tokyo Dome City Attractions

Credit: The Japan Time

Tokyo Dome City Attractions (or LaQua) is an amusement park that is a part of Tokyo Dome City, a leisure complex located in central Tokyo (which also includes Tokyo Dome baseball stadium). This park offers more than 20 attractions, and its strategic location makes it a better choice for those who wish to spend less time commuting. Entering the park is free for everyone but a ticket is required for the rides, either per attraction or by purchasing a one-day pass.

Credit: Alphabet City

If you find thrill in feeling an adrenaline rush, don’t miss riding Thunder Dolphin, a roller coaster that cuts through part of the LaQua shopping centre building and the Big-O Ferris Wheel!

Opening hours: 10 am to 9 pm

Admission fee: One-day pass is ¥3900 (adult), ¥3400 (youth aged 12-17 and senior citizen aged 60 and above), ¥2100 (child aged 6-11), ¥1300 (infant aged 3-5)

Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/e/attractions/

How to get there: A short walk from Suidobashi Station (JR Chuo Line), Korakuen Station (Marunouchi-Namboku Line), or Kasuga Station (Oedo-Mita Line)

3. National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation

Credit: Wanderbat

The impressive National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, or more commonly known as Miraikan, is an ultra-modern facility where people can get a glimpse of Japan’s amazing achievements in the field of technology. Visitors may also experience dealing with natural disasters such as earthquakes. Hands-on lessons on how to deal with natural disasters are provided.

Credit: Miraikan 

Let your inner nerd out and learn about robots, space exploration, as well as Japan’s latest innovations such as modern transportation.

Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm (ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing), closed on Tuesdays and New Year holidays

Admission fee: ¥620 per adult, ¥210 for 18-year-olds and younger

Website: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/

How to get there: 4 minutes walk from Telecom Center Station or 5 minutes walk from Fune-no Kagakukan Station (Yurikamome). Otherwise take the free Bay Shuttle bus from Tokyo Teleport Station (Rinkai Line) and get off at National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation stop.

4. Tokyo Tower

Credit: Jeffrey Martin

A trip to Tokyo will not be complete without a visit to the ever iconic Tokyo Tower! Although Tokyo Skytree has become the new centrepiece of the town, it still hasn’t come close to beating this red tower as one of the most recognizable country landmarks. Tokyo Tower stands at 333 meters and is the symbol of the country’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power. The tower’s main observatory can be reached via elevator or its 600-step staircase (great place to burn those calories!). Another set of elevators will get you up the special observatory, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Credit: The Tokyo Skytree Explorer

In 2015, an indoor amusement park, One Piece Tower, was opened in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the famous One Piece manga, directly below the tower. Featuring characters from the series, the park offers games, shows and many other attractions.

#HHWT tip: You may get a ¥200 discount if you purchase your One Piece Tower tickets at local convenience stores or from your travel agents.

Tokyo Tower Observatories

Opening hours: 9 am to 11 pm daily (last entry 10.30 pm)

Admission fee: ¥900 (main observatory only), ¥1600 (both observatories)

Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en.html

One Piece Tower Theme Park

Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily (last entry 9 pm)

Admission fee: ¥3200 per person

Website: http://onepiecetower.tokyo/en/

How to get there: 5-10 minutes walk from Onarimon Station (Mita Line), Akanebashi Station (Oedo Line), and Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line)

5. Ghibli Museum

Credit: David Andrew 

Technically, Ghibli Museum is located in in Mikata, a town just outside central Tokyo, but it’s just a 15-minute train trip away from Shinjuku Station.

Dedicated to Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli, this museum is designed in the distinct style of the studio’s films, perfect for fans to imagine themselves being in the world of Ghibli. Of course, many of their famous characters are included as well. A small theatre can be found on the first floor where short films exclusive to the museum are shown, and special short-term exhibitions are held on the second floor.

Credit: MATCHA 

#HHWT tip: Tickets are not sold at the museum so remember to purchase them in advance! You can either purchase them at JTB offices in your country or at any Lawson convenience stores in Japan.

Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Admission fee: ¥1100 per adult (ages over 19), ¥700 (ages 13-18), ¥400 (ages 7-12), ¥100 (ages 4-6)

How to get there: 15 minutes walk from the south ext of Mitaka Station (JR Chuo Line). Community bus service from the exit to the museum is available with fees.

6. Tokyo Trick Art Museum, Odaiba

Credit: Appetite For Japan

Trick art museums are not that uncommon these days, but that doesn’t make this one any less amazing. Located in Decks Tokyo Beach shopping mall, Tokyo Trick Art Museum is divided into several segments with different themes, including a haunted mansion theme and the Japanese Edo Era theme, which is the museum’s highlight. There are guides and suggestions provided at each illusion on how you can pose for your photos, but you are encouraged to be creative. Tickets can be purchased from a vending machine at the entrance.

Credit: MATCHA

Opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm (last entry 8.30 pm)

Admission fee: ¥900 per adult (high school students and older), ¥400 per child (4-year-olds to junior high students)

How to get there: 2 minutes walk from Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station (Yurikamome), 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Teleport Station (Rinkai Line) Exit B. Tokyo Trick Art Museum is on the fourth floor of the Decks Tokyo Beach shopping mall (Island Mall side).

7. Samurai Museum

Credit: Ignition 

What is Japan without all the samurais? Samurais are not just any soldier, but they value honour above anything else, including their own lives. If you find yourself in Shinjuku, make a note to drop by this museum to see this iconic symbol of courage for yourself. The founder, Tetsuro Koyano, spent five years collecting the costumes, head gears, swords and other related equipment for his mission to educate the public, including tourists, and revive the soul of a samurai.

Credit: Lorianne DiSabato on Flickr

The highlight of Samurai Museum is an opportunity to get yourself photographed in a samurai costume of your choice!

Opening hours: 10.30 am to 9 pm (last entry 8.30 pm)

Admission fee: ¥1800 per adult, ¥800 per child under age of 12, free for children under 3

Website: http://samuraimuseum.jp/en/

How to get there: 4 minutes walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or 8 minutes walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit.

 8. Tokyo Sea Life Park

Credit: Matthew Bystedt

The huge glass dome will be the first thing that catches your attention when you get to Tokyo Sea Life Park. Beneath that lies a beautiful marine world consisting of all kinds of sea life from the Pacific, Atlantic, Antarctic, Arctic, and Indian Ocean. What the aquarium is best known for is the penguin exhibition, one of the largest in the country, that can be observed both on land and through water. Tokyo Sea Life Park also has a collection of replicas of freshwater life that used to exist in Tokyo when the place was rich with nature.

Credit: infatti

Opening hours: 9.30 am to 5 pm (last entry 4 pm)

Admission fee: ¥700 per person, ¥350 per senior citizen (ages above 65), ¥250 per junior high school student (ages 12-15), free for children under 12

How to get there: 5 minutes walk from Kasai-rinkai-koen Station (JR Keio Line)

 9. Catch a sumo tournament

Credit: Ko Sasaki

Sumo is Japan’s national sport and a unique form of wrestling that has its origins in the past as a form of entertainment for the Shinto deities. If you happen to be in Japan during a sumo season, be sure to attend a tournament! Tickets can be bought from the official site, via https://buysumotickets.com, or at convenience stores. Alternatively, you can try visiting a sumo stable to watch the practice sessions. However, not all stables allow visitors, particularly foreign tourists, so joining a guided tour is a better choice.

#HHWT tip: Sumo tournaments only take place in the odd-numbered months and in four different cities, therefore please check the sumo calendars when planning your trip! You might want to study more about sumo tournaments here before attending one.

Admission fee: Ticket price ranges from ¥5300 to ¥13400 per person depending on your seat.

Website: http://www.sumo.or.jp/En (official site) or https://buysumotickets.com/ for ticket purchasing and more information about the tournaments and time.

10. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea

Credit: Character Central 

You just can’t leave out Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea when talking about the best attractions in Tokyo! Not everyone can admit how much fun they actually have here, but no one can deny the charms of these two parks. We have already shared tips on planning a trip to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea previously, so check out those posts for more information!

P.S. If you’re heading to Tokyo, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android! 

Japan has always been (and probably always will be) an immensely popular tourist destination. With such rich cultural heritage clearly reflected in picturesque shots of gorgeous architecture, it’s a stark contrast to how technologically advanced the nation is. What’s not to love, right?

Credit: giphy

Now, some of you may claim to be experts in the art of creating authentic Japanese memories during your trips but have you really experienced it all?

No worries though, we’ve got your back! Here are 10 things you need to do for the complete Japanese experience 🤗

P.S. If you’re heading to Tokyo, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android and plan your trip easily! You can also find and book these tours on our app

1. Make new feathery friends at an Owl Cafe

Forget cat cafes, owl cafés are the new in thing! At Akiba Owls, there are 32 wide-eyed, potential feathery friends for you to choose from.

Ranked as one of the top 10 popular tourist experiences for foreign travellers on Tripadvisor, these adorable creatures are yours for one full hour! Maybe one will even perch on your shoulder

To solidify your newfound friendship, the café provides professional photo taking services where the photos taken will be made into laminated postcards. Definitely a memory worth capturing

P.S. If it’s your birthday, let the staff know and you might just receive a special gift!

The café doesn’t accept walk-ins so you have to book via their homepage no more than 3 days in advance. But through OMAKASE, you’ll be able to reserve a slot whenever you want!

Address: 67, Kandaneribeicho , Chiyoda-ku , Tokyo
How to get there: It’s a 2 minutes walk from JR “Akihabara” station (Central Gate)
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 12:00-18:00, Sat & Sun, 11:00-20:00
Fee: ¥1,080 (tax included)

2. Show off your (non-existent) karate skills

Boys, step aside. It’s time for us girls to shine! A world renowned martial arts form, karate is traditionally for men only. But at a dojo in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi area, women and children are more than welcomed to begin their karate journey.

Taught by Kajiayuko, a female karate master with a 4^th degree black belt (!!) and 26 years of experience, you’ll learn the art of discipline and self defence.

Given that it’s only a 2 hour session, you won’t come out of it a seasoned fighter but you’ll definitely gain a greater appreciation for the complex art form. But if you already know karate, you can practice it in all its’ authenticity

Eager to attain enlightenment through the ancient art of Karate? If you book on OMAKASE, they can arrange to pick you up directly from your hotel or at a specified meeting point!

#HHWT Tip: Do remember to bring a towel to clean off with as there aren’t any shower facilities in the dojo.

Address: Manabiya Hyotan, 1-9-9, Nihonbashi-muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
Fee: ¥7,776 (tax included), Children (Age 6-12): ¥ 3,888

3. Grab a sword and let out your inner samurai

Well, not a real sword because that’ll be dangerous! Another ancient practice, kendo is a traditional martial arts skill of Japanese swordsmen or samurai. Perhaps this could be your chance to live out your (secret) dream of being a samurai 

Throughout the 3 hours session, you’ll learn the basic etiquette skills of kendo, using armour and how to strike correctly. You’ll work alongside a black belt instructor who will guide you along the way.

Now, because you’ll be given a bamboo sword, play fighting might be tempting but please don’t swing the sword or go around hitting others with it! As they say, with great power, comes great responsibility 

P.S. If you book a session through OMAKASE, you can choose for it to be conducted in English or Japanese!

Meeting point: JR “Uguisudani” station (North Gate)
Operating hours: 8:00-20:00
Fee: ¥14,904 (tax included), Children (7-12): ¥7,452

4. Enjoy authentic, seasonal Japanese tea (with a view!)

If you’re a tea enthusiast like us, you’re going to love this place! At Sakyo Garden, you’ll get to taste 300 years’ worth of Japan’s tea production in a 3 hour session.

From sipping (way too many) cups of aromatic Japanese tea to embarking on a tea plantation tour, you’ll get to bask in the sights and sounds of a tranquil and ancient practice.

By booking a tour with OMAKASE, you’ll even get to experience the actual picking of tea leaves from where they are growing!

#HHWT Tip: Do note that the tea picking experience are only held in May, June and September.

Meeting point: JR “Kanaya” station ticket gate
Operating hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Fee: ¥9,180 (tax included)

5. Try your luck at scooping up some evasive goldfish

Hone your scooping skills at Asakusa Kingyo, where you can try your luck at catching little goldfishes. Often done during summer festivals, children will usually pay a small fee to take their prized catches home.

Credit: Asakusa Kingyo

Using nothing but the poi, a paper scoop, you’ll need to level the poi underwater and scoop the goldfish from the head. This game requires utmost care and lightning speed as the poi tears easily and the fishes will frantically swim away from you! Definitely a good way to learn patience 

P.S. If you book the one day Muslim-Friendly tour of Tokyo offered by OMAKASE, you can burn some calories scooping up goldfish after lunch!

Address: 2-7-13 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Operating hours: Daily, 9:00-17:00

6. Brush up on your Japanese calligraphy

Under the tutelage of master calligrapher Eikaku Matsumura, you’ll be able to experience calligraphy first hand! Known for his elaborate and ingenious style, Mr Matsumura is extremely well regarded in the local community so be rest assured that you’ll be in capable hands 

Also known as shodo, Japanese calligraphy is written in a style that is both artistic and emotionally driven! So instead of taking out your frustrations on other people, you can ‘brush it out’ to your heart’s content

So if you’re interested, feel free to book a 2 hour session with OMAKASE today!

Meeting point: Keikyu Umeyashiki Station ticket gates (about 15 minutes from Shinagawa Station)
Operating hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Fee: ¥5,940 (tax included)

7. Cook and stuff your belly with scrumptious, home styled Japanese food

Halal, home styled Japanese food is rather hard to come by but good things come to those who wait  At Higashi Nihonbashi “SHOKUTAKU”, you not only get to treat your rumbling belly to authentic Halal Japanese food, you also get to try your hand at cooking the dishes! You’ll also be taught the basics of Japanese dining etiquette and tradition.

Seasonal ingredients are used in the recipes cooked and do not contain any pork or alcohol. No compromising of flavours needed for your authentic, home styled meal

P.S. A simple prayer space and hand-washing facilities are also available!

#HHWT Tip: Book a session with OMAKASE to get special rates! This special offer is valid until the end of September so be sure to book it ASAP!

Address: 2 Chome-16-9 Higashinihonbashi Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 103-0004
How to get there: It’s a 5 minute walk from JR Sobu Line (Asakusabashi Station) or 4 minute walk from Toei Asakusa Line (Higashi Nihonbashi Station).
Operating hours: 10: 30 – 13: 30
Fee: ¥5,400 (tax included), children (Age 6-12): ¥ 2,700 (special offer until the end of September)

8. Begin your mangaka training in the cultural holy land of manga

For all those aspiring manga creators, this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed! Held at the Manga Designers Lab, you’ll have an insider look to how professional manga designers execute the planning and production of manga.

And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to draw manga (using professional tools)! During the 2 hour session, you’ll be treated to a how to draw manga lecture, where you’ll learn to draw unique manga-style lines, curves and manga faces!

Keen on kick-starting your creative manga journey? Head on over to OMAKASE to book a session now!

Address: Jingumae 6-10-8 Harajuku NA building 6F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
How to get there: 1 minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Line’s “Meiji Jingu-mae” station, exit 7
Operating hours: Sat-Sun (sessions are conducted during 3 timings):

1. 10:00-12:00
2. 13:00-15:00
3. 15:30-17:30

Fee: ¥8,640 (tax included)

9. Give a turtle some pellet nibbles in Kamakura

If you’re an animal lover, you wouldn’t want to miss this! Here’s your chance to meet and feed new reptilian friends. In Japan, the turtle is a symbol of longevity and persistence, which of course aptly describes the little critters.

Just make sure that the carps and pigeons don’t snatch the food away!

Book the half day Kamakura Muslim-Friendly tour offered by OMAKASE now to enjoy this unique experience in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu!

10. Treat your scalp to much needed carbonated head massage

In dire need of a refreshing scalp massage? The SLPISCA salon in Ebisu provides just that! Starting with deep cleansing carbonated (and chemical free!) shampoo, you’ll be given a scalp massage and a blow dry, which is said to help promote your metabolism 

P.S. The salon uses carbonated shampoo with high quality, Halal conscious hair care products

Everyone deserves a little TLC every now and then so why not treat yourself to 1 hour of pampering with OMAKASE?

Address: 2-8-6, Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku,Tokyo
Operating hours: Wed – Mon, 10:00-19:00
Fee: ¥7,020 (tax included)

So there you have it, 10 things you have to tick off your Japan travel bucket list for a complete Japanese experience! For more Muslim-Friendly activities, do remember to check out OMAKASE Tours 

This article was brought to you by Trip Designer – Omakase Tour.

When you’re out on the road or stuck in a cramped plane cabin, you’re always at the disadvantage of not having access to certain amenities you used to take for granted back home. Plushy pillows? Nope. Air-conditioning? You wish!

But some creative, inventive souls out there have decided to take matters into their own hands. Have your first world problems solved with these 10 weird but totally awesome travel gadgets

Credit: giphy

1. Ostrich Pillow

The Ostrich what now? Yup, you read that right. The people behind Studio Banana Things have banded together to create a portable power-napping device so that you can catch some z’s on the go.

Credit: Studio Banana Things

Credit: Stimulant

Much like its’ enormous, fluffy namesake, the Ostrich Pillow makes for a comfortable makeshift pillow against any surface. But why would anyone want to intentionally resemble an ostrich, I suppose we’ll never know

Where to buy: http://studiobananathings.com/
Price: USD99

2. Toothpaste Tablets

Imagine getting off an 8 hour flight and leaving with a (literal) bad taste in your mouth.  I mean, sure, some planes do provide small tubes of toothpaste but is that really enough to beat the stink?

Credit: The Awesomer

These toothpaste tablets are perfect for those long flights, an absolute lifesaver to be honest.  Just pop some in your mouth, chew a little and you’re good to go! The thought of chewing your toothpaste is a little bizarre, but hey, it’s a great alternative

 
Credit: dudeiwantthat

Where to buy: You can purchase it on the Archtek website.
Price: From USD2.99 onwards

3. Mini Travel Iron

What’s this? An iron for ants? Believe it or not, this is a fully functional iron! Just you know, miniature. Designed with worldwide dual voltage, this convenient tool even comes with a storage pouch.

Credit: overstock

Credit: coolstuffdude

Though it might take you a much longer time to iron several pieces of clothing, the iron comes in handy for small creases here and there. Not the most practical gadget in the world, but you have to admit, it’s pretty darn cute

Where to buy: Travel Smart on Amazon
Price: USD14

4. The Head Hammock

Ever had that awkward moment when you’ve accidentally nodded off and your head ends up on the shoulder of an unsuspecting (and bewildered) stranger? Yup… Not your greatest moment.

Credit: Kickstarter

Have no fear, designer Paula Blankenship has your back! Dubbed ‘the ultimate travel sleep solution’, the nod travel pillow is your ticket out of any more awkward sleeping encounters. Sleep soundly with your chin nestled against the tiny, secure hammock.

P.S. The fabric is also water repellent so your nap will be drool free

Where to get: Preorder on Kickstarter
Price: From USD25

5. Nomad Suitcase

Even as you’re enjoying your well-deserved holiday, (sometimes) the workaholic in you is yearning for your office table back home. Here’s where the Nomad Suitcase comes in! Bibi Lab has created a wheeled suitcase with an attached desk and foldable chair for maximum productivity.

Credit: Bibi Lab

Credit: ezshopex

The attached table and chair is actually super versatile! Have yourself a little picnic, a flat surface for painting or turn it into a vanity table.  Maybe the next time you’re stuck at the airport for a layover, you’ll make better use of your time

Where to get: Bibi Lab
Price: USD290

6. Backpack Drink Dispenser

If you ever wanted to be a human camel (hey we don’t judge!), here’s your chance! Get yourself this handy backpack drink dispenser and keep everyone around you hydrated.

Credit: homewetbar

The lightweight nylon bag even has a mesh bag for holding extra cups. You’ll never have to hold a drink in your hand again!

Where to get: Home Wet Bar
Price: USD40

7. Air Conditioned Outdoor Jacket

For those who desperately need to be kept cool at all times (we know we do), you might want to invest in this air conditioned outdoor jacket by Kuchofuku. The jacket has miniature air-conditioning systems at the sides that will circulate the cold air throughout your whole upper body.

Credit: Japan Trend Shop

Even if you happen to start perspiring, the 100% polyethylene fabric will keep you dry. The jacket also has multiple pockets for you to store your valuables!

Credit: Japan Trend Shop

The tiny fans are powered by AA batteries so you can easily change it once the batteries have depleted. A pretty ingenious creation, that’s for sure!

Where to get: Japan Trend Shop
Price: USD220

8. Bra Bag

This weird gadget would definitely benefit female travelers everywhere! Given the (not so subtle) design, you probably have an idea of the purpose of this bag.

Credit: My Bra Bag

Available in 8 stylish designs, the bra bag is a handy compartment for up to 6 of your delicates. Carrying this bag might attract some unwanted stares but at least the designs are cute!

Where to get: Linda The Bra Lady
Price: From USD34

9. Inflatable Bubble Tent

If you’ve ever been told that you’re always stuck in your own little bubble, this next gadget needs no introduction. Made from durable, high-quality materials, this inflatable bubble tent is an excellent travel accessory for camping enthusiasts!

Credit: travelaway

The tent comes complete with portable wardrobes, sofas and even roll-out beds! It’s also roomy enough to accommodate a family and comes with a free repair kit, glue, and blower.

Credit: rythmefm

The transparent aspect of it might deter most and it’s pretty pricey, so we advise to buy it only if you’re willing to splurge

Where to get: Bubble Tents on Amazon
Price: USD1500

10. Wearable Mosquito Suit

We’ve saved the weirdest one for last. Another interesting creating by Bibi Lab, this unusual polyester meshing suit is apparently super effective against mosquitos!

Credit: japantrendshop

The full body suit is super lightweight and easy to wear! Plus, you can easily tighten any loose parts of the suit with fasteners.

Though there’s a very high chance that you’ll be on the receiving end of dubious stares by strangers and friends alike, at the very least, you’ll be insect bite free

Where to get: Japan Trend Shop
Price: USD116

It’s safe to say that these 10 gadgets may not be for everyone but don’t knock it till you try it! Now, we have a question for you! What’s the weirdest travel gadget you’ve ever used? Let us know in the comments below

You’ve seen the famous F1 banners up on lamp posts and if you’ve managed to get yourself a ticket to the race, well, congratulations, you’re a couple weeks’ shy to the event!

For those who have been wondering when’s the race, it’s from 16^th September to 18^th September, and will be at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

P.S. Don’t forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner app to find yummy halal food in Singapore! The app is available on Google Play for Android and iTunes Store for iOS!

Why watch the race?

Get a chance to see your favourite race driver and their cool cars, and if you’re lucky, score a selfie with them!

Credit: f1fanatic

Feel the drivers’ adrenaline. If you’ve never been to the Formula 1 event before and have been watching them via television, try it for yourself and it’ll be a whole new experience! Find out how fast your eyes can capture the moving cars, watch the drivers overtake other racers or manoeuvre a sharp bend. Most of all, experience the heart-thumping sounds that fills the arena!

Now let us look at what’s in store!

 1. Get your hands on the official F1 Merchandise

Credit: SingaporeGrandPrix

For F1 fans who didn’t get a chance to purchase any merchandise last year, don’t forget to bring in some cash to enjoy yours this time! In addition to the official F1 merchandise, there will also be a 2016 F1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix merchandise. Don’t miss it!

 2. Catch the big action on track

Credit: @f1nightrace

What else would you be here for? Before the official Formula One race starts, there will be practice sessions, so expect a whole day of exhilaration at the circuit. Don’t be surprised if you can hear them a couple of kilometres away!

3. Experience the electrifying atmosphere of live entertainment

Credit: SingaporeGrandPrix

Enjoy different acts by awesome international bands such as Imagine Dragons, Kylie Minogue, Bastille and Pentatonix! Locals bands like Gentle Bones, Wicked Aura and Charlie Lim & The Mothership will also be performing at the event.

Hang out with them, and others, but take note that these performances spread across the 3-day event at different stages. Check out the artist line-up and their performance times.

4. Race off for your best picture

Credit: f1fanatic

Challenge yourself to capture these shiny fast-moving cars with your camera! With Marina Bay’s skyline, get to a high rise building and shoot the panoramic view in as well.

Credit: f1fanatic

Don’t be in a rush to go home! There will be fireworks at the end of the race, so keep a lookout on the last day of the event.

5. Keep your tummies happy with yummy food and beverage

Food and beverage will be available at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. They have a range of local and international restaurants, along with vegetarian and halal food providers.

P.S. If you’re in search of other halal eateries, download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on iTunes Store for iOS and Google Play for Android, where you find all kinds of halal food and MORE!

F1 RACE SCHEDULE

Friday 16th September 2016
Practice Session: 2:40PM – 11PM

Saturday 17th September 2016
Singapore Grand Prix Practice & Qualifying: 2:40PM – 10PM

Sunday 18th September 2016
Singapore Grand Prix: 8PM
(Other race starts at 3pm to 5:35pm)

How to get there: The Singapore Grand Prix will stretch the whole of Marina Bay, so use this guide to help yourself around.
Opening Hours: Gate opens from 2:30pm to 12:30am daily
Ticket Prices: For more information, please proceed to the official website here.

Remember to wear comfortable clothing, pack light and don’t forget your sunscreen! Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy!

Japan has always managed to leave us flabbergasted and in awe with their creative innovations and when you’re in nippon land, you’ll definitely have to check out some of them for yourself! So why not splurge a little yen and get yourselves some pretty unique gifts?

Credit: giphy

P.S. If you’re heading to Tokyo, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android!☺️

1. Don Quijote

Credit: antoniotajuelo

What to expect: Ah, Don Quijote, commonly known to locals and frequent travellers to Japan as Donki. All those quirky Japanese inventions you’ve seen on your newsfeed probably came from Don Quijote. We’re talking cat ears that waggle when you’re happy, Michael Jackson masks that come in both black and white and marijuana-scented air fresheners. But of course, if you’re looking for discounted household products, electronics, makeup, etc, Donki is your go-to place as well. It is a discount store after all! Plus it’s an awesome place to get cheap yet unique gifts for friends. Even if you’re not exactly looking to buy anything, Donki can pretty much be considered as an attraction on it’s own.

Want to dress up as Pluto, Green Man (Toy Story) or Pikachu?

Something for the boys?

Because everyone needs a wig!

Credit: dannychoo

Opening hours: 1000 – 0500
Address: 4-3-3 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Akihabara outlet). Other outlets can be found here.
How to get there: From the Electric Town Exit at Akihabara, go straight then turn left at the traffic light and keep going. Turn right at the next traffic light you encounter and go straight. You’ll see Don Quijote to your left.
Website: http://www.donki.com/en (English)

2. Tokyu Hands

Credit: matcha

What to expect: When we say you can get close to everything in Tokyu Hands, we’re really not exaggerating. It’s a huge lifestyle mega-store selling all sorts of merchandise including leather goods, packaged food, cookware and cutlery, bento boxes, stationery (see arts and crafts below), polaroid cameras, bicycles and MORE.

Yes, this is an emergency shelter that can accommodate 4 people, has LED lights, allows you to charge your phone, etc. It’s also going for around USD5,000.

Bring home a bike?

#HHWT Tip: There are a number of Tokyu Hands around Tokyo, but we recommend visiting either the Shinjuku outlet or the Shibuya (their very first outlet) store as these two outlets seem to have the largest variety. The outlet at Ikebukuro is also listed as a ‘large store’.

Opening hours: 1000 – 2100
Address: Times Square Building 2-8F, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Other stores here.
How to get there: : Alight at JR Shinjuku Station and take the New South Exit. Walk towards Takashimaya, Tokyu Hands is in the building.

3. Loft

Credit: rjch

What to expect: Loft is another lifestyle mega-store selling everything under the sun. If you don’t have much time in Tokyo, we recommend just heading to either Tokyu Hands or Loft as their offerings are pretty similar. Loft’s branding however, is definitely targeted more at the younger crowd but if you ask us? We always make time to visit both Tokyu Hands and Loft

Credit: iemo.jp

#HHWT Tip: If you’re already visiting Tokyu Hands in Shibuya, then head over to Loft as there’s an outlet in the same area! Alternatively, you can head to the outlet in Ginza as the Muji flagship store is nearby as well.

Opening hours: 1000 – 2100
Address: 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0042. Other stores here.
How to get there: Take the Hachiko Exit from JR Shibuya station and cross at the main crossing (Starbucks is ahead). Turn left and Loft is in the lane between the Seibu stores A and B.

So be a little unconventional and make your way down to these 3 places to scour for some awesome souvenirs. What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever bought in Japan? Let us know in the comments below ☺️

P.S. Don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android!

Perth is a beautiful city filled with beautiful sceneries! But there’s more to Perth than just the beach. So here are 5 things that you can do in Perth besides going to the beach!

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1. Take a stroll at Kings Park & Botanic Garden

Credit: expedia

Take some time to wander around the lake and fountains, climb the DNA Tower, take the elevated treetop Federation Walkway, or simply have a picnic with families or friends on the green grass.

Chilling out at the Moonlight Cinema

During the summer months, Kings Park also hosts Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema, the Moonlight Cinema, showing new and classic movies on the lawns of the park. Definitely an experience not to be missed, especially if you’re a movie buff!

2. Get an adrenaline rush at Adventure World

Credit: buggybuddys

For adrenaline junkies, make your way to Perth’s Adventure World – the only theme/water park that you will find in Perth. It has the longest, tallest and steepest Tornado water slide and over 25 rides and attractions that are sure to make your adrenaline rush! If you’re planning a visit here, make sure to purchase the Fast Pass to bypass the queues, especially on summer, where the park is normally packed with crowds.

3. Meet the koalas and feed the kangaroos at Caversham Wildlife Park

Hug cuddly animals at the wildlife park! You can hand-feed kangaroos, take photos with koalas, touch a lizard (if you’re not squeamish) or join in an interactive farm show – definitely a once in a lifetime experience to have, as most of these animals are native to Australia only.

Credit: exploretoursperth

#HHWT Tip: Caversham Wildlife Park serves halal food! You can find curry, rice and even pies. If you’re not up for eating there, you can also check out Makan 2 Cafe on your way back to the city for some good ol’ Malaysian food and teh tarik.

4. Visit the Pinnacles

Discover the ancient limestone pillars of the pinnacles

Credit: pinnaclehelicopterflights

Drive to Cervantes (about 3 hours drive from Perth city) to visit the majestic Pinnacles, an otherworldly desert of stone pillars rising up out of the golden sand. On summer, the weather can get very hot around here, so be sure to arrive early in the morning or late evening for that perfect photo shots with these alien looking rocks!

Discover the ancient limestone pillars of the pinnacles.

5. Shop for goodies at Fremantle

What better way to end the trip other than shop for Perth goodies! If you’re looking for cheap souvenirs to bring back home, head on to Fremantle Market, just 25 minutes from Perth CBD. Do note that the market is only open from Friday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.

BONUS

Watertown brand outlet centre

Credit: pototravel

Head on to Watertown Brand Outlet Centre to shop for your favourite brands like, Levi’s, Dangerfield, French Connection, Nine West, Nike, Esprit and much more, without burning a hole in your pocket!

There’s a whole lot more to explore in Perth and Western Australia. So it’s time for you to start planning your adventure down under!

Everyone knows that it’s so difficult to find a good eatery (which appeals to everyone) for that special occasion. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best halal hotel buffets in Singapore!

Credit: Giphy

With many food options available, buffets are perfect even for picky eaters.

P.S. If you’re heading to Singapore, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android! 

 1. Straits Kitchen in Grand Hyatt

Credit: Shutterwhale

What to expect: What’s a trip to Singapore without trying ALL of the local dishes right? Well, here’s your chance! Local cuisine is served in a contemporary style at Straits Kitchen with an amazing spread of Chinese, Malay and Indian food! Yes, that means you get to try a whole array of local desserts too! 
Where: Lobby Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, S 228211 (Prayer room available)
Opening Hours: Lunch – 12pm to 2.30pm (Mon-Fri), 12.30pm to 3pm (Sat, Sun, PH), Dinner – 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Price: Lunch – (Adult – S$52++, Child – S$28++), Dinner (Adult – S$62++, Child – S$35++)
Reservations: Call 6732 1234 for reservations or book online here
Info: Website

2. AquaMarine

Credit: Misstamchiak

What to expect: As you would expect from a name like this, AquaMarine’s seafood spread is pretty amazing – HELLO Alaskan King Crab! With all that fresh seafood, international AND local delights, it’s really not hard to see why people can’t stop raving about this buffet.
Where: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square (Prayer room available)
Opening Hours: Lunch – 12pm to 2.30pm (Mon to Fri), 12pm to 3pm (Sat – Sun, Public Holidays)
Dinner – 6.30pm to 10pm
Price: Lunch (Adult – S$58++, Child – S$29++), Weekday Dinner (Adult – S$68++, Child – S$34++), Weekend Dinner (Adult – S$78++, Child – S$39++)
Check out their site for the festive pricings.
Reservations: Call 6845 1111 or book online here.
More Info: Website

3. Caurosel

Credit: Royal Plaza on Scotts

What to expect: A scrumptious international spread with seafood, sashimi, local favourites (hainanese chicken rice, laksa, etc), asian delights (thai, chinese, indian, etc) and of course a amazing desert corner! Yes, they have not one but three amazing chocolate fondues too Where: Lobby Level in Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Rd, S 228220 (Prayer rooms available)
Opening Hours: Lunch – 12pm to 2pm, Dinner – 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Check out their opening hours for breakfast and high tea here.
Price: Weekdays – Lunch (Adult – S$52++, Child – S$32++) Dinner (Adult – S$70++, Child – S$42++)
Weekends – Lunch (Adult – S$60++, Child – S$38++) Dinner (Adult – S$83++, Child – S$49++)
Full pricing list (includes breakfast and high tea) | Pricing for Christmas and New Year here.
Reservations: Reserve online, if you’re looking to make a reservation for more than 2 months in advance, email them at carousel@royalplaza.com.sg.
More Info: Website

Remember to come to these 3 places with an empty stomach and a big appetite! 

P.S. If you’re heading to Singapore, don’t forget to download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android! 

Who doesn’t love holidays!

Source: Giphy

Here in Singapore, we have a 3-day holiday for Eid (well technically it’s a weekend with a day break :P). However, every country celebrates Eid differently. Al Jazeera has compiled a list of Eid holidays around the world. So check out what your international friends are up to over the Eid holidays!

Credit: Al Jazeera

Eid Mubarak from our team at HHWT!

Between the crashing waves of Bells Beach and the chirping tropical rainforest of Daintree, there’s a plethora of outdoor adventures lurking around the corner. If you’re ready to re-energise your soul and rejuvenate your rebellious side, Australia is the destination to go to feel alive once again.

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1. Pick Up Surfing and Ride the Waves

Hit the waves at Noosa Head

Credit: Nomads

Perched at the rim of Queensland and Victoria are two favourite spots for surfing and they’re Noosa Heads and Bells Beach respectively. Surfers would prance over to the beach on any crisp and sunny weather to practice their aerial, barrel and other surfing moves. With a scenic landscape like that, who wouldn’t want to call these beaches their playgrounds?

The cerulean waters of Bells Beach await

Credit: Victoria

#HHWT Tip: The best months for surfing are from December till April (beginning of summer till the middle of autumn season)

Address: Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Admission: Free

2. Experience a Dive in Australia’s Famous Snorkelling Paradises

Credit: Sea Breeze Resort

Give yourself a fresh perspective of the world we live in by exploring the cerulean landscape of Ningaloo Reef and the Great Barrier Reef. These two snorkelling paradises are scattered with a party of colourful corals, exotic fishes as well as friendly manta rays and turtles. Ningaloo Reef is a marine destination that is famous for whale shark sightings (April to July) while Great Barrier Reef is widely frequented for coral gardens and tropical fishes (June to December).

Admire the colourful corals at the Great Barrier Reef

Credit: alterra

Address: Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth, Western Australia, Australia.
Admission: Free (marine park entry); depending on tour rates (snorkeling)
Website: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/ningaloo
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 8:00am – 5:00am

3. Take A Leap of Faith with Tandem Skydiving

Take a leap with tandem skydiving

Credit: Reef Experience

Outdoor adventures are seemingly incomplete without the mention of skydiving. It may induce fear in most, but for the brave few, it is a life changing experience they wouldn’t trade for anything else. If you’re curious to try this exhilarating activity, take the first step by signing up for tandem skydiving where you’ll be strapped onto a professional skydiver. The best spots to free fall from 14,000 feet are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Address: Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
Admission: Depending on skydiving package rates (starting from AUD$259 per person)
Website: http://www.skydive.com.au/

4. Appreciate the Wonders of Australian Nature through Day Hiking

Explore the Kings Canyon with a day hike

Credit: Travel With Riley

Better than a walk in the park is a day hike at Kings Canyon and Great Ocean Walk. While Kings Canyon offers a landscape of sandstone domes and weathered rocks within the Watarrka National Park, the Great Ocean Walk presents a beautiful trail of breezy cliff-tops and rocky seashores. When the weather is bright and sunny, head over to these natural gems with your loved ones and embrace the sceneries that is best appreciated in person than from a desktop wallpaper.

Address: Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, Petermann, Northern Territory, Australia.
Admission: Free
Website: https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/watarrka-national-park
Opening hours: All year round

5. Experience the Scenic Cycling Trails of Victoria

Murray to the Mountains is one of the best cycling trails in the country

Credit: Visit Victoria

If you prefer to explore a scenic getaways on a two-wheeler, Australia is brimming with nature-swept cycling trails. The best place to get started is the highly recommended Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. Perfect for leisure rides, you’ll pass by gorgeous mountain ranges, secret valleys and natural bushland as you navigate along the steady terrains.

#HHWT Tips: Check out Bright Electric Bikes that offer e-bike rentals or Myrtleford Cycle Centre for standard bicycle rentals. For a shuttle service for you and your bike (including luggage transfers), give River Tribe Adventures a call.

Address: Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, North East Victoria, Australia
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.murraytomountains.com.au
Opening hours: All year round but may be closed during poor weather or fire danger

6. Soar to New Heights through Nature Abseiling

The gush of waterfall at the Blue Mountains

Credit: Visit Blue Mountains

For an adventure in the wild, hit the road and take the two-hour train or car ride to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. Perched within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the sweeping greenery is sprinkled with crashing waterfalls, jagged rock formations and lush forests. Mountain biking, camping and rock climbing are popular ways to embrace this nature splendour, but there’s nothing like abseiling to greater heights for a panoramic view. Follow any abseiling tour groups and pace yourself safely as you climb the canyon walls of Blue Mountains.

Go abseiling on the weathered walls of Blue Mountains

Credit: Baz – The Landy

Address: Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia.
Admission: AUD$8 per vehicle (daily park entry) and abseiling package rates (Starting from AUD$230 per person)
Website: http://bmac.com.au
Opening hours: All year round

7. Spend the Night in an Australian Outback

Bid goodnight to nature at Nightfall in Lamington National Park

Credit: Nightfall Camp

Skip the swanky hotel stays and spend the night glamping in the Australian outback. Thanks to the increase of eco travellers, the glamping trend is taken to new heights on this side of the world. Consider cozying up at the Nightfall in Lamington National Park where individual safari tents are furnished with timber floors, hand-carved stone basins, rain-head showers and organic bedding. Equally amazing is the Karjini Eco Retreat where eco-friendly tents come with cotton-rich beddings, private ensuite bathrooms and scenic decks – and yes, you will find this retreat at the Karjini National Park.

Experience a night at the Australian outback at Karijini Eco Retreat

Credit: Karinji Eco Retreat

Address: Nightfall at Lamington National Park, Binna Burra, Queensland, Australia
Rates: Starting from AUD$795 per night per couple
Website: http://www.nightfall.com.au/

8. Fire Up your Engines for a Wild Four Wheel Drive

Credit: jannekepri on Instagram

Some travelers imagine their road trips with winding roads and a wanderlust mixtape on, but here in Australia, the 4WD (four-wheel drive) adventure on the Gibb River Road is one of the better options for a quick adrenaline boost. Skills and experience aren’t required to navigate your way through ‘The Gibb’. Fire up your engines and follow the 660-kilometre track that begins from Derby on the west coast to Kununurra on Western Australia’s eastern border. Along the way, you will be able to catch sightings of freshwater crocodiles in the Windjana Gorge National Park, go horse trekking through the Questro Wilderness Park and admire the Instagram-favourite Wandjina rock art.

#HHWT Tip: The best time for a drive is from May to October.

Address: The Gibb River Road, Gibb, Western Australia, Australia.
Admission: Various rates (different park entry applies); 4WD rental (starting from AUD$2,000 for one way)
Website: http://www.australia.com/en/itineraries/wa-gibb-river-rd.html

If taking a bite out of the Australian adventure is part of your bucket list, this continent will never disappoint. With surfing, snorkeling, skydiving and other adrenaline experiences rolled into one, there is always an exploration out there that is waiting for you.

Waking up to the sound of waves crashing onto the shores, away from the urban jungle noise. Taking a dip in your own private pool, with al fresco style dinner served straight to your dining table. You know you’re getting excited just by the thought of it. Pamper yourself at any of these 8 Muslim-friendly accommodations in Lombok for the perfect retreat!

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1. Sundamala Suites & Villas

Credit: sudamalaresorts 

With a private pool to swim your troubles away, Sundamala Villas are what dream vacations are made of. Catch the breeze by the courtyard as you laze your afternoon away, and spend your evening eating by the blue waters of Lombok at the Olah Olah Restaurant.

Credit: sundamalaresorts
Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: No
Spa: Private spa treatment rooms for females and males
Highlights:

• Diving courses
• Snorkelling day trip
• Heritage and nature tours
• Yoga classes

Click here to book: Sundamala Suites & Villas

2. The Oberoi Lombok

Credit: Oberoi Hotels

With brightly decorated and spacious living spaces, it won’t take long for you to get comfortable at Oberoi Lombok. Take a day trip to Gili Islands for some snorkelling, or help adopt a piece of coral when you do some coral planting. It’ll be bliss to end off your day with an intimate sunset dinner by the beach.

Credit: Oberoi Hotels

Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: No
Spa: Female spa therapists
Highlights:

• Snorkelling day trip to Gili Islands
• Sunset cruise
• Coral planting
• Horsecart to a traditional village nearby

Click here to book: The Oberoi Lombok

For other romantic getaway ideas, here’s a list of reasons why Bali would be a great destination for your honeymoon!

3. The Santosa Villas & Resorts Lombok

Credit: Santosa Facebook

After a long day of water sport activities, you can have your much-needed alone time here at Santosa Villas, be it lounging by the private pool, or indoors with the plump white pillows. Now you can finally finish that long overdue book. Dinners are also served at the Seaside restaurant by the pool, if you’re feeling a little fancy.

Credit: Santosa Facebook

Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: Yes
Spa: Separate private spa treatment rooms
Others: Airport transfer and shuttle service available
Highlights:

• Parasailing
• Deep sea-fishing
• Scuba-diving
• Water-ski
• Tennis court
• Cultural activities

Click here to book: The Santosa Villas & Resort Lombok

4. Qunci Villas Hotel

Credit: Qunci Villas

Staying at Qunci Villas is a luxurious treat you need to experience. With villas perched atop of a hill, it has panoramic views of Mount Agung in Bali and Lombok sea. Enjoy an uplifting yoga session in the morning and a lazy afternoon by three infinity pools for the rest of the day. Dinners here are whipped up by guest chefs and look forward to themed dinners such as beach BBQ or pasar malam, alongside a showcase of the Sasak dance dinner.

Credit: Qunci Villas

Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: No
Spa: Separate spa treatment rooms for females and males
Highlights:

• Themed dinners
• Yoga classes
• Three infinity-edge pools

Click here to book: Qunci Villas Hotel

5. Puri Mas Beach Resort & Spa

Credit: Puri Mas

At Puri Mas, you can feel absolutely refreshed after meditating at the Yoga Garden, revived by showing off some dance moves, and inspired after you go on tours around and beyond Lombok. The lush green gardens amidst the Indonesian cultural decorations in your villa and the clear blue skies and waters will make you fall in love with Lombok.

Credit: Puri Mas

Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: No
Spa: Separate treatment rooms for singles
Other: Airport transfer availble
Highlights:

• Outdoor Yoga Garden
• Puri Mas Art Gallery
• Dance classes
• Diving & Snorkelling
• Lombok Tours to Mount Rinjani, South & East of Lombok
• Tours beyond Lombok to Bali, Komodo Island

Click here to book: Puri Mas Beach Resort & Spa

6. Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas

Credit: Novotel Lombok

Won’t you just take a look at that sight? Yes, that’s where the Novotel Villas are located if you choose to spend your vacation at this gem. With sasak-styled villas and white sandy beaches, you’re all set for endless days in the sun. Novotel Villas has a range of sport activities for you to enjoy – go on boat excursions in the day, or spend some quality time with your kids at the family room. You can also choose hire bicycles to explore the area, and rest by the villa’s private pool at the end of the day. Get ready to recharge yourself.

Credit: Novotel Lombok

Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: No
Spa: Private spa treatment rooms
Other: Free airport transfer, private beach
Highlights:

• Boat tours
• Beach yoga
• Indonesian cooking class
• Kayaking, pedal boat, snorkelling
• Family room
• Horse riding

Click here to book: Novotel Lombok Resort &Villas

7. Kies Villas

Credit: Kies Villas Facebook

For a unique getaway, pick up some surfing skills with your own personal instructor, who will show you the best waves to ride at Kies Villas. Catch a late night in-house movies at the comfort of your own villa, while sipping coffee and chilling out on the bean bags by the pool.

Credit: Kies Villas Facebook

Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: Yes
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: No
Spa: Female spa therapist
Highlights:

• Surfing classes
• Motorbike rentals
• Table tennis
• Vinyl players

Click here to book: Kies Villa

8. Pool Villa Club Lombok

Credit: forum.awd.ru

Spending your holiday at the luxurious Pool Villa Club Lombok would mean making a trip down to the private beach, swimming in the wide lagoon pool, and listening to the sound of the beautiful call to prayer five times a day. You could indulge in a widespread of Italian, Indonesian and French cuisines by the pool and bask in the sun on your own private sun deck of the villa after your meals.

Credit: forum.awd.ru

Halal dining options: Yes
Villa and pool privacy: No
Prayer facilities/mosque on the island: Yes
Alcohol-free villas: No
Spa: Separate private spa treatment rooms
Others: Airport shuttle, car hire, bicycle rental available
Highlights:

• Diving
• Snorkelling
• Cycling
• Canoeing
• Table tennis
• Tennis Court

Click here to book: Pool Villa Club Lombok

With the abundance of activities to try and having your own private pools and beaches to lounge at, these villas are definitely the place to be at. Start packing your bags, you have to get onto the next flight out!