The term Instagram Husband has become an amusing catchphrase to describe husbands that go to great lengths to help their partners get that perfect shot for Instagram.

 Credit: Giphy

And it holds true for me too, to an extent. Whenever we travel, my husband Faizal is always kind enough to take a picture of me and stand by patiently while I look at the photo and go “umm..can we try and take another one?”. He also politely holds off from eating food if I want to snap a picture first and will offer to use his phone (which has a superior camera, or so I’m told) to take the perfect portrait shot I didn’t even know I wanted.

But curiously, while he’s quick to take pictures of me, and despite being okay with taking pictures of us together, he is supremely reluctant to have me take photos of him alone. And thinking about this, you have to wonder – while Instagram Husbands are a thing, you don’t hear as much about Instagram Wives or the ladies taking beautiful shots of their husbands.

But I think that needs to change – so I’m here to make the case for why we should all to take more photos of our partners, especially as we travel! Here are 5 reasons to embrace your role as an Instagram Wife when travelling.

1.Document your travel companion (and the person you love!) throughout your journeys

Travelling with your partner isn’t just about having a companion for your journey, but experiencing things together. And while it’s awesome to document yourself in a beautiful new setting and have someone on hand to help you do so, you bear the equally important role to help document them as well, whether they explicitly ask you to or otherwise.

Despite Faizal’s reluctance to have his photo taken, that hasn’t stopped me from doing so. My phone contains a treasure trove of pictures I’ve taken of him solo, from when we met all the way to now, as we live and travel together as a married couple. His lack of cooperation is often evident – I have various shots of him looking mildly annoyed to other shots of him straight up blocking his face from the camera.

Faizal being an uncooperative subject. Thanks for that husband!

But I still take them anyway, not just because I love him and think he’s cute (which he is, not gonna lie ), but also because I want to visually document the moments he has exploring a new place or eating good food, for both our references. I like seeing him experience things, and I want to record it for posterity. Which is why I will continue to sneak burst shots of him (resulting in my phone containing 20 identical pictures of him taking a bite of food at that hipster cafe we visited), despite his objections.

2. They’ll thank you for their photos later

So remember how I mentioned that my husband doesn’t like having his photo taken? Well, funnily enough, every time it comes to choosing a profile picture for some platform or other, guess who’s happy that they have a nice photo of them taken by yours truly

Because the truth of the matter is this: everyone likes having a good photo of themselves. And sometimes it takes the eye of the person who knows and loves someone to be able to coax that good photo out of them.

Credit: @pdoryp on Instagram

True story: my husband’s profile photo for his Whatsapp profile, social media profiles AND every employment pass he’s ever had is a picture of him I shot while we were out having a meal together in KL that I essentially had to cajole him to smile for in the first place.

Check out that grin! You’re welcome, Faizal 

3. Capture your memories together through your eyes

I firmly believe it’s important to take pictures of your partner while you travel because it captures a facet of your journey through your eyes with your partner as the subject, which is a unique point of view that can’t be duplicated. Taking a picture of someone is a lot different than say, taking a selfie together, in that you have more control is how your frame the shot and how you want to include your partner in it.

Credit: @rui_camera on Instagram

I am by no means a great photographer, but despite that, some of my favourite photos of my travels with Faizal are the ones I took of him, like the one below from when we travelled to Koh Samui. We were at a quaint little coffee shop, having iced coffees on a hot day after visiting the Big Buddha Temple. The cafe had a balcony where we were sitting that looked out to the sea, and there was an ocean breeze cooling us down as we sipped our coffees and occasionally chatted with the friendly shop owner. At that moment I think we were both just feeling happy to be there and in each other’s company. It was a lovely moment, and I get to relive it every time I look at this candid photo of Faizal looking out wistfully at the sea.

4. Understand what they go through as your IG husband

As the one who usually has our photos taken, it’s always a good idea to put ourselves in our partner’s shoes every once in a while and extend the same effort into taking pictures of them. It’s a good reminder of what they go through when we ask them to take the same photo of us for the fifth time, or when they have to crouch in some odd position to get that crucial angle that makes you look like you’re holding the Eiffel Tower.

Credit: @nanako.41 on Instagram

There are two clear moments in our history together where Faizal actually requested I take a photo of him alone. One was when we went fishing in Banting, Selangor and he caught this huge grouper. The other was when we visited the 3D Art Museum in Langkawi. I was surprised, amused and only too happy to oblige in both cases.

That’s Faizal and the humongous fish he caught (that we later cooked and ate!)

At the end of the day, we should never take for granted that our partners kindly oblige us in taking our photos, and offer to return the favour

Credit: @britster_ on Instagram

5. You have the opportunity to capture candid shots and learn more about them

You’d be surprised how taking a photo of a loved one can help you see them in a new light. And oftentimes, the most revealing photos are the candid shots, when you weren’t expecting it. There’s a time and a place for posed pictures (which are great!), but it’s also worth remembering that as your husband’s partner and travel companion, you have the opportunity to capture them in moments that are impromptu and truly genuine.

Credit: @_jojie_ on Instagram

Some of my favourite photos of Faizal are blurry shots of him looking towards the camera mid-laugh because he had given up trying to dodge my picture-taking. There’s another favourite one where I managed to capture him trying to sneak up on me with a dinosaur hand puppet (we were in the kids’ section of an IKEA) with the most mischievous look on his face that makes him look like a 10-year-old boy, rather than a 30-year-old man. There are others that feature him engrossed by something else, not even realising I’m snapping a photo. I love these photos because they’re visual reminders of why I fell in love with him in the first place, and they’re the reason I continue to try and take them.

A collage of Faizal in various stages of camera-readiness

So I’m all for taking candid shots of your partners, which I think can be especially interesting when you travel. Being in foreign places often reveals a special kind of vulnerability as you navigate through unfamiliar places – being there to document your partner through these experiences may often reveal insights about what they truly love to do when they travel, as well as how they deal with the great and sometimes challenging moments while travelling.

Take candid shots of your husband while he’s engrossed – like this picture of Mikhail  studying artwork (very) intently at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence

So there you have it, folks. Five reasons why I think we should all start switching the lens around to face our husbands (if we haven’t already!). No matter what your level of photography skills are, there are some beautiful, thoughtful pictures of the people we love that only we can take and can fully appreciate 

With 47 prefectures over 4 main islands and 430 smaller inhabited islands, there’s no shortage of new places to visit and new things to do in Japan!

Credit: Giphy

To help you decide where to go on your next Japan trip, we’ve rounded up the top 12 festivals we think are worth a visit in each month of 2019! And as a bonus, each city includes an exciting matsuri (festival) you can catch while you’re there, so that you can really experience local life at its finest! You might see some familiar names on this list, but we hope you give the newer ones a shot too 

January: Nago city, Okinawa prefecture

These southern Japanese islands are more well-known for their beaches and sub-tropical climate, but did you know that paying them a visit in January can mean seeing actual cherry blossoms months before mainland Japan? That’s right! Thanks to the warmer temperatures, full bloom here takes place months before the ‘usual’ March or April season. Okinawa is definitely a Japanese ‘wintertime’ getaway that won’t leave you freezing.

Credit: @maffayestes on Instagram

While you’re there, make sure to visit the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival where over 20,000 Taiwan cherry blossoms will be in bloom. You can walk up to Nago castle’s observation deck to see the blossoms against the blue-green of the sea, or take a more leisurely stroll through Nago Central Park to enjoy the pathways decorated with these precious pink blooms. There’s also the Nakijin Gusuku Cherry Blossom Festival in the nearby town of Nakijin, where locals perform traditional Okinawan dance performances for a unique hanami (cherry blossom viewing) experience.

P.S. Not convinced? Check out these 11 reasons why Okinawa will captivate you!

Getting there: Fly to Singapore’s Changi airport, and then take a direct flight to Okinawa’s Naha Airport. If you’re flying in from other major Japanese cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, take a domestic flight that’ll cost you less than USD$100.

February: Sapporo city, Hokkaido prefecture

We know we just talked about Okinawa, but how could we look at winter in Japan and not mention Hokkaido? It’s probably the most iconic Japanese wintertime retreat, where the powder-like snowfall and activities such as skiing and snowboarding make it a winter wonderland. Plus with halal or Muslim-friendly eateries being set up, visiting Hokkaido has been easier than ever  – some hotels will even help cater Muslim-friendly meals for you so make sure to ask ahead of time!

Credit: @fascinated_by_nippon on Instagram

Why not change up your Hokkaido trip a little by attending the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival)? The festival is held in early February, and runs for 8-12 days every year. It’s actually one of Japan’s biggest winter events and is even spread out over multiple sites covering snow slides, snow rafting, and ice sculpture events! The bustling crowd will leave you in a festive mood, and you’ll have so much fun enjoying the performances and concerts you’ll forget about the sub-zero temperatures

Getting there: Fly into Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita airports, and then take a domestic flight to one of Hokkaido’s many airports. Make sure to check that your flights in and out of Tokyo are from the same airport – you may not be able to make your connecting flight if you have to travel from Narita to Haneda first!

March: Nara city, Nara prefecture

We usually think of Nara as a day trip destination from Kyoto, where you can enjoy the company of friendly deer. But there’s actually lots to do in this former capital city besides that! There’s the impressively huge Todaiji temple that houses the largest bronze Buddha in the world (15 metres tall!) and the unique Koufun tombs built between the 3rd to 7th centuries Nara is definitely a city where you get to experience ancient Japanese culture!

Credit: @00taman on Instagram

Befitting an ancient with so much history, Nara’s Omizutori Festival is a very ancient one – it’s been held ever since 752AD! The festival is celebrated to welcome spring, and takes place in the first 2 weeks of March. Throughout these weeks, Otaimatsu ceremonies are held at night where large torches are waved above the crowd to create a rain of embers and sparks. It sounds a bit scary, but Otaimatsu is perfectly safe and is seen as bringing good luck on those who get ‘showered’ with sparks! The grandest Otaimatsu ceremony takes place on 12 March at Todaiji temple’s Nigatsudo Hall. If you’re visiting to catch a glimpse of this fire show, try to get there early as spectators will be rotated throughout the courtyard to give everyone a chance to see the spectacular sight.

Getting there: Fly into the Kansai International Airport, and take a train (ranging from 1hr 15-1hr 30mins in duration) to Nara from there. If you’re travelling there from Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe, you can get a JR Kansai Pass to cover your travels within the region – the train journey is just 35 minutes between Kyoto and Nara! If you’re travelling there from other major cities such as Tokyo which aren’t in the Kansai region, get the National JR Pass which will enable you to travel across different regions with ease.

April: Matsue city, Shimane prefecture

Shimane is one of the lesser populated prefectures in Japan, making its capital city Matsue perfect for a more laid-back trip where you can enjoy Japanese nature and sceneries without having to deal with large crowds. As there aren’t as many Muslim-friendly food options in Matsue or its surrounding towns, it may be better suited for a day trip for now, but the stunning seaside views you’ll get in the “City of Water” will be worth the trip!

Credit: @btamataya on Instagram

April is the middle of spring, and everyone will be trying to catch the sakura blossoms before they begin to fall. If you’re looking for a more exciting hanami experience, catch the Matsue Musha Gyoretsu warrior procession where reenactors dress in samurai warrior armour and royal gowns. The actors recreate the arrival of Matsue’s founder (Daimyo Horio Yoshiharu) at Matsue Castle, and there are also performances using a range of objects including swords and fans 🤩 You can even take a photograph with the actors afterwards – or rent armour or a kimono for yourself to join in the fun!

Getting there: If you’re coming from Tokyo, consider taking a domestic flight straight to Izumo airport, which is a 30 min bus ride from Matsue station. For a more laid-back option, take the JR train system from Tokyo to Okayama (4hrs) and then transfer to Matsue or Izumo (2.5 – 3hrs). You could even plan out a train journey if you’re taking this route, stopping at major cities such as Kyoto and Osaka along the way from Tokyo to Okayama, and continuing on to Hiroshima afterwards!

May: Hakata city, Fukuoka prefecture

Fukuoka is still an underrated region in Japan – but we hope this won’t be the case for long! With a rising number of Halal and Muslim-friendly establishments, fresh seafood, and a whole island full of cats(!) to see there are so many reasons to visit this beautiful area

Credit: @indranova_ on Instagram

Hakata’s Dontaku Port Festival is another ancient festival that’s been celebrated for over 800 years. The festival’s origins lie in giving thanks and tributes to feudal lords during the Heian era (13th century) but it’s become a huge event today that’s open to locals as well as foreigners. Some cities or countries even send tourism ambassadors to join in the fun, such as the East Javanese representatives featured above who attended the 2018 parade! Beginning at Hakata Port, the festival takes place during Golden Week and attracts an amazing 2 million visitors who watch the grand parade, dress up in costumes, and enjoy festivities across the town. Though the festival only lasts for 2 days, it’s definitely the place to be if you want to experience some thrill and excitement – visitors are even invited to jump in and dance along!

P.S. As Golden Week is one of the busiest times for domestic travel in Japan, remember to book your accommodations ahead of time so that you avoid the price hikes or rooms being sold out!

Getting there: Take a flight into Fukuoka Airport – if you’re flying from Kuala Lumpur, rejoice because there’s a direct option available! If you’re flying in from elsewhere, you may have a stopover in Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. You can get to Fukuoka from other parts of Japan using the JR Kyushu rail system.

June: Niigata city, Niigata prefecture

With Japan being right in the middle of the warm and sunny summer season, it can be difficult to decide exactly where you want to visit. Just 3 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen, Niigata prefecture is a good choice for its seaside views, fresh seafood, and smaller islands that are good for a day trip! It’s one of the places where you can find the best cities off the beaten path, and it’s definitely a summer destination you can’t miss out on

Credit: @vermilionsky on Instagram

There are summer matsuri taking place all over Japan, but Niigata city’s Shirone Ootako Gassen is certainly one of the more unique ones! Where else can you see huge kites ‘battle’ against each other? One local legend is that the kite fight came from a feud between locals on both sides of the Nakanokuchi River from the Edo period. Today, this tradition is both a way to honour centuries of history and display the skill and creativity of kite craftsmen in the city – kites are often painted with stylized pictures of warriors, mythological animals, geisha, and much more! Once the kites fall into the river, a tug-of-war battle starts between spectators. Even foreign visitors are invited to join in, giving you a chance to experience some traditional Japanese fun 🤩

Getting there: Niigata is a little more out of the way compared to the other cities on our list. Taking a flight there may require at least 2 stopovers along the way We recommend flying into Tokyo and then taking a 2hr shinkansen to Niigata city instead. You can enjoy the small towns and sceneries while on the train, or use the time to plan your upcoming itinerary!

July: Kyoto city, Kyoto prefecture

Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations within Japan, and for good reason! It’s a place where Japan’s past and present intertwine – where you can witness and experience traditional history and culture all around you, and still make time to visit the latest Muslim-friendly cafes and eateries. Whether you’re going there for a short 3D2N trip or something longer, you’ll definitely never get bored in this beautiful city.

Credit: @shihodiary on Instagram

Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri is easily the most famous and longest festival in Japan, taking place across the entire month of July The festival has been held for over 1,100 years and was even declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage! There are countless activities that go on during this festival, but the most notable one has to be the procession of Yamaboko floats. The city’s mikoshi (portable shrine) is also brought out during the evening procession, where the men carrying it joyfully raise it into the air and shake it, creating a rousing cheer from the crowd.

P.S. If you want to avoid the crowds who’ll be trying to catch a glimpse of the procession, you can always pay for an assigned seat that will let you watch the whole procession without worry! Tickets are 3,180 yen and your seat will come with an informative pamphlet so that you can learn more about this ancient festival.

Getting there: Fly into the Kansai International Airport, which is just 90mins from Kyoto via a direct train. If you’re flying in via Tokyo, you could even take a domestic flight to Osaka’s Itami Airport which is 50mins from the Kyoto city centre. Kyoto is also easily accessible via the JR system and falls under the JR Kansai region.

August: Aomori city, Aomori prefecture

Aomori is located at the very north of the Tohoku region, and used to be the port where people would board ferries to Hokkaido. Nowadays, infrastructural improvements for getting to Hokkaido have decreased visitorship to Aomori, but Aomori is still a top place to visit to bask in the fresh sights of nature, and especially to indulge in their famous apples.

Credit: @indy.lehal on Instagram

Held in the first week of August, Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri night festival is one of the largest festivals in Japan. Large Nebuta floats are illuminated and paraded through town, depicting mythological, historical, or kabuki scenes. The festival isn’t just a visual feast but a musical one too, as flutes and fans help to direct the floats, and the crowd gets excited and cheers the floats on You can even buy or rent a formal Haneto dancer outfit and join in! The entire town gets in on the festival spirit too, and you can find everything from towels to face masks decorated with the Nebuta faces.

Getting there: The most direct option would be to take one of the daily domestic flights between Tokyo’s Haneda airport and Aomori airport. If you want to take your time reaching Aomori or exploring the surrounding areas, you could always try taking a trip throughout the Tohoku area, passing through the major cities of Tokyo and Sendai.

September: Kumamoto city, Kumamoto prefecture

We’re sure you’ve seen the popular and adorable Kumamon around before – but did you know that this friendly-looking black bear is the official mascot of this southern prefecture? Kumamoto prefecture and its capital city aren’t just famous for Kumamon – Kumamoto city is also known for having one of the highest quality groundwater, and is within the top 10 producers of agriculture in Japan! The most well-known Kumamoto exports are melons, eggplants, and tangerines so make sure to try some before you leave

Credit: @jasminyano on Instagram

Kumamoto City’s Fujisaki Hachimangu Reitaisai is the annual grand festival of the Fujisaki Hachimangu shrine, and has been held for over 1,000 years. The locals know it as Umaoi Matsuri and over 20,000 people come to Kumamoto City just to celebrate it! The festival is a time for the entire city to let loose to celebrate the end of summer – mikoshi shrines are paraded through town, kazariuma (decorated horses) march up a hill cheered on by spectators (they receive pets and treats at dedicated stops along the way too!), and the final section called the Umaoi consists of participants chanting and dancing to drumbeats. There’s even a Noh play put on for spectators, making this an excellent way to send off the summer and welcome autumn – it’s even said that autumn doesn’t properly arrive until the festival ends!

Getting there: The most direct way is to take a domestic flight from Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports, or Osaka’s Itami Airport. If you’re already travelling via the JR lines, you can also take a 3h 20min trip from Shin-Osaka and spend a day in Kumamoto

October: Niihama city, Ehime prefecture

Niihama is a quiet seaside town within Ehime prefecture, located on Shikoku Island towards the southwest of Japan. The town is known primarily for the Besshi copper mine that contributed to Japan’s early modernization efforts and is definitely one of the least busy destinations on this list.

Credit: @WEB_OYAJI on Flickr

If there’s one other thing Niihama is known for, it’s its iconic Niihama Taiko (Drum) Matsuri that makes the town come alive ever October. The festival is known to get the citizens so worked up, police in riot gear sometimes have to be called in 🤭 The festival is held to celebrate the autumn harvest, and is famous for its Otoko Matsuri (Men’s Festival) where groups of men compete to lift drums weighing over 3 tonnes! Each city district has its own Taiko, and the competition between drums can get so intense that teams have ended up in scuffles and fights. There are plenty of these drum-lifting competitions (called kakikurabe) throughout the city for the duration of the festival, giving you multiple opportunities to marvel at the show of strength and power from the participants.

Getting there: The most direct route is to fly from Tokyo or another major city to the prefecture’s capital of Matsuyama, followed by a train to Niihama.

November: Tokyo city, Tokyo prefecture

Were you wondering when Tokyo would finally appear on this list? We all know that Tokyo is full of exciting activities to do around every corner, and you’ll always be spoilt for choice if you pay it a visit. In November, the seasons haven’t quite transitioned into winter yet, and you’ll be able to see gorgeous orange and red scenery across the city, making it an ideal spot for some Insta-worthy shots Whether you’re there to explore the surrounding areas for 6D5N or making it a stop on the way to 5D4N in Takasaki and Nagano, Tokyo is a central hub that you can’t miss!

Credit: @ryusei_ishikawa on Instagram

Asakusa’s Tori-no-ichi festival and market stands out as an event that is so seasonal, it can change both its name and frequency from year to year! According to the 12 zodiac signs, each day of the year has a particular animal assigned to it. Tori-no-ichi starts on the first day of the Rooster (Tori) in November, and happens every twelve days later for the rest of the month. On years with only two (Ni) Rooster days, it is known as the Ni-no-tori market , and in years with three (San) days it’s known as the San-no-tori market. Similar markets are set up all over Japan, but Asakusa’s is the most famous both for its size and longevity – it’s been held for over 100 years and counting! The hundreds of stalls in the market primarily sell rake-shaped talismans called kakkome (pictured above), which are thought to ‘rake up’ good fortune. Lots of businesses flock here to buy themselves a larger rake than the previous year, making this a busy market full of energy!

Getting there: Take a flight into either Narita or Haneda Airport, and make use of the extensive subway system to get around from there! 

December: Chichibu city, Saitama prefecture

Chichibu is a city in Saitama known for its beautiful shrines and peaceful nature spots. The town is a quiet escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you’ll find Tokyo-ites visiting to get a quick break from work and city life! One of the most stunning sights here is at Hitsujiyama Park from April to May where shibazakura (pink moss) blossoms are in full bloom, creating blankets of pink that bloom into strategically planted ‘images’. If you’re already in the Kanto region, it’s definitely a short trip worth making!

Credit: @marutsubame on Instagram

The Chichibu Yomatsuri (Night Festival) is another incredible festival that’s been declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s best known for its floats and fireworks, and is one of the major float festivals across Japan! The Yomatsuri takes place across the first week of December, but firework displays are only held on the 2nd and 3rd of December alongside the float processions. It’s rare that a float ceremony includes such stunning fireworks, making this a unique winter event you definitely can’t miss There are 2 kinds of floats in the parade – the Yatai, and Kasakabo. The Yatai are shaped like traditional Japanese building, with an elaborate roof and lanterns; whereas the Kasakabo are shaped like pagodas. The floats aren’t just there for display either – the Yatai floats are used as stages, where local girls perform a Hiki-odori dance for spectators. There are even Yatai kabuki plays put on, giving you a chance to experience traditional Japanese culture in a whole new way!

Getting there: Chichibu is a quick train ride away from Tokyo, making it perfect for a day trip to enjoy some nature and give yourself a break from the rush of the city. If you’re taking the JR line, it’ll take about 105-140 mins depending on the services available. If you’re strapped for time, there’s always the “Red Arrow” train that takes only 80-100 minutes and costs 780-1480 yen.

Matsuri are so unique to Japanese culture – getting to experience one will definitely leave you with memories to last a lifetime! 

If there’s anyone out there who understands your travelling needs and priorities – discovering beautiful places, shopping for souvenirs, savouring local food, and looking great while doing all of those – it’s none other than your girlfriends. There’s nothing like travelling with our best friends, who know us better than our family and partner sometimes 

Credit: Giphy

Leave the boys behind because it’s time for just the girl gang to go on a trip! Here are 10 beautiful destinations you should head to with your girlfriends in 2019:

1. Meknes, Morocco

Meknes might have fallen behind Fez and Marrakesh in terms of popularity, but the obscurity actually makes the city a breath of fresh air. Over the years, the riad scene in Meknes has been steadily growing, but compared to the bigger cities, you can get things at half the price.

Credit: Dan Lundberg on Flickr

Start your tour at the historic Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the finest buildings in Meknes which house the remains of the famous former sultan. Even if visiting the tomb is not something you have in mind, the intricate architectural details and decorative features of the mausoleum are admirable! For a beautiful sunset view in the evening, head to Bab Mansour, a splendid imperial gateway several minutes away from the mausoleum ☺️

Credit: Christine Olson on Flickr

If you’re up for a little adventure and love some good history, head out of the city to Volubilis. The ancient ruins of Volubilis are a part of the excavated Berber and Roman city, featuring well-preserved mosaics, triumphal arches, basilicas, and various buildings. The site was abandoned and uninhabited for centuries before it was devastated by an earthquake in the mid-18th century, and later excavated during and after the French rule in Morocco.

#HHWT Tip: Not sure where to go in Morocco? Our 7D6N itinerary has you covered!

2. Penang, Malaysia

Credit: @chelleeek on Instagram

This colonial town in the northwest of Malaysia may not be as famous as the iconic Malacca, but its growth in popularity in recent years proves that Penang has plenty of charms of its own. The colourful and multicultural centre of George Town is decorated with a collection of street art painted or installed on the walls of decades-old shop lots and buildings, which makes for perfect OOTD backdrops 

Credit: @kooldjgq on Instagram

One of the most common reasons why Penang is a popular getaway destination is none other than the food! If time is limited but you still want to try a little bit of everything, head over to Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. It’s split into two separate sections; halal and non-halal – so put your mind at ease. Of course, don’t leave Penang without trying the nasi kandar! Of course, you’d also want to try local authentic Chinese food in Penang and our list would help you out.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

With scrumptious cuisines, grand temples, picture-perfect views, friendly locals and cheap shopping, Thailand is like a treasure box with numerous charms. And Chiang Mai promises all these 🤗

Credit: @rachelcopro on Instagram

Located in mountainous northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city of artisans and craftspeople with lots of art galleries and cultural centres.

Credit: @wapi.travel on Instagram

Get your girls to Bo Sang Handicraft Centre to learn the art of making traditional paper umbrellas by hand. If nature is more your thing, spend some time bonding with elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.

Fortunately, there are many Muslim-friendly hotels that serve halal food upon request in Chiang Mai. One of them is the Rainforest Boutique Hotel, a beautiful place surrounded by nature away from the chaotic city centre. Remember to get your fix of halal authentic Thai food at these 10 amazing eateries!

#HHWT Tip: Still not convinced? These 8 amazing reasons will make you want to book a flight to Chiang Mai 

4. Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Blending the different charms of Indonesia, the capital of Bali is both bustling and peaceful. Denpasar may come off a little daunting for first-timers as it is not the tropical paradise image that Bali holds, but this multicultural city is actually where you can discover the “real” Bali beyond the beach and paddy fields.

[P.S. Visiting Bali but not sure what you need to check off your list? We’ve rounded up the 12 amazing things you have to do in Bali!]

Credit: Graeme Churchard on Flickr

Denpasar is abundant with temples, museums and palaces. In fact, there’s probably more temples than homes here. It’s the perfect destination if you’re seeking adventure, culture and relaxation on top of beautiful views! The incredible traditional architecture of Bali Museum is a sight not to be missed, and right next door is the majestic Jagatnatha Temple, the biggest Hindu temple in the city.

Credit: Sybren Stüvel on Flickr

Do you love shopping? Then you’re at the right place! Denpasar was an important trading centre prior to the colonial era – hence the name “pasar” (market) – and remains a shopping hub until now. There’s a bunch of shopping malls around the city, but if you wish to experience the frenzied shopping scene at a traditional market and bargaining your souvenirs at the best price, make your way to Badung Market. Feeling hungry? Make sure you stop these awesome halal eateries to get a sample of local food.

#HHWT Tip: If you want an undisturbed time with your girlfriends, check out our top picks of 10 awesome villas in Bali!

5. Santorini, Greece

What can possibly be more magical than Santorini’s white Cycladic houses lining the cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of Aegean?

Santorini is one of those places that remind you of how beautiful God has created the world to be. Although this small Greek island is famous as a honeymoon destination, it’s not any less charming for a girls’ getaway. Spend your day surrounded by the iconic whitewashed buildings as you explore the hiking trail along Fira, head to the unique volcanic beaches where the sandy white sand is mixed with red and black volcanic pebbles, and watch the stunning sunset in picture-perfect Oia 

Credit: bionicgrrrl on Flickr

Compared to Athens where the Muslim community is larger, halal food isn’t as easy to find in Santorini. Thankfully, the majority of the food here is seafood. Still, alcohol and minced meat are added in as ingredients in some dishes, so we recommend you to speak to the restaurant staff or call ahead of time to be sure. But that said, you can stay in the many Muslim-friendly accommodations in the Greek islands too!

#HHWT Tip: For a fuss-free trip in Greece, our 6D5N Muslim-friendly Athens-Santorini itinerary is just what you need ☺️

6. Paris, France

As strange as it might sound to some people, travelling to the city of love with friends can be a lot more fun than with your other half. Think about all the grand sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Sacré-Cœur and more! Or take a bite of its world-famous desserts and go shopping at Champs-Élysées with your girlfriends 🤗

Credit: @dani.rohen on Instagram

For a fun time with your girlfriends, make your way to Palais Royal, a 17th-century palace and former residence of Cardinal Richelieu, and childhood home of King Louis XIV. Be sure to visit the lovely garden, Jardin du Palais Royal, which is the only garden in Paris to be classified as “Remarkable Garden” by the French Ministry of Culture. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic with your girls or take a stroll around for the best OOTD spot 

#HHWT Tip: Looking for more places for the ‘gram? We’ve got you covered with our list of picture-perfect spots in Paris!

Credit: @foodloverspvris on Instagram

Fancy a posh dinner? Head to Le Confidentiel for authentic French cuisine, and it’s totally halal! The French Gourmet restaurant is located steps away from Champs Elysees and is the first halal restaurant in Paris to offer all-you-can-eat menu. The average meal is around €25, so be ready to splurge! They also offer Sunday Brunch priced at €35/adult. Check out our full list for other must-try Muslim-friendly restaurants in Paris.

P.S. If you’re exploring Europe, our 98DN London-Amsterdam-Paris itinerary will be perfect for you!

7. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is synonymous with ancient temples, traditional buildings, ryokan inns, and breathtaking natural sights. Create unforgettable memories with your girl gang and dress up in pretty kimonos or yukatas as you navigate the historic city.

Credit: @kyoto.yumeyakata.id on Instagram

For those wearing the hijab, you’d want to rent matching Japanese-patterned hijabs with your kimono at Yumeyakata ☺️

Although it’s often crowded with tourists, the narrow alleys of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple are the best shopping lanes where you can find the most unique items to bring home as souvenirs or indulge in local snacks and desserts. Don’t forget to try authentic matcha here in various forms!

#HHWT Tip: While you’re exploring the city, fuel up with its wide variety of halal Japanese cuisine available!

Don’t miss the amazing bamboo forest in Arashiyama! Standing amid the soaring bamboo stalks, it feels like you’ve been transported to another world. If you’re here in autumn, make sure to hop on the Sagano Romantic Train, a sightseeing train line that runs along Hozugawa River. This old-fashioned train moves at a slow pace, giving passengers a great opportunity to admire the scenic landscape. The golden colours of autumn make the view even more magical!

P.S. Explore Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and more with our 5D4N Muslim-friendly itinerary!

8. Jeju Island, South Korea

The largest island off the coast of Korean Peninsula, Jeju-do is well known for its lush forest, beautiful seasides, coastal roads and walking trails. Loved by both local and foreign tourists, Jeju-do caters perfectly to any type of vacation, be it a relaxing holiday or one with outdoor adventures.

Credit: LG Electronics on Flickr

Mt Halla, or Hallasan, is Jeju-do’s biggest attraction, literally. A shield volcano, Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea and surrounded by Hallasan National Park. If hiking is too much effort, how does picking tangerines sound? For as low as 5000 won, you’re free to roam around the farm, pick and eat as many as you wish! Each person is allowed to bring home 1kg of tangerines.

P.S. While exploring Jeju, make sure you pop by these 6 Muslim-friendly restaurants in Jeju.

Credit: Republic of Korea on Flickr

Renting a car is the best way to go around the city as public transportation in Jeju-do isn’t as efficient as in other cities. Rental car services are available at the airport. The cars are equipped with built-in GPS and the road signs are written in English, so don’t worry about not finding your ways around! Otherwise, you can also rent a driver or a taxi for a day If you think this will be your next trip, check out this 5D4N Muslim-friendly Jeju itinerary to get you started!

9. London, UK

Every girl dreams of visiting London at some point in her life, so it’s only right to head there for a girls getaway It doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff, a fashionista, a foodie or even a Potterhead, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in London and you’ll need to bookmark our list of 13 must-do things!

Credit: @starkim817 on Instagram

From the lively Borough Market to trendy Harrods, London is a shopping haven. With so many shopping streets and markets, just be careful not to overspend! Meanwhile, if you’re into art and culture, there’s a lot of museums, galleries as well as theatres to check out. Being in the land of Shakespeare, you definitely can’t miss Shakespeare Globe. Check the events and catch a play if you can!

#HHWT Tip: London is an expensive city but you can get more bang for your buck with these 7 incredible hacks!

Credit: Luke Rauscher on Flickr

Have a thing for the British royal family? While going on a royal tour to the Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace does sound fancy, why not grab a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a photo “together”? Head to Madame Tussauds London and meet your favourite celebrities, athletes, politicians and more as well as the entire royal family themselves!

P.S. Missing home food while in London? Our list of 8 halal Malaysian eateries in London will keep your tummy satisfied 🤤

10. Bucharest, Romania

Once known as the “Paris in the East”, Bucharest is the Romanian capital that merges their past history with modern identity. What might surprise you about Bucharest is that it’s not aesthetically beautiful, but that’s the real charm. There’s a lot of mismatched architecture in the city made up of French-inspired buildings and communist-era utilitarian blocks, which makes it a fascinating mix. Can you believe Bucharest even has its own iconic Arc de Triomphe?

Credit: David Holt on Flickr

Despite being a part of the EU, Romania is a lot cheaper than the other European countries since they use Romanian Leu (RON) as their currency instead of the Euro. And great news for budget travellers, attractions, entertainment and transportation don’t cost a lot here as well!

Credit: Dimitris Kamaras on Flickr

Don’t forget to drop by Carturesti Carusel, one of the most beautiful bookshops you’ll ever see. Located in the heart of Old Town (Lipscani), the bookshop is set inside a restored 19th-century building and has an impressive minimalistic yet posh design. Find a vinyl collection in the basement and have a coffee break (Bucharest’s most expensive!) on the top floor 

We hope these 10 charming places have got you psyched to plan a trip with your girlfriends this year! With plenty of Instagrammable spots, shopping and unique activities, you’re bound to have an unforgettable trip with your best girls 🤗 SHARE this with them and you’re on your way to forging wonderful memories!

Ever since the famous Yi Zun Beef Noodle opened the first halal hand-pulled Chinese noodle stall in Singapore last year, we’ve seen an increase in more of such stalls. Besides being really yummy, it’s also heartening to know that the halal Chinese food scene in Singapore is growing ☺️

Credit: Giphy

Good news for all you east siders, the “OG” of halal hand-pulled noodles in Singapore, Yi Zun, has recently opened a new outlet at Joo Chiat Rd, just opposite Joo Chiat Complex!

P.S. Did you know that Yi Zun’s owner is Madam Aishah, a Chinese Muslim from China? She also has a halal authentic Chinese hotpot eatery in Simei!

Credit: Ridzuan Ng

Check this out – Yi Zun’s Joo Chiat outlet is more spacious and has a great ambience, making it perfect for gatherings with your loved ones. Not to mention that the decor is Xinjiang-inspired and complete with Turkish-style lights

Credit: Ridzuan Ng 

The best part is, there are more items on the menu too. Xinjiang lamb skewers, anyone? The meat is marinated with garlic, cumin and Sichuan peppercorn, then grilled to perfection 🤤 Other dishes you can expect are their Yi Zun Baked Fish and Salted Egg Chicken among others.

[P.S. Love Chinese food? Then check out our list of top 13 halal Chinese eateries in Singapore!]

Credit: @raylaa on Instagram

Of course, how could we forget Yi Zun’s main star – its hand-pulled noodles ($9.80)! Springy noodles in a light broth, with succulent chunks of beef – you’d be slurping this down in no time Remember to top it off with chilli for a kick to your taste buds!

Credit: Ridzuan Ng 

If you’re not in the mood for something soupy, opt for their dry version instead. Satisfy your tummy with their Yi Zun Minced Meat Noodle ($8.80), Scallion Noodles ($7.80) or Tomato & Beef Noodles ($8.80)! After your scrumptious meal, wash it all down with a pot of hot Chinese tea or their signature Sour Prune Juice 

So, if you’re craving for some really authentic Chinese food, then head down to Yi Zun’s newest outlet in Joo Chiat! With so much to offer, we’re sure you’d leave the stall thoroughly satisfied  Don’t forget to SHARE this great piece of news with all your friends and family!

[P.S. If you’re looking for more places to eat with your makan buddies, our 2018 round-up of 15 awesome halal eateries has got you covered!]

Halal status: Muslim-owned and halal certification in progress

Joo Chiat outlet:

Address: 60 Joo Chiat Road, #01-08/09 Champion Hotel, Singapore 427726
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Contact No: 6909 9287

Farrer Park outlet (near Mustafa Centre):

Address: 45 Sam Leong Road, Singapore 207935
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Contact No: 6291 6616

Looking for something unique for your next foodie outing in Kuala Lumpur? How about having a unique outdoor BBQ dining IN a river just on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur! Feast on tasty grilled meats while experiencing the river streaming by your feet (literally!)

Credit: Giphy

Founded in 2017 by Mr Zainuddin Yatim and his wife Mrs. Mie Mie, the restaurant is set in (yes, that’s right, IN) a river . The table and chairs are set up in the river so diners can experience the refreshing and cold-water stream while enjoying the grilled meat!
Credit: @alansimpinghan on Instagram

For those not too keen on getting their feet soaked in the water (we know, it can be scary for some!), they have recently added a sheltered dry dining area next to the area.

Credit: @fahmirusli30 on Instagram

Since they provide meat (lamb, beef, chicken), seafood, and vegetarian options; you can bring the whole gang there – meat gobblers, pescatarians, vegetarians!

Credit: @hanifmohamad08 on Instagram

The menu differs depending on lunch or dinner. The lunch menu is a set menu comprising sets with free drink refills. The lunch sets available include are seafood (RM150/4pax), mixed skewer (RM120/4pax), mixed meat (RM120/4pax), couple set (RM80), vegetarian (RM30/1pax), and bird (poultry) set (RM100/4pax). Dinner is an ala carte menu where you can mix and match as you please.

Credit: BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah on Facebook

The restaurant also has a man-made pool ‍♂️, perfect for kids to splash around before or after a good meaty meal! There is also a surau for those who wish to perform prayers.

Credit: @__einzlailaz on Instagram

Since its located just a few kilometres away from Malaysia’s National Zoo, and ATV Adventure Ride Park, the restaurant is perfect for families to head there after a zoo trip, starving adventurers after an ATV outing, or just foodies looking for a distinctive dining experience!

The restaurant fills up quite fast, so we suggest you make a reservation beforehand to avoid disappointment. You can contact Mr Zainuddin via Whatsapp at +6012-211 4100.

Just a word of advice – dress to dine in a river. Skip the designer goods, and wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. No shoes in the river, but if you’re concerned about sharp rocks, wear slippers. You can place your shoes (and other things) by the river bank, right next to your table.

Also, do note that the river dining is not available on Fridays. But you can still dine in the sheltered area. The operating hours and river dining schedule are as follows:

Monday to Thursday: 12pm – 10pm (River dining last order 4.30pm)

Friday: 4pm – 10pm (no river dining)

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 12pm – 4pm (River dining last order 4.30pm), and 7pm – 10pm

Food status: Muslim-owned

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bbqlambklkemensah/

Location:

Tucked away just a few train stops away from Singapore’s iconic Orchard road is a quaint and contemporary area – Tiong Bahru. The word “Tiong” originates from Hokkien meaning “death”, while “Bahru” means “new” in Malay”.

Credit: Giphy

Unlike the modern Orchard road or Marina Bay area, the charm of Tiong Bahru lies in its mixture of colonial and contemporary Singapore, a convergence of the new and old

#HHWT tip: Singapore’s tropical climate can get hot during the day (usually around 28 – 32 degrees Celsius). We recommend that you bring out your nicest sunglasses and a bottle of water with you while walking around Tiong Bahru. And an umbrella if you’re not too keen on walking under the sun. Don’t worry there are plenty of shaded areas if you need a break.

We have compiled some activities for you to experience Tiong Bahru’s olden heritage and its modern revival. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss out!

The Old

Tiong Bahru itself has many sights and things to do for history and architecture buffs! Here are our top recommendations for some nostalgic points to see and explore.

1. HDB Flats

Tiong Bahru’s historical HDB flats are a haven for those wanting to see some old-school architecture! These low-rise buildings were built during the pre-war era in the 1920s and are one of the oldest housing estates in Singapore.

The HDB flats are about a ten-minute walk away from the train station. Stroll around the neighbourhood and get a feel of its colonial style architecture.

Keep a lookout for quirky details in the neighbourhood. Many old-fashioned and traditional items can be found in the vicinity. Some are used as decoration, and some are still used for their original function.

Find plenty of photo-friendly spots in the area too! The old colonial style doors and windows make excellent backgrounds for photographs. Time to up your Instagram game

Don’t just walk along the main roads, walk in between the apartment blocks. As it is still a residential area, you might see kids playing in the courtyards, residents doing chores, or just simply people going on with their daily lives in Tiong Bahru.

Since the older buildings are low-rise, it is amazing to see modern high-rise buildings behind them. A view that truly conveys a mixture of modern and old Singapore!

#HHWT tip: Enjoy the walk through the neighbourhood and do stop to grab a few (or more) insta-worthy shots but be aware that some items and locations are private properties.

2. Tiong Bahru Market

The Tiong Bahru market has been operating since 1945! Today, the newly-renovated two-level market has both a wet market on the ground floor and a hawker food court on the top floor.

Although the building is newly refurbished, each individual stall still has its own unique look and personality.

Walk around the wet market and you’ll notice plenty of flowers, meat, and vegetable vendors. Many of the vendors have been working at the market for decades! The uncles and aunties working at the stalls are friendly and are do not mind being photographed. Some might even strike up a conversation with you! Just be mindful not to get in their way during busy hours, or when they are accommodating customers.

And foodies, don’t be afraid to try Singapore’s legendary hawker food ! The dining area is airy with many ceiling fans so it is a comfortable place to grab breakfast or lunch. It might be crowded depending on the time or day, but one of the charms of this food court is the blend of people who eat there – find a mix of old-fashioned locals, office workers, and tourist. All enjoying Singapore’s iconic hawker food!

Majority of the stalls there are not halal. But there is a Muslim-owned stall, Ali Corner, that sells a variety of Malay dishes such as nasi lemak, mee soto, and ayam penyet. Prices start from SGD3.50.

If you’re craving for Singaporean Chinese food instead, here are 13 Halal Authentic Chinese Food and 5 Halal Bak Kut The Places when you explore other parts of the city!

#HWWT tip: Some of the food served may be spicy. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, let the ladies know so they won’t add chilli, or give you another recommendation to try instead.

The hawker centre itself separates halal and non-halal plates and utensils. Remember to place them in the correct tray sections when you’re done!

There are also priority seating for expecting mothers, elderly, and disabled. Just keep a lookout for these stickers on the chairs and tables for the priority tables.

3. Yong Huat Upholstery

You cannot visit a historical site without visiting the oldest shop in the area! Yong Huat Upholstery has been operating there for over 49 years.

Walking by the shop, you might see an old uncle working on upholstering things. Many still send their furniture or other materials for upholstery here because of the authenticity of their craftsmanship.

4. Qi Tian Gong Temple

Also been established since the 1920s is a quaint temple amid the busy Tiong Bahru area. Qi Tian Gong is a temple dedicated to the Monkey God, Sun Wukong, who is featured in the famous novel “Journey to the West”.

Qi Tian Gong’s uniqueness is its variety of monkey god statues. Look around the temple and see the monkey god in different poses and in a variety of sizes. There is also one section of the temple with a wall of tiny monkey god statues.

#HHWT tip: As you look around the temple, do be mindful not to get in the way of people who are visiting the temple to pray.

The New

The charm of this place is how the modern part of Singapore blends with the old in Tiong Bahru. Take a stroll around and you will see modern boutiques, stunning cafes, and contemporary art galleries! Here are a few of our suggestions for this part of Tiong Bahru.

1. Murals

Instagrammers rejoice! Find stunning murals along the streets that are worthy of your social media feed. The three most popular murals are by Yip Yew Chong – Home, Tiong Bahru Pasar, and Bird Singing Corner.

Each mural has its very own story based on the artist’s childhood growing up in Tiong Bahru. You can read their stories and inspirations on a paragraph painted right next to the murals!

Credit: @smaranda.mp on Instagram

The murals have been painted with such detail that they seem almost realistic. Although this is a new addition to Tiong Bahru, the scenes painted delivers a sense of nostalgia.

2. One Olive Floral Boutique

A cosy little flower shop for flower lovers! Unless you’re making a bouquet for a loved one (or yourself), you wouldn’t be spending much time here, but it is an adorable little sweet-smelling shop to visit

3. Bookstores

For book lovers , there are two indie bookstores just a few shops away from each other – Books Actually, and Woods in the Books.

This is THE place for you book lovers! Books Actually has a large collection of indie books by international and local Singaporean authors. Their collection is not usually found elsewhere. Browse through books on Singapore’s history, heritage and modernisation. Also, remember to check out the back of the store where you can find a variety of trinkets.

Books Actually also has a book vending machine outside the store that dispenses “mystery books”. For SGD19, you will get a surprise book!

Woods in the Books sells indie children’s books that are not commonly found in other bookstores. Drop in and have a look around. Similar to Books Actually, their books are not commonly found elsewhere. You might find an interesting souvenir or two for your younger friends or family!

4. Tiong Bahru Playground

Fantastic not just for kids, but also for the rest of us! The playground is in Tiong Bahru Park, a medium-sized neighbourhood park.

The playground is located slightly further than the rest of the suggested activities (about 10 to 15-minute walk). We suggest you visit the playground first or last for convenience. Have a go walking through the tilted train and snap whimsical photos!

Credit: @gwykaptures on Instagram

#HHWT tip: Be careful when walking through the train since its angled platforms can be a little slippery.

5. Shopping!

Shoppers, remember to allocate some time to check out the boutiques! There are many indie boutiques by local designers on the streets of Tiong Bahru. Some of us might end up spending the entire day just browsing through the indie boutiques! Here are two suggested boutiques that might interest you.

 Credit: @chiewytan on Instagram

Find local and international clothing at Nana & Bird! The cosy boutique has a retro feel and sells clothes, bags, and accessories!

Credit: @Diegosart on Instagram

For art enthusiasts, drop by Degiosart and check out their art collection. Find a mixture of vintage art, antiques, and contemporary fine objects sourced from parts of Europe and Asia.

And if that is not enough to satisfy the shopaholic in you, here are 11 best places in Singapore to shop at!

One great thing about Tiong Bahru is most of the sights are about three to five minutes’ walk from one another! You should be able to cover Tiong Bahru in a day, but you can come back for more of course. There is always something new to discover!

Getting there:
If you are using public transportation, you can get there by train or bus. If you’re taking the train, hop onto the closest MRT and stop at Tiong Bahru Station, located inside Tiong Bahru Plaza.

For buses, there are several stations you can stop along Tiong Bahru Road. Find buses that will take you to Tiong Bahru Road. Depending on where you start your day, you stop at different locations.

For those who wish to visit the playground, stop at Tiong Bahru Park or Opposite Tiong Bahru Park. If you want to stop at Tiong Bahru Plaza (where the train station is) take the bus to Tiong Bahru Station or Opposite Tiong Bahru Station. And you if want to head to where the cafes and boutiques are, stop at Blk 55.

Head over to Singapore’s Transit Link guide for more information bus routes.

Prayer locations:

For those looking for a prayer location, Masjid Jamiyyah Ar-Rabitah is located near the playground listed above. If you’re taking the bus there, stop at Bef Ar-Rabitah Mosque.

An extra note for photographers

Most places such as Tiong Bahru Market and Qi Tian Gong Temple are more than happy to let you snap away but do keep in mind that some shops aren’t too comfortable with you taking photographs (especially shops selling non-food products). It is best to ask first as a courtesy. But don’t worry, even if they don’t allow photography, they are friendly about it!

Whether you’re a local, a first-time tourist, or just looking for something different in Singapore, Tiong Bahru is definitely the place to be 

When we think of travelling to China, a lot of people (myself included!) tend to think of just Beijing and Shanghai (and also Xi’an!) as potential destinations, which, if you think about it, is quite surprising, given the sheer size of China and its population. If you’ve heard of Chengdu before, chances are you’re familiar with it for being the home to arguably one of the cutest animals ever – the giant panda.

Credit: Giphy

But did you know that this city, which is the capital of the Sichuan province, has so much more to offer in addition to being the country’s Panda Capital? Here are 7 reasons why you need to visit Chengdu!

1. Accessibility

Credit: byeangel on Flickr

A good place to start this list is with the journey and logistics to get there. Chengdu is located in the southwest of China, about a 3-hour flight from Beijing and only a 4 and a half-hour flight from Singapore or KL! You can take a direct flight to Chengdu’s Shuangliu International Airport through a number of flights from Singapore (including Singapore Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Air China) as well as KL (AirAsia), so getting there is a snap.

Credit: Kuruman on Flickr

In addition, did you know that Chengdu is a 3-day visa-free transit city? This means that if you are a traveller transiting at Chengdu (with tickets for a flight to a third country or region within China), you can stop in Chengdu for 72 hours without requiring a visa.

#HHWT Tip: The best periods to visit Chengdu are from March to June (during spring) and September to November (during autumn). There is substantial rainfall during the rainy season (July and August), which will probably be best to avoid.

2. Home of the wonderful giant pandas

Credit: Erwyn van der Meer on Flickr

Chengdu is considered the panda capital of China, and for good reason: pandas are native to Sichuan, and Chengdu is home to a number of panda research and conservation centres, making it THE place to get up close with these majestic creatures!

For tourists, the most popular destination for viewing pandas by far is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (also known as the Chengdu Panda Base). This non-profit research and breeding facility for giant pandas is located just outside town (about 10km from the city centre or 40-minute drive) and can give you rare access to the adorable animals. With an area covering about 165 acres, you’ll be able to roam around the large facility and observe pandas in its breeding centre, while also learning everything you’d ever want to know about them, including the centre’s breeding and conservation efforts.

Credit: @looloo_wang on Instagram

The centre is open daily from 7.30am – 6 pm, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of RMB 58 to enter the area. You can also book your tickets ahead of time on sites such as Klook.

Credit: @okumusokan on Instagram

#HHWT Tip: The best time to visit is early in the morning, as there will be fewer people, and also because the pandas will be more active (with feeding times happening in the mornings between 9 – 10 am). Towards the latter half of the day, the pandas tend to stay indoors to keep cool.  

Besides the Chengdu Panda Base, three other notable centres are the Dujiangyan Panda Base (where you can experience the giant panda volunteer program), Bifengxia Panda Base (the largest giant panda base) and the Wolong Panda Research Center (native panda habitat).

3. Halal local food in the culinary epicentre of Sichuan

Credit: Min Zhou on Flickr

Sichuan is famous for being the culinary haven of spicy Chinese food centred upon the iconic Sichuan peppercorns. And in Chengdu, you’ll get to experience its renowned and diverse food offerings, such as the popular ma la hot pot synonymous with the region.

If you’re worried about finding halal food, don’t! The city has a number of restaurants that offer halal local cuisine, so you won’t miss out!  

Credit: Nisa Nadia on Facebook

There is a number of notable halal restaurants serving local food that has been around for a while and are a must-try. These include the Tianfanglou Restaurant, which is located near Tianfu Square next to Huangcheng Mosque (which is Chengdu’s most prominent mosque) and is known for serving Sichuan and Xijian-style cuisine, including beef and mutton dishes.

Address: Floor 1, Huangcheng Mosque, 108 Xiyu Street, Qingyang District

Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm

Credit: Huangchengba Beef Restaurant on Daiping

Another popular restaurant is the Huangchengba Beef Restaurant, which serves special dishes such as ox lungs in chilli sauce, steamed beef with rice flour, and beef soup. The restaurant has a few different outlets throughout Chengdu, so you can have it as an option in more than one place!

Address:

• Sangui Qianjie outlet: No. 51, Sangui Qianjie, Qingyang District;
• Xiaojiahe outlet: No. 1, Xiaojiahe Street, Wuhou District.
• Wulicun outlet: No. 123, Chadianzi East Street, Chengdu

Contact no.: 028-86622057 (Sangui Qianjie outlet); 028-89657240 (Xiaojiahe outlet)

Opening hours: 11 am – 9 pm

Credit: @dion_lynx on Instagram

#HHWT Tip: The area surrounding Huangcheng Mosque (also near Tianfu Square) has a number of halal eateries, and also has some shops that sell halal groceries – keep an eye out for Vancorner, a halal convenience store located near the mosque!

[P.S.: Craving Sichuan food at the moment but haven’t booked a trip to Chengdu yet? You can still savour the delicious spicy food here in Singapore!]

4. Cultural attractions filled with stunning traditional architecture

Credit: @carole_rr on Instagram

One of the appeals of Chengdu is that while it has all the advantages of a large city (such as established infrastructure and transport systems), it has a more relaxed vibe than larger cities such as Beijing or Shanghai, with areas dedicated to preserving tradition and local arts.

One of Chengdu’s must-visit areas is Jinli Pedestrian Street. This 550m stretch of road is a walking street lined with shops, restaurants, and souvenir stalls. The street has become famous as it comprises historical townhouses that have been converted to shophouses.  Best of all is that this attraction is free, so you can stroll along the streets and soak in the atmosphere (including the beautiful lanterns that are lit up at night).

Credit: @jarstin07 on Instagram

Don’t forget to pick up popular souvenirs such as Bamboo Leaf Tea (Zhu Ye Qing), tea sets, or giant panda-related goods such as plushies, keychains, and so on.

Credit: @collintaylorglenn on Instagram

Another popular cultural area is the Kuanzhai Xiangzi, otherwise known as the Wide and Narrow Alleys. Consisting of the Wide Alley (Kuan Xiangzi), Narrow Alley (Zhai Xiangzi), Well Alley (Jing Xiangzi), the Wide and Narrow Alleys also comprise 45 courtyards that run along the three alleys. The area dates back to the Qing Dynasty and has been renovated and revived to become a culture and tourism hub. The Wide Alley is supposed to be a display of Old World Chengdu (with shops and shops built in traditional folk styles), Narrow Alley is meant to exhibit the typical slow life of Chengdu natives, while Well Alley has a more modern theme and is filled with trendy restaurants and bars.

Credit: @rameshnairsw on Instagram

Fun fact: Wide and Narrow Alley is supposedly the inspiration for many of the settings for Kung Fu Panda!

#HHWT Tip: While visiting Jinli Street and the Wide and Narrow Alleys, don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for cultural performances such as shadow puppetry and Sichuan Opera. Sichuan Opera is particularly special as unlike Chinese opera in other parts of China, it includes circus-like elements, including acrobatics, magic shows and fire spitters as well as face-changing (performance involving the use of multiple layered masks that can be changed at lightning speed).

5. Historic sites filled with artefacts of ancient civilisations

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Chengdu’s history dates back to at least the 4th century B.C. when it served as the capital for the Shu Kingdom, and it is the only city in Chinese history that has survived to date with its name and site remaining unchanged.

One of the most fascinating historic sites in Chengdu is undoubtedly the Jinsha Site Museum. This museum sits on an archaeological site that was discovered in 2001 containing relics and artefacts from the Shang and Zhou dynasties period of the ancient Shu kingdom. Excavations at the site uncovered palace foundations, a burial area, common dwellings as well as thousands of artefacts made of gold, bronze, jade and lacquered wood as well as and ivory and boar tusks. These finds are now displayed at both the site’s museum and a covered section of the original excavation area.

The museum is open from 8 am – 6 pm and has an entrance fee of RMB 70.

Credit: @imruix on Instagram

If you’re interested in seeing historic engineering feats, then you’re in for a treat with the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. While it might not seem like an obviously interesting place on paper, don’t be fooled. This ancient irrigation system dates back to before 3 B. C. and was named a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2000. The site sits within a park that not only promises a fascinating look into how water from the river was channelled for consumption, but also beautiful scenery and architecture.

6. Incredibly beautiful religious sites

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Chengdu is home to some amazing religious sites, one of them being the Leshan Giant Buddha. Many travellers to Chengdu take a day trip to Leshan (located about two hours drive from Chengdu) to see the world’s tallest Buddha statue at this UNESCO Heritage Site. The 71-meter figure is carved directly into the red sandstone cliff and depicts a sitting Maitreya (a form of Buddha usually represented as a very stout monk with a broad smile on his face and with his chest and stomach area exposed to view).

The site has areas where you can visit and view the statue from below (at the feet) or even at the head, though the best way to view the Giant Buddha is by boat from the river below.

Credit: @pinetreesagita on Instagram

Another popular religious site (which also requires a day trip out of the city) is Mount Emeishan (also known as Mount Emei). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the  Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and stands at over 3,000 meters high. The mountain is home to a vast array of monasteries, with more than 70 of them, mostly located near the top of the mountain.

Credit: @le0nsun on Instagram

Tourist and locals alike make their way to the Golden Summit at the top of Mount Emei, where there are two temples, including a massive golden statue of Buddha. While some opt to hike up the mountain the whole way (a journey that is usually broken up between one to three days and includes overnight stays on the mountains many guest houses available), most journey up the mountain by bus and cable car for a much quicker trip. But whichever way you choose to ascend, you’ll be met with some breathtaking views.

7. Gateway to Tibet

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One of the most unique aspects of Chengdu is its function as a gateway to Western China. The city is often used as the main entry point to more remote destinations on the western side of China, including the wondrous and mysterious Tibet.

There are many ways to get to Tibetan areas from Chengdu: by flight, train, or car. While the train is a popular option (via the beautifully scenic Qinghai-Tibet railway, which is also the world’s highest railway), you can also take one of the many flights that service the Chengdu Lhasa route from Shuangliu Airport (with flights taking approximately 2 hours).

Credit: @hapyjelybely on Instagram

A trip to Tibet promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey like no other. Knows as “The Roof Of The World” for its high altitudes, you’ll be able to have a glimpse at the awe-inspiring views of nature as well as man-made monuments such as monasteries, as well as observe the culture of Tibetan people.

8. Home to amazing nature spots

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Chengdu is renowned for its proximity to some amazing national parks, including the Jiuzhaigou National Park and the Huanglong National Park. These nature reserves have some of the most beautiful spots filled with lakes, waterfalls, colourful pools and gorges.  

Credit: @filip.linhart on Instagram

#HHWT Tip: The Jiuzhaigou National Park is currently closed following landslides that happened last year and has been undergoing renovations, however, it is set to re-open by summer of 2019. You can keep up with its status on its Facebook page. 

Credit: @into365 on Instagram

The distance to the parks are quite lengthy – travellers to Jiuzhaigou usually either go to Jiuzhaigou by flight from Chengdu (40-minute flight to Jiuzhaigou airport), or opt for the bus (cheaper, but it will take an 8-9 hour drive). Visiting Huanglong will require another 3-hour drive from Jiuzhaigou. But the stunning sights you’ll behold will make the journey worth it!

Chengdu promises a spectacular trip – whether you’re there to see the pandas, soak in the other-worldly nature spots, or try famous Sichuan cuisine, you’ll be amazed by all it has to offer. It’s time to start planning a trip to this marvellous city!

Luang Prabang is a city that never rushes its travellers. The moment you arrive, it lets you embrace the rhythm of relaxation every step of the way. Peppered with tranquil Buddhist temples and monasteries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides serenity to its travellers.

Credit: Giphy

To bring you closer to this relaxing destination, Scoot’s newly launched Laos flights will take you from Singapore to Luang Prabang or Vientiane three times a week! Fly with Scoot and you can enjoy fares from just SGD 98 (one-way including taxes), for travels from 1 April to 26 October 2019. Hurry, promo ends on 5 March 2019!

If you’re ready to go off the grid, here are eight reasons why you need to book a flight right now!

1. Enjoy a cool dip at Kuang Si Waterfalls

Credit: Christian Bowman on Flickr

The first step in appreciating the serenity of Luang Prabang is making a day trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Known as the largest waterfall in Luang Prabang, locals and travellers visit this place to experience a cool dip after a long day

Credit: @bonjour.lemonde on Instagram

Once you’ve arrived, swim in the lower pools and head further up where there are generally lesser crowds. But remember to visit the main waterfall that is located above the lower pools. Due to the strong currents, visitors are not allowed to swim in the main waterfall. Still, its beautiful cascade and clear blue pools are not to be missed!

#HHWT Tip: The admission fee is 20,000 kip per person (SGD 3.20)

 2. Savour delicious Muslim-friendly cuisine

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It may be challenging to find halal Laotian food in Luang Prabang, but don’t worry! Look out for Muslim-friendly food when you’re out and about. Go for the crispy river weed with chili paste (Kaipen), coconut custard cake (Khao nom kok) and lotus flower cookies (Kanom dok bua). You can also try their famous sticky rice (Khao niaw) and tapioca fruit jelly in coconut milk (Nam vahn) 🤤

For Muslim-friendly dining options, Luang Prabang has a few restaurants that are perfect for lunch and dinner.

Wat That Restaurant

Credit: @nurafiqah.rahman on Instagram

Head over to the Wat That Homestay for their in-house restaurant, which serves Laos and Malaysian cuisine. Sample the Luang Prabang salad, Lao curry and pad kapou.🤤

Location: Mekong Riverfront, Ban Wat That, Luang Prabang, Laos
Opening hours: Daily, 8AM-8PM
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Facebook

Nisha Restaurant

Credit: @iwonnnn on Instagram

Situated opposite the Sanctuary Hotel, Nisha Restaurant is known for serving Indian halal cuisine. Flip the menu and fill up your table with chicken tikka masala, vegetarian samosa, Palak paneer, chapati and more.

Location: Kingkitsalat Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
Opening hours: Daily, 9AM-10PM
Halal status: Muslim-friendly, vegetarian
Facebook

#HHWT Tip: Most restaurants in Luang Prabang serve pork and alcohol. Do check their menu beforehand and dine at your own discretion. You can also stick to seafood and vegetarian dishes as a rule of thumb!

3. Go hiking at Mount Phousi

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Catch Luang Prabang’s best sunset view at the peak of Mount Phousi, which is a favourite among hiking enthusiasts. Make the best of your trip by climbing the steps from one side of Mount Phousi and descending from the other.

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What you’ll love most about the climb are the temples you’ll discover along the way. The one you should look out for is Wat Chomsi that is located at the top of the hills. Locals would complete the climb by buying flowers for blessings or freeing a caged bird to signify eternal happiness

Note: Halfway up Mount Phousi, visitors need to pay an admission fee of 20,000 kip (SGD 3.20).

4. Shop at Luang Prabang Night Market

Credit: @thaliamaria_xx on Instagram

Next, go for a shopping trip at the Luang Prabang Night Market! Just hire a tuk-tuk and let it take you to Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham temple on Sisavangvong Road, where the famous night market is situated. Bring your canvas bag for the affordable clothes, ceramics, handcrafts and silk scarves that you’re about to find. Remember to haggle with a smile to score the best price.

Credit: @tommy.wales on Instagram

For quick bites, look out for a stall with the banner ‘all-vegan buffet’ where you can enjoy fried tofu, local noodles and other vegetarian dishes. Also check out for fruit juice stalls to quench your thirst. With so many things to do, go ahead and book your flight ticket right now!

#HHWT Tip: For more shopping, there are many shop houses along the street market. Take home some souvenirs, local coffee beans and trinkets.

If you’re planning a getaway to Luang Prabang, book a flight with Scoot and score amazing fares from just SGD 98 (one-way including taxes), for travels from 1 April to 26 October 2019! Remember, promo ends on 5 March 2019!

5. Find serenity in a Buddhist temple

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A visit to Laos’ Buddhist temples and monasteries is a must for every traveller! There are approximately 35 temples in Luang Prabang, so you should catch a glimpse of their stunning architecture and serene atmosphere when you’re in town.

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The main temple you should look out for is Wat Xieng Thong, where the exteriors are detailed with golden stencils and red lacquer. Another temple to visit is the Haw Pha Bang, previously established to house the country’s most respected Buddha image named Phra Bang in the 14^th century. Today, you can find the Phra Bang at the nearby Royal Palace Museum.

6. Experience farm life for a day

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Planting and harvesting rice is an important part of Luang Prabang’s agriculture. To experience farm life for a day, head over to Living Land Farm in Ban Phong Van. Situated in a countryside landscaped by mountains and rice terraces, it’s an experience not to be missed!

Credit: @patricia.jiang on Instagram

Guided by the Living Land Farm team, you can learn a variety of farming activities within a day. Some of which includes planting seedlings, threshing rice as well as cutting and bundling rice. Prepare to work together with the resident water buffalo, Rodolphe to plough the paddy field.

7. Enjoy a boat ride to Pak Ou Caves

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There’s more to Pak Ou Caves than just limestone cliffs. A highly respectable holy site in Laos, the cave was first discovered by one of the countries’ renowned kings, King Setthathirath. To get there, you need to take a leisure boat ride along the Mekong River, which was also known as the longest river in Southeast Asia!

Credit: @jamie.jennette on Instagram

Just hop into a longtail boat and let the riverside life of the Mekong River provide your early introduction. When you reach the point where Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers meet, that’s where you’ll find the Pak Ou Caves. Besides admiring the limestone formations, check out the ancient Buddha relics and images found in the caves. Excited to see it for yourself? Fly to Luang Prabang right now!

8. Witness the alms giving ceremony

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When in Luang Prabang, immerse yourself in the cultural experience of the popular alms giving ceremony, which is also known as Tak Bat.

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Between 5am and 6.30am, the Buddhist monks will step out from every main temple in the city to receive offerings from the locals. The offerings are made in the form of rice, bananas, fresh fruits and traditional sweets.

To witness the alms giving ceremony, the most popular site to go is the Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham temple on Sisavangvong Road. Remember to keep a respectable distance because it remains a spiritual ceremony for the locals. Additionally, avoid using camera flashes and never follow or disrupt the procession.

Ready to explore Luang Prabang? From now to 5 March 2019, fly with Scoot and enjoy fares from just SGD 98 (one-way including taxes), for travels from 1 April to 26 October 2019. Hurry!

Credit: Giphy

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing vacation in Luang Prabang, there’s no better time to book your flight than now! Whether you’re planning to catch the sunset on Mount Phousi or shop till you drop at Luang Prabang Night Market, you can do it all in Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret.

This article is brought to you by Scoot.

Raise your hand if you love pizzas! Quick and tasty, it’s the perfect meal for busy evenings and leisure weekends. We all know that Italy is famous for its wood-fired oven pizzas. If you’re wondering how it tastes like, make your way to this charming pizza eatery in Selangor!

Meet the husband-and-wife duo, Mr Ikmal and Mrs Azara who are the power couple behind Wood-Fired Oven Pizzeria (WOP). Established in November 2015, WOP has come a long way from a pop-up shop in front of Mr Ikmal’s mother’s home to an independent eatery at Presint Alami, Shah Alam.

Credit: WOP Pizzeria on Facebook

Walk through the restaurant’s red door and be greeted by the wafting scent of handcrafted pizzas straight from Mr Ikmal’s self-built wood-fired oven. Coupled with a friendly smile from Mrs Azara, it’s everything you dream a cosy pizza place would be.

While the outdoor seating has natural late-afternoon light for flatlays, we prefer watching the dynamic duo work their magic in front of the oven. From Smoked Beef and Rocket to Quattro Formaggi, every pizza in this eatery is made from scratch. Hence, it’s an absolute joy to see Mr Ikmal tossing and flourishing the handmade dough with passion.

The whole concept of WOP was inspired by Jamie Oliver’s show called Food Revolution that emphasises the importance of preparing food from scratch. The couple was so inspired that they made sure everything was handmade, from the in-house dough fermentation to buffalo milk mozzarella.

When WOP first started, they served regular pizzas before discovering that they prefer Neapolitan pizzas better than the rest. “We liked it because it was simple and straightforward. Plus, the Neapolitan pizza has 300 years of history,” Mrs Azara shared. “It is originated from Napoli, a place known for their Margherita and Marinara pizzas.”

Staying true to Mrs Azara’s recommendation, start with the Margherita pizza for an introduction to the WOP Neapolitan pizza experience! This classic pizza is a medley of tomato sauce, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil and in-house local buffalo milk Mozzarella. It will make your heart sing at first bite, and it did for us!

If you prefer a non-cheese pizza, savour the well-loved Marinara pizza topped with fresh tomato sauce, garlic, oregano and extra virgin olive oil. Did you know that it took them a year to perfect the dough of these Neapolitan pizzas?

Creating a halal Neapolitan pizza experience comes with its ups and downs. Besides the high price of ingredients, Mrs Azara shared her challenge in attracting the local crowd. “It’s hard to explain about the pizzas we’re serving. If you go to Italy, it’s not easy to get halal Neapolitan pizzas. So, it’s best to try it here first to familiarise with the flavours.”

Besides the authentic Neapolitan pizza experience, new flavours are coming your way! “We introduce new flavours twice or thrice a year because we don’t want our customers to get bored. We listen to our customers too. If someone requests for an artichoke pizza, no problem. We need to experiment and see what goes well with that new flavour,” said Mrs Azara.

If you ask us, we’ll be heading back sooner than we expected!

Address: Wood-Fired Oven Pizzeria (WOP), 1-08-1 Presint Alami, No. 2, Persiaran Akuatik Seksyen 13, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 6PM-10PM; Sat & Sun, 12PM-3PM, 6PM-10PM
Contact No: +6019 227 9324 / +603 5523 0052
Halal status: Muslim-owned, Muslim-friendly ingredients
Website | Facebook | Instagram

It’s no secret that we love Chinese food, but it’s not always easy to find authentic AND halal ones in Singapore. Thankfully, there’s been a wave of eateries serving halal Chinese dishes which are prepared the same way as those back in China.

Credit: Giphy

One of the newest eateries that will be joining the halal Chinese food scene in Singapore soon is Delibowl! Specialising in Sichuan dishes, Delibowl lets you savour traditional Chinese food in a fast-food concept. With the tagline, “One Bowl to Satisfy”, Delibowl believes that their dishes have all the ingredients for a hearty meal☺️ They have 2 outlets at Paya Lebar and both are pending halal certification from MUIS!

P.S. Did you know that Delibowl shares the same owners as popular Chinese hand-pulled noodles stall, Nuodle?

Credit: Delibowl on Facebook

The first outlet at Paya Lebar Square specialises in classic Sichuan rice bowls. One of their top favourite dishes is the Mapo Tofu ($6.85) – chunks of soft tofu and minced meat are mixed in a spicy sauce made with fermented bean sauce, chilli oil and Sichuan peppercorn (think Mala!) Spice lovers will surely find this a treat!

[P.S. Looking for other new places to eat in Singapore? Our 2018 round-up of halal eateries in Singapore has got you covered!]

Credit: @annieang_81 on Instagram

You can also try other dishes at this outlet such as Steamed Chicken in Chilli Sauce ($7.85), Marinated Beef Slices ($7.85), Stewed Beef Brisket with Tomato ($7.85) and more. The menu might seem simple with a few add-on side dishes but it’s enough to fill your tummy. For those who are dining here during lunch, get their lunch set instead which includes 1 main, a side dish and soup – all for less than $10 

Credit: Delibowl on Facebook

Delibowl’s other outlet at SingPost Centre specialises in dumplings. Their Sour Soup Dumplings (from $8.65) are a Sichuan specialty and a must-try! The dumplings are freshly handmade and will definitely warm you up on a rainy day. There’s also a dry version of this dish if you’re craving something lighter. For those looking for something milder, get their Chicken Soup or Seafood Soup dumplings instead!

With not just one but two stalls, rest assured Delibowl would satisfy all your Chinese food cravings 🤤 While we’re anticipating its halal certification, do share the good news with all your loved ones and in the meantime, check out these other amazing halal Chinese eateries in Singapore!

Halal status: Halal certification in progress

Note: We’ve checked with Delibowl that all their ingredients are already halal-compliant but as their halal certification is still being processed by MUIS, do dine here at your own discretion.

Address: Paya Lebar Square, 60 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-77, Singapore 409051 (Delibowl Ricebowl)
SingPost Centre, 10 Eunos Rd 8, #01 -150, Singapore 408600 (Delibowl Dumplings)
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11.30am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Japan is a country known for its temples, shrines, and convenience stores? Yes! Its convenience stores are known for being open throughout the day, and for stocking everything from food to medication and even beauty products.

Credit: GIPHY

But it isn’t as easy for Muslim travellers to buy products off-the-shelf even from brands such as 7-11 which we may be familiar with at home, as the Japanese production line may have been in facilities unsuitable for Muslim consumers. Thankfully, organizations based in Japan such as Halal Japan and Halal In Japan have done their research and compiled lists of Muslim-friendly products!

We’ve gathered our top 9 snacks you can easily find in convenience stores throughout the country, so that the next time you’re craving a quick bite on the streets of Tokyo or Osaka, you’ll know just what you can get  P.S. Read to the end to find out what are some of the common ingredients to look out for when you’re purchasing snacks in Japan, and how to avoid consuming uncertain food products.

Disclaimer: Do note that manufacturers may change the ingredients without giving out prior notice. If you’re doubtful about certain ingredients, check with our Facebook community or the Halal Japan facebook page to clarify before purchasing. As none of these products has received Halal certification we recommend that you dine at your own discretion.

1. Yamazaki brand Double Soft bread

Credit: Gigazine

Let’s start with something simple – bread! For those of us who just want something simple to start the day with, a slice of bread is enough to get us ready for the day ahead However, some companies use animal shortening to make the bread, meaning we have to be careful even when buying something so ordinary. Fortunately, some of the products by Yamazaki brand such as their Double Soft bread are made without animal shortening!

2. Sangaria brand Maroyaka Cafe Latte

Credit: YOYO.casa

What else goes better with a slice of bread in the morning than a cup of coffee? Sangaria’s Maroyaka Cafe Latte doesn’t have any liquor in it, making it perfect for a morning pick-me-up

3. Meiji brand Bulgaria Yogurt LB81

Credit: Vegetarian Shopping Guide In Japan

Yogurt is another popular snack, but it can be difficult to find a product that doesn’t use animal gelatin as a stabilizer. Thankfully, Meiji’s delicious Bulgaria Yogurt LB81 is a product that doesn’t use gelatin! While some of the other flavours in the Bulgaria line use gelatin, this plain-flavoured product does not.

P.S. If you need something sweeter in your yogurt, you can buy some ready-cut fruits from the convenience store to add a little twist to this snack

4. Lawson’s brand Jukusei Yaki Taraku Onigiri (Grilled Pollack Roe riceball)

Credit: Halal Japan

Riceballs are the snack you have to get while in Japan. They’re small and portable yet tasty and filling – but the bad news is that many of them use mirin, alcohol spray, or emulsifiers during the production process. There’s good news though – Lawson’s grilled pollack roe onigiri is one of the items that doesn’t use any of these!  Our writers snacked on onigiri while exploring Tokyo and Hakone – check out their tips for other Muslim travellers who want to do the same!

5. 7-11 brand Vegetable Sticks with Mayonnaise

Credit: Halal Japan

If you suddenly get hungry, why not pop into a 7-11 and grab one of their vegetable sticks with mayonnaise for a boost to get you through the day? These crunchy sticks are satisfying to chew on while you take in the sights of the city

6. Takeda Seika brand Tamago Boro

Credit: Vegetarian Shopping Guide in Japan

Some of you may recognize these small egg biscuits from your own childhood. While tamago boro is technically a snack meant for young kids, there’s something satisfying about these light and fluffy biscuits that melt on your tongue There are many brands that produce these, but we have only seen that the Takeda Seika and Q.P. (or Kewpie) brands only use vegetable shortening in their products. Though tamago boro is generally a vegetarian-friendly snack, if you run across other brands’ versions make sure to check the ingredients list first just in case!

7. Kobe Bussan brand Kasugai Green Peas

Credit: Halal Japan

If you’re craving something more savoury, why not get a pack of Kasugai Green Peas? This lightly-flavoured snack is convenient to keep in your bag as you continue through the city, and can easily keep your stomach satisfied until your next mealtime

8. Lawson’s Select brand Chocolate Digestive Biscuit and Chocolate Chip Cookie

Credit: Halal Japan

Lawson’s is one of the biggest convenience store chains in Japan, so we’re super happy that their Select line of biscuits and cookies includes products that don’t contain animal shortening or unsafe ingredients! Both their chocolate digestive and chocolate chip cookie don’t have animal shortening in them, so make sure to stock up so that you can nibble on them throughout your trip

9. 7-11 brand Waffle Cone Milk Vanilla Ice Cream

Credit: Halal Japan

After a long day, why not pop into 7-11 and enjoy the desserts they have on offer? The milk vanilla flavour may not look like it packs a punch – but it’s actually had good reviews online! Best of all, there’s no liquor or animal-based emulsifiers in it so you can indulge in a sweet treat without having to worry If these 9 snacks aren’t enough for you, why not check out 12 Muslim-friendly snacks you need to try while in Japan?

Generally speaking, besides looking out for meats such as pork, beef, or chicken, do make sure to double check if the ingredients list includes animal-based emulsifiers, gelatin, or liquor. Halal in Japan has published a useful list of the Kanji/hiragana/katakana words for haram or doubtful ingredients to look out for which you can refer to during your trip – you can even download it in a PDF form!

Shopping for snacks in Japan definitely isn’t as stressful as it used to be With a stronger Muslim community presence there as well as more and more Muslims travelling to Japan, we’re thankful to have these resources at hand to help us navigate what we can or cannot buy there If you have any doubts or questions, you can always consult our Facebook community where seasoned travellers will be more than willing to help you out if they have the information.

Four years ago, I embarked on my first solo trip. I was about to spend four months in an entirely different country and I had no idea how it would be. Prior to this trip, the only trips I took abroad were with my family or school. So you can imagine the shock my family had when I chose a destination as far as Canada for my exchange programme

The weeks leading up to my departure were far from promising.

My family repeatedly told me, “don’t wear your hijab there” or “wear a wig instead of a hijab” because that was how afraid they were for my safety. Looking back, it sure is laughable but at that time, the anxiety was real! All we knew of that ‘part of the world’ was how rampant Islamophobia is. Every other day, the mainstream media would cover news about another attack or a slur that will be hurled at a Muslim brother or sister. The news inevitably fuelled our worries.

But I refused to back out. Taking a leap of faith, I decided to go as I was. The fear was there but I stood by Verse 3:160 of the Quran,

“If Allah should aid you, none can overcome you.

And if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you?

And in Allah (alone) let the believers put their trust.”

With that, I said my farewells to my family and friends. And off I went – into the unknown

The plane ride was good. I felt safe in my little space but I think I spent most of the time sleeping My immediate thought when I landed was to head straight to my Airbnb – it was just ‘one safe place’ to another. I took a taxi at the airport (a really rookie move, looking back) to my apartment. For a few days, I was too afraid to step outside my apartment. I had no groceries so I was forced to rely on the food I brought from home. Days were spent watching the television, unpacking and many calls back home.

But it soon dawned on me that I was wasting my opportunity to fulfill the very reason I chose Canada. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and this was not the way. I decided to take my first trip out to the mall nearby.

First views of Toronto

It was a 20-minute walk but it was 20 minutes which pretty much blew my mind away. I found solitude to be comforting and I loved the quietness of my walk. Somehow, I was more aware of my surroundings (and more immersed!) compared to when I travel with others. This marked the start of my daily 20-minute walks to the mall. It was a small but significant step for me.

A week later, my housemates arrived.

The group of four are also Singaporeans but we did not know each other prior to this. At that point, I enjoyed being alone and I was afraid that my ‘peace’ would be disrupted now that they were here. I mean, I’ve heard of many stories where friends had to put up with horrible housemates. And I was prepared for the worst – to coop myself up in the room, oblivious to everything outside and only going out when necessary.

But it took a mere few days of staying with them to realize that they were nowhere close to a nightmare. In fact, they were the total opposite. They were friendly and filled with warmth. Above all, although they were non-Muslims, they respected my request to separate their utensils from mine. I guess the idea of me being alone in a foreign country encouraged them to befriend me even more☺️

Our friendship naturally progressed to a point where it reached the discussion of ‘where should we travel to this weekend?’ Amidst all the excitement, I was somewhat plagued with worry at the back of my mind.

Travelling with them would mean they have to tailor their choice of eateries to suit me, and it would also mean they have to wait while I perform my prayers. I was afraid that the inconvenience I brought to them could potentially ruin our newfound friendship. A part of me wanted to hold back but that would not do justice to me (or them) so I decided to go along with the plan.

Our first trip together was to a go-kart place around the outskirts of Toronto. It was an amazing day out, and I realized just how amazing His plans are. Knowing I was alone in a foreign country, He sent this bunch of girls to keep me company, perhaps knowing that I would not have visited these places should I have been completely alone.

Then, it came to the question of lunch. I tried to be as flexible as I could, telling them I could eat elsewhere and that they did not have to cater to me. But somehow, He opened their hearts to ask me for a good halal place to dine in. I pulled up my entire list of halal eateries research (yes, I planned my entire trip down to that detail) and we headed to a burger place in Chinatown, Downtown Toronto.

The distance of our trips grew further as time passed. During our week off from school, we took a day trip to Toronto Islands. I tried to find a place to pray there but there were none. So I found a grass patch behind some trees and lay my mat there. I told my housemates that I’ll catch up with them once I was done with my prayers. It seemed like I was really calm and confident, but inside, I grappled with fear. Thoughts like “would people shoot me if they saw me praying, thinking I was doing something suspicious” to thoughts like “what if people hurled stones at me while I prayed” came to mind.

Again, somehow, He protected me. My housemates decided to hang out and wait for me at a nearby bench as I prayed. The fact that they respected the fact I had to pray (no matter where) made me feel blessed. But them waiting for me while I prayed truly touched me. It felt comforting to know that they were nearby.

Through my travels with them, I realized how important it was for Muslims to travel with non-Muslims. My housemates would ask many questions out of curiosity – why can’t you drink alcohol? How often do you need to pray? What happens if you miss a prayer?

And through these conversations, slowly, I felt I was doing my little bit of da’wah. I genuinely never knew travelling would give me such a platform!

It soon became a comfortable routine. I would spend weekdays exploring Toronto on my own after school, and on weekends, I would head out with them. In school, I found myself to be more sociable. I think it was the idea that I was in a foreign country (or class) alone which gave rise to the need for me to interact with other students. And through all that socializing, I made a good friend who, despite the physical distance between us, is still my friend till today 🤗

Everything seemed to be going great until two months in, when I noticed spots on my body. Itchy spots. It was completely unexpected but I almost instantly knew what they were. Chicken pox. True enough, I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with chicken pox. I was baffled.

And there went my travel plans for the next 2 weeks, as I had to stay home. I initially planned to visit Ottawa and Montreal but I had to push them back. I was miserable, to say the least. Who would have thought of all times, in my entire life, I would be diagnosed with chicken pox while on my trip – alone?

My emotional instagram post 

My family was so concerned that they volunteered to fly to Toronto just to take care of me. But of course, I rejected that. I guess the ‘consequence’ of solo travelling really hit me at that point. My family was a thousand miles away, and there I was – sick and pretty much all alone. As much as my housemates tried to offer their help when they could, I felt like nothing could beat the feeling of having family around to take care of you when you’re sick.

For about a week and a half, I cooped myself up in the room and cooked my own food when my housemates were not around (because I did not want to infect them too). The Skype calls and texts with my family grew during this period, and I turned to Him for comfort, realizing that as much as there’s no one (physically) around to take care of me or make me feel better, He always is.

My being sick reminded me how little time I had left here and I was determined to make the best of it. I recovered just in time to witness the beautiful autumn foliage at the Toronto Botanic Gardens. And there started my planning of even more trips, including my first proper solo trip to another city – Quebec.

The feeling was vastly different from when I left Singapore for Canada. I was more confident and even excited! I was ready to put myself out there, to get lost, to explore but ultimately to just immerse myself in all that the beautiful city had to offer.

But that was not the only thing that was different. I loved how I could take everything at my own pace and time. I made it a point to stay in hostels, mostly because of the price but also because I wanted to interact with more people. And true enough, I did! I stayed in an 8-bed hostel in Quebec and there was no one in the room except for a Mexican lady. We did not see each other much, but there was once when she was in while I was preparing to leave.

I was wearing my hijab and she asked, “what is that cloth?”

Somehow, the conversation grew to a few minutes long as I explained to her what a hijab was, a little about Islam, and a two-way conversation of our respective countries.

Again, I was reminded of how powerful travel was in spreading what Islam truly is – which was very, very different from what people gather from mainstream media.

I found myself walking exceptionally slowly, just so I could take in everything around me. On Google Maps, routes will indicate 30 minutes but I would take 1.5 hours getting there  Thing is, I absolutely loved each moment of the journey – not just the destination. I would pop by shops I stumbled upon, views I came across, or even a cafe just to have a cuppa before carrying on with my journey. These were little stops and detours which the old me would not have made, considering how meticulous a planner I was.

But see, that’s the beauty of solo travelling. You’d feel so comfortable being alone, and doing things at your own time and pace that you’ll start to explore like never before!

When I returned back to Toronto, it was time to part with my housemates They were heading to different places before going back to Singapore. I felt sad but more grateful than ever. So grateful to have friends who were so open, welcoming and willing to learn more about a religion when they did not necessarily have to. I was once really afraid of sharing a house with a bunch of strangers who I have never met in my life. But we bonded in such a beautiful way that I dare say it might even be better than if it were with people I knew. And truly, it attests to the fact that with His help, even the impossible can be made possible

When they left, I felt a sense of loneliness coming back to an empty house which was once filled with so much laughter, love and joy. It was hard and I found myself feeling down on many occassions.

On my way back from the nearby mall, I boarded the bus with dinner in hand. It was super crowded and I had to stand next to the bus driver.

“If you bring that onboard, you’d have to share it,” she said – pointing to the pack of dinner I had in hand. I was having a bad day but that instantly made me laugh. It was a warm feeling and one I would never forget. It’s pretty amazing how He sends the most unexpected people to lift you up when you’re feeling down or alone 🤗

For someone who has been so afraid of travelling to someone who absolutely loves travelling – both solo and with friends, here’s me encouraging you to try it for yourself! You might fall, at times you might be miserable and sometimes, you might even question why you started the trip alone, but trust me, it will be worth it and you will discover more about yourself (and others around you!) than you ever thought was possible☺️

Above all, being alone in a foreign place pushes you to rely only on Him. In the process, it’ll draw you even closer to Him. And if we think about it, isn’t that the one goal we all hope to achieve in this temporary life? 🤗

We know it’s hard to come by a halal yakiniku in Malaysia.

Enter Wagyu Kokoro Halal Yakiniku – this Muslim-owned and Halal-certified restaurant is sure to leave you wanting more.

Credit: Giphy

For those curious about what yakiniku is, it is a Japanese term that means ‘grilled meat’. It’s also known as ‘Japanese BBQ’.  The difference between yakiniku and other types of BBQ is its marinade and most importantly – beef quality!

Credit: @wagyu_kokoro on Instagram

Wagyu Kokoro Halal Yakiniku serves premium quality Japanese wagyu grade A4 to A5. Wagyu beef is graded between A1 to A12 (depending on its firmness, texture and fat concentration). An A4 to A5 grade is just the right amount of wagyu fats to give you that melt-in-your-mouth feeling, and not too overwhelming 🤤.

Credit: @wagyu_kokoro on Instagram

Their chef has been in the yakiniku industry for over 30 years. The meats are sliced and prepped to perfection for you. A small grill is provided on your table for you to cook it the way you like it. Time to show off your cooking skills ‍!  Their suggested way to grill the meat is medium rare to fully enjoy the superb taste of their wagyu!

Credit: @wagyu_kokoro on Instagram

The ala carte menu starts at RM70/100 gram. Sets include singles set (RM120), couple set (RM220), economist beef set (RM195) and modest beef set (RM390). Although the price is on the higher side, the imported Japanese beef quality and food ingredients make it worthwhile!

Credit: @wagyu_kokoro on Instagram

Other dishes include Wagyu Kokoro Spicy Ramen (RM25) and Beef Bone Ramen (RM25)! For those that are not too keen on) beef, the place also serves chicken yakitori (RM15), bibimbap (RM24)  and seafood (RM40 for a medium set, RM70 for a large set) to grill.

P/S: If you’re craving Japanese, head over to our guide for Japanese restaurants in Klang Valley!

Credit: @wagyu_kokoro on Instagram

The two-floor restaurant is family friendly, and can cater up to 100 pax! Wonderful for dinner with the gang, for a family affair, or a romantic dinner for two.

By the way, if you’re looking for unique BBQ experiences, why not dine IN a river just on the outskirts of KL?

Their operation hours are as follows:

Open daily, except Mondays

Lunch 12pm – 3pm

Dinner 6pm – 11pm

Address: B1-1-7, Jalan Teknologi 2/1C, 47810 Petaling Jaya Selangor.

Halal status: Halal-certified (premise and meats) and Muslim-owned

To make a reservation, drop them a WhatsApp message at +60102653690 or call 0361508814.

Head over to their Facebook to find out more!

Not many people are familiar with the coastal town of Hua Hin in Thailand. But they should! The town is only a two-hour drive from Bangkok and has long been the seaside getaway for the city folk. It has a fascinating history – while it began as a quiet fishing village, it became a fashionable resort town in the 1920s, when railway made Hua Hin accessible and Thai royalty started building holiday homes and summer palaces in the area

Credit: Giphy

These aristocratic ties have made Hua Hin an intriguing destination – it has a relaxed beach town vibe and other features characteristic of Thai destinations (beautiful temples, delicious food), but it also has cosmopolitan touches, such as luxury accommodation, golf courses as well as unique European-influenced attractions that you probably won’t find elsewhere in Thailand. It’s time for you to explore this underrated destination and we’ve got you covered on the things you can’t miss out!

What to see

1. Hua Hin Railway Station

Credit: @cikcombo on Instagram

No visit to Hua Hin is complete without a stop at its railway station. The station is one of the oldest in Thailand and is a distinctive feature of Hua Hin. A key landmark of the station is a yellow building built in traditional Thai architecture which used to be the royal waiting room for the King and his entourage when they came to Hua Hin.

Credit: @ia21efron on Instagram

The station has been beautifully preserved, with wooden buildings and vintage signage in yellow and red hues, and is still functional as a train station! It’s a lovely nod to the heritage of Hua Hin, while also being a really good spot to take photos

Address: Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

2. Santorini Park Cha-Am

Credit: Santorini Park Cha-Am on Facebook

Have you been wanting to go to Santorini to take pictures of its iconic white buildings with the blue doors but haven’t quite managed to get to Greece? Well, here’s some news for you: you can take those pictures much closer to home, in Santorini Park Cha-Am!

Santorini Park is an amusement park and mall located in Cha-Am, about a halfa -hour drive from Hua Hin. And yes, the theme park is anchored on the Greek island and is filled with buildings, shops and restaurants fashioned in the beautiful style of Santorini that has become so famous.

Credit: @dhiyashamimi on Instagram

#HHWT Tip: While there are rides available at the park, you ticket only covers entry as well as one complimentary ride. For additional rides you,’ll have to pay extra ☹️ But at least you can take as many pictures as you want!

Website | Facebook

Getting there: You can get a Grab

Entrance fees: THB150 per person (for non-residents of Thailand. Thai residents pay THB50)

Opening hours: Mon – Fri (9.30 am – 6.30 pm); Sat & Sun (9 am – 6.30 pm)

Address:Petchakasem Road, Amphoe Cha-Am, Phetchaburi, Thailand 76120 Amphoe Cha-Am, Phetchaburi

Contact no.: +66 81 930 8967

3. Rajabhakti Park

Credit: Siti Raudhah on Facebook

Rajabhakti Park was built to honour seven Thai kings from the Sukhothai period to the current royal house of Chakri. An initiative by the Royal Thai Army, it was constructed and opened to the public  in 2015.

While the park is not very large, its key feature are the statues of the seven different kings. Made out of bronze and standing 30 metres tall, which each king in different outfits and poses, it looks like something out of the Lord Of The Rings. Admission is free, though please note that as a sign of respect, no singlets or short skirts are allowed.

#HHWT Tip: The best time to go is in the morning, where the statues would be facing the sun. There isn’t much shaded area, so be sure to bring a hat or wear sunscreen!

Opening hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily

Address: Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

What to do

4. Cicada Market

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Thailand is renowned for its night markets, but Cicada Market offers a nice twist – it’s an open-air market with a focus on local arts and crafts. In addition to the regular offerings of night markets like food and trinkets, you’ll be able to find artwork, locally made clothes and bags, artisanal ware such as hand-blow glass, and more!

Credit: @spensfish on Instagram

In the evenings, the market gets lit up with dreamy fairy lights, and often features live music performances too. It’s the perfect place to stroll around and absorb the ambience.

#HHWT Tip: The products on offer are pricier than your regular night market fare, but do bear in mind that the market is meant to showcase local artisans and the products are generally of better quality

Opening hours: Fri & Sat (4pm – 11pm); Sun (4pm – 10pm)

Address: 83/159 Nong Kae-Khao Takiap Rd | Nhongkae, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand

5. Venezia Hua Hin

Credit: @firzasikumbang on Instagram

Continuing on its trend of European-styled attractions, we have The Venezia Hua Hin. Styled after Venice, this attraction has canals and features a few activities such as the gondola ride, a mini zoo, a 3D museum, as well as shops and restaurants (P.S. there is also a halal restaurant Mura Mura on the premises). Prices will differ depending on which package you opt for which includes different attractions.

Credit: @fishliewjiajet on Instagram

We’ll be frank – based on recent reviews The Venezia, some travellers noted that the park seems to have suffered a decline lately, with several shops closing. However, consensus noted that it’s a great place for photo-taking and the gondola ride is worth taking if you’re planning to head to Venice anytime soon!

Entrance fee: From THB180 onwards, depending on which package you opt for (you can also check out Klook to book tickets ahead of time)

Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily

Address: 1899 Petch Kasem Rd. (Sai Tai), Cha Am, Petchburi 76120

6.  Phraya Nakhon Cave

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Phraya Nakon Cave is a really special attraction in Hua Hin. For starters, getting there isn’t the easiest journey – you have to drive to the town of Bang Pu (about 45 minutes away from Hua Hin), and from Bang Pu you will have the option of either hiking a challenging 1 hour route up a hill, or alternatively you can pay to take a boat ride from Bang Pu to the Laem Sala beach. From there you’ll still need to do a bit of hiking to get to Phraya Nakon Cave, which is reportedly not alarmingly strenuous, but not a walk in the park either.

So the journey there will require more effort than your average attraction, but you’ll be rewarded by an amazing sight  – you’ll be able to see a beautiful pavilion hidden within the cave that was built in 1890 for King Rama V. The tranquil and mysterious setting will be  stunning to behold.

Credit: @vidventory on Instagram

#HHWT Tip: Be sure to wear proper shoes (sneakers or good walking shoes) and bring water. Also, if you’re looking for that perfect photograph, it’s best to get there before 11am, because that’s when the sunlight shines into the cave most optimally

Entrance fee: THB200 per person (if you’re taking boat to Laem Sala Beach, it will cost around THB200 more).

Opening hours: 8 am – 3.30 pm daily

Address: Amphoe Sam Roi Yot, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77120, Thailand

7. Camel Republic

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So by now we know that Hua Hin has attractions devoted to the beautiful styles of Santorini and Venice. But did you know that it also has an amusement park that is Moroccan-inspired? Cue Camel Republic! This attraction located in Cha-Am is only a few minutes away from Santorini Park, so you can visit both when you’re there

Credit: @naritalrasati on Instagram

The park makes for a great family-friendly outing – it has has an animal park with giraffes, flamingos, and yes, camels(which you can ride!), there’s also amusement rides, shops and even a sky fly. But it’s also become super popular for its beautiful Moroccan-themed buildings and decorations that are perfect for an Instagram photo or two

#HHWT Tip: Halal food can be a bit hard to come by at the park, so if you’re heading over you might want to pack or bring along some food so you don’t get hungry!

Website

Entrance fee: THB 150 per person

Opening hours: Mon – Tue, Thu – Fri (10 am – 6 pm); Sat & Sun (9 am – 6.30 pm), closed on Wed

Address: Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand

8. Plearnwan Village

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Plearnwan Village is a cluster of shops fashioned in the retro style which is meant to evoke an old-school Hua Hin feel.

Credit: @mutmainahtns on Instagram

Here you’ll find an array of shops selling handicrafts, eateries, a mini funfair, and of course, more photo-taking opportunities Regardless, it’s a quaint place to pop in and explore this nod to 1950s Hua Hin.

Website

Entrance fee: No fees (though please note if you’re driving there parking costs around THB 40)

Opening hours: Mon – Thu (9 am – 9 pm); Fri – Sun (9 am – 10 pm)

Address: 4/90-95 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Hua Hin, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

9. Swiss Sheep Farm

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After Santorini, Venice and Morocco, we now come to Switzerland. Swiss Sheep Farm is a countryside farm fashioned after the pastures of Switzerland, with buildings and decorations all in European-style design.

Credit: @paris2411 on Instagram

The farm is a great attraction for kids and adults alike – along with the sheep kept on its property, you’ll be able to see an array of animals, including rabbits, alpacas, ponies and more! You’ll also have the opportunity to feed the animals as well as see the many themed playgrounds and installations available.

Entrance fee:THB 150 per person

Opening hours: 9 am – 6.30 pm daily

Contact no.: +66 32 772 494

Address: Khao Yai, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand

9. Hua Hin & Chatsila Night Markets

Credit: @yuhowcome on Instagram

No visit to Thailand is complete without venturing to a night market, and Hua Hin has several! The main ones though, would have to be Hua Hin Night Market as well as the adjacent Chatsila Market.

Hua Hin Market is open daily and has all the regular fare you would look for in a night market, including food, clothes, knick-knacks and more! Good place to have some coconut ice cream or sticky rice and mango. There also a lot of seafood (including lobsters!) sold in the market, so you can choose to indulge as your stomach pleases [Please note that the stalls are not halal-certified, so do check with the vendor beforehand on the ingredients used if you are unsure!]

Chatsila Night Market, located on a street between Petchkasem Road and Hua Hin Night Market,  is a smaller market that sells local crafts and souvenirs. There’s also live music as well as stalls that offer foot massage services (another Thai specialty!), so you can pop in for some quick pampering while you’re there!

Opening hours: Open daily from 6 pm – 11 pm

Address: ซ หัวหิน 72, Tambon Hua Hin, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

What to eat

Eating in Hua Hin shouldn’t be a problem because halal options are available and relatively accessible – a good tip would be to look out at the areas surrounding mosques (particularly in Cha-Am which has two larger mosques – Masjid Darul Ehsan and Darussoleheen Mosque). The area near Hua Hin Railway Station also has a few halal stalls (look out for the logo of the green crescent and star, which signifies that the stall serves halal food). There are also a couple halal eateries that have become must-visit places for Muslim travellers.

10. Mooz Hua Hin Halal Food

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One of those must-visit eateries is none other than Mooz Hua Hin Halal Food. This restaurant, which is part of Muslim-friendly hotel Mooz Hua Hin serves Thai food, so you can get your fix of tom yum and other Thai dishes here! The restaurant even has prayer facilities available, so it’s a nice place to stop by for lunch when you’re out sightseeing.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Opening hours: 11am – 8.45pm daily
Address: 29/5 , Naeb K Haad Rd., A. Hua Hin, 77110 Hua Hin, Thailand
Contact No: +66 95 524 1339

11. Tan Roti Martaba

Credit: @bonuskridchuda on Instagram

Located near to the Hua Hin Night Market area is a small stall called Tan Roti Martaba. In addition to serving halal Thai food, this stall has also become known for it’s crispy and buttery roti. You can try this popular Thai street food either sweet (served with a drizzle of condensed milk), or opt for savoury roti Mataba, which has a potato filling.

Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: 41/16 Hua Hin Soi 70
Opening hours: 9am – 8.30pm (roti is only sold from 2pm)
Contact No: +66 081-116-8006

So there you have it folks! Hua Hin promises to be a relaxing, chill holiday that offers some pretty unique attractions that will intrigue. And with the town only being a two hour flight away, it would make for a perfect weekend getaway. So go explore this underrated Thai destination!

It may surprise you to know that there are a good number of Halal establishments in Beijing serving authentic local fare – it may surprise you, even more, to learn that some of these places have been around for over 200 years! The history of Beijing’s Hui and Uighur Muslim populations is intertwined with the history of the city itself and in places like the famed Cow Street (Niu Jie) area, the multiple Halal eateries scattered around are a testament to the continued vibrancy of the local Hui Muslim population even today.

Credit: GIPHY

To help you get started on your food tour of Beijing, we’ve rounded up 8 of the most mouth-watering eateries serving up everything from Peking roast duck to Beijing-style hotpot to keep you well-fed on your trip to this magnificent city

Disclaimer: While many of these eateries have been certified by a governing body, they have been run and operated by Muslims for many years. Many halal restaurants in China may also serve alcohol on the menu as it’s part of the local culture, including most of the eateries on this list, so we advise that you dine at your own discretion.

#HHWT Tip: The words “清真” (qing zhen) mean halal, do inquire with the shopowners if you have further clarifications.

Beijing & Hui Muslim Cuisine

1. Hong Bin Lou (鸿宾楼)

Credit: @a1ya3zi3 on Instagram

Hong Bin Lou is one of the most famous halal lamb restaurants in the city, and the original chain was founded over 100 years ago in 1853! The restaurant originated in the northern Tianjin region, but the local Beijing branch was reportedly set up in 1955 after a suggestion by then Premier Zhou Enlai The dishes you’ll find at Hong Bin Lou include a variety from scalded lamb soup (shuan yang rou) to braised oxtail

Reservations: +86 10 6899 2569
Opening Hours: 11am-2pm daily, 5pm-9pm daily
Price: Est. RMB158/pax
Address: 11 Zhan Lan Guan Lu (Intersection of Bai Wan Zhuang), Xi Cheng District 西城区 展览馆11号（百万庄路口）

2. Xi Lai Shun (西来顺饭庄)

Credit:Beijing Tourism

Xi Lai Shun is another old restaurant in Beijing, founded in the 1930s! What’s special about Xi Lai Shun is that its staff are able to speak both English and Arabic as well, allowing Muslim travellers greater ease of communication! The dishes here are a mix of Chinese and Western cuisines, but the must-try dish has got to be their “Malianliang” roast duck where the duck is braised before being roasted in order to create a non-greasy texture 🤤

P.S. The restaurant’s also just a 20-minute walk from the Xi Cheng mosque, so you can enjoy a hearty meal after completing your prayers!

Reservations: +86 10 6601 5996
Opening Hours: 6am-9am daily, 10.30am-10pm daily
Price: Est. RMB79/pax
Address: 116 North Xin Hua Street, Xin Cheng District 西城区 北新华街116号

3. Yi Tiao Long Restaurant (壹条龙饭庄)

Credit:*the simplest aphrodisiac

Yi Tiao Long is regarded as one of the oldest Mongolian hotpot places in Beijing, having been founded in 1785! Its regal name (meaning One Dragon) even has a royal story behind it – apparently, an emperor of the Qing Dynasty loved the food so much that he would sneak out of the palace just to eat there! The restaurant serves both classic Chinese food and Hui specialities – its most famous dishes have got to be its zha jiang mian (noodles with soybean paste), braised oxtail, and crispy chicken Its Beijing-style hotpot cooking method was even inducted into the Beijing Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2007!

Reservations: +86 10 6303 7895
Opening Hours: 11am-9pm daily
Price: Est. RMB93/pax
Address: 27 Qian Men Street, Dong Cheng District 东城区 前门大街27号

4. Chai Shi Feng Wei Zhai (柴氏风味斋)

Credit: @will_jiao on Instagram

After you’ve tried some bean paste noodles, why not move on and try some braised beef noodles instead? Chai Shi Feng Wei Zhai serves up halal beef noodles along with tasty side dishes, and is recommended by Beijing foodies as one of the best beef noodle places in the city 🤩 The beef and noodles are ordered separately, and you can even order a side of rice to replace the noodles if you want something a little different!

Reservations: +86 10 8838 5108

Opening Hours: 10.30am-9.30pm daily
Price: Est. RMB54/pax
Address: 21 Gan Jia Kou North Street, Hai Dian District 海淀区 阜成路北一街 甘家口小区21号

Beijing-style Hotpot & BBQ

5. Ju Bao Yuan Hot Pot Restaurant (聚宝源火锅城)

Credit: @joylicious.z on Instagram

There are lots of halal Beijing-style hotpot places around the city, but Ju Bao Yuan is easily the most famous one. Both Muslims and non-Muslims rate it as the best hotpot place in the city, so you know you’ve definitely got to pay a visit before you leave! The restaurant is especially known for its fresh mutton and beef cuts, and you can even order zha shao bing (fried sesame seed buns) filled with layers of flavourful goodness to go along with your warm broth 🤤

Reservations: +86 10 8354 5602
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm (Mon-Fri), 10.30am-10pm (Sat-Sun)
Price: Est. RMB111/pax
Address: 5-2 Niu Jie Street, Xi Cheng District 西城区 牛街5-2号

6. Kao Rou Wan  (烤肉宛)

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Kao Rou Wan is another ancient restaurant that has withstood the tests of time in Beijing – it was supposedly founded in 1686! Though there are 2 other outlets across the city, their Nan Li Shi Road one is the closest to the Cow Street area. Kao Rou Wan is best known for their lamb barbeque, and the heaping piles of meat look so delicious that we’re just waiting to take a bite 🤤

Reservations: +86 10 6802 8180
Opening Hours: 6.30am-10pm daily
Price: Est. RMB115/pax
Address: 58 Nan Li Shi Road, Xi Cheng District 西城区 南礼士路58号

Xinjiang Cuisine

7. Xinjiang Islam Restaurant (新疆伊斯兰饭庄)

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Of course, Hui dishes aren’t the only local Muslim cuisine on offer in this large and wondrous city. There’s a decent population of Uighur migrants who’ve set up their own restaurants serving the Muslim community – and the Xinjiang Islam Restaurant is one such establishment run by the staff of Xinjiang’s Beijing Representative Office themselves! There’s definitely nothing more authentic than this. They have an extensive menu including kebabs, tofu and tomato, and fried fish, so make sure to pace yourself once you’re there

Reservations: +86 10 6830 1820
Opening Hours: 11am-10.30pm daily
Price: Est. RMB50-80/pax
Address: 7 San Li He Road, Xi Cheng District 西城区 三里河路7号

8. Crescent Moon Muslim Restaurant (弯弯月亮)

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Crescent Moon is a little bit harder to find than the other eateries on this list, but the word on the street is that your search will be worth it 🤭 This tiny Xinjiang eatery serves up generous portions of everything from skewers to meat dishes to vegetarian alternatives as well! The reviews of this place have all raved about the authenticity of the dishes there, including the Uighur kao bao zi (a samosa-like dish)! Crescent Moon is definitely the stop for both a hearty meal and a satisfying snack to keep you going throughout the day

Reservations: +86 10 6400 5281
Opening Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Price: Est. RMB86/pax
Address: 16 Dong Si Liu Street, Alley No. 6, Dong Cheng District 东城区 东四六条16号

The Muslim community in Beijing has definitely been around for a long time, and we’re thankful to see the diversity of cuisines and dishes available in this area that have come out of this esteemed history. If you’re in Beijing, make sure to drop by these eateries and check them out for yourself! 

Singapore is arguably one of the most expensive countries in the world, but it is also one of the greatest places to visit with amazing sights and yummy food! Singapore, a country which prides itself for cheap hawker eats, is also a shopaholic’s haven

[P.S. Looking for the latest halal eateries in Singapore? Our 2018 round-up of 15 awesome eateries is perfect for you!]

Credit: Giphy

No trip would be complete without bringing back memories in the form of souvenirs. Here’s a list of must-buy souvenirs from Singapore, some of which are products of Singaporean start-ups!

[P.S. Visiting Singapore? Make sure you check out our list of 8 awesome hostels around Bugis!]

1. Old-school biscuits and tidbits

From Munch Munch:

Credit: Munch Munch on Facebook

Travel back in time as you head to a Munch Munch store. The shop sells a variety of Singapore-exclusive snacks and toys from the pre-Internet era! Bring home a Singaporean childhood memory with you, especially the famous (and addictive) iced gems and little mantou biscuits (from SGD 2) 🤤

Credit: Munch Munch on Facebook

Aside from sweet treats, you can also find savoury snacks such as prawn chips and chilli-flavoured tapioca chips (from SGD 2). Bring back the inner child in you as Munch Munch also sells candies and toys from the past!

Credit: Munch Munch on Facebook

Disclaimer: Some snacks may not be Halal-certified. However, their products especially their biscuits are Muslim-friendly as they do not contain pork, lard or alcohol but do check the list of ingredients or enquire with the staff before purchasing them.

Outlets:
1) Connexis: 1 Fusionopolis Way, #B1-23, Singapore 138633
2) Chinatown Point: 133 New Bridge Road, #B2-03, Singapore 059413

From Heavenly Wang:

Credit: WangCafe on Facebook

Another place where you can get delicious old-school biscuits is Heavenly Wang. This Halal-certified café, which sells traditional local meals, is also famous for its trademark “biscuit wall”.

Credit: WangCafe on Facebook

Dining in Heavenly Wang will take you back in time and you can leave the place with a souvenir or two by purchasing tubs of their yummy biscuits from their “biscuit wall”. You can find biscuits ranging from the classic iced gems or pineapple sandwich biscuits (from SGD 2).

You can click here for the store locations! The best part is – there are a couple of outlets at Changi Airport Terminal 3 and an outlet at Terminal 4, so you can do some last minute shopping before you fly 

[P.S. So many neighbourhoods to visit in Singapore that you’re spoilt for choice? Check out our guide to Singapore’s hipster neighbourhood, Tiong Bahru!]

2. Kaya (from Ya Kun Kaya Toast)

Singapore’s answer to peanut butter and jelly toast is the country’s signature kaya and butter toast, which can be found in every food court or coffee shop. Ya Kun Kaya Toast specialises in traditional kaya and butter toast. The coffee shop may not be halal-certified in general, but they pride themselves for their very own kaya (and it is halal-certified) 🤗

Credit: Ya Kun Kaya Toast on Facebook

Kaya is coconut jam (sometimes with pandan leaf extract), perfect to be eaten with toast  Get yourself jars of Ya Kun’s very own kaya (available from SGD 4/jar at any Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlet) and you can have your very own Singapore-style breakfast back home.

Credit: Ya Kun Kaya Toast on Facebook

#HHWT Tip: As the jars can’t be carried onto your flight (due to the 100ml liquid limit), you may have to check them in. Wrap your jars of kaya with extra layers of clothes or bubble wrap them to prevent the jars from breaking or cracking in your luggage.

Outlets: Click here for store locations

3. Tiger Balm products (from various pharmacies and Mustafa)

Haw Par Group is a Singapore-grown multinational group known for its Tiger Balm products. These products were developed in Singapore and are perfect for treatments of aches and pains. You can find a variety of Tiger Balm products in various pharmacies and drug stores in Singapore, namely Guardian, Watsons and Unity. Or you can get them at Mustafa too!

Tiger Balm has a long line of products for different uses. Their ointments are used to treat stuffy nose and itch caused by insect bites. The Tiger Balm plasters are also used for muscular pain relief. Tiger Balm also has muscle rubs perfect for massaging your strains and aches 🤗

Note: Prices may vary across different pharmacies.

4. Tea (from TWG Tea)

Another homegrown Singapore brand, TWG Tea has established cafes and stores worldwide, 12 of which are in Singapore. There is a TWG Tea outlet in every terminal at Changi Airport too.

Credit: TWG Tea on Facebook

Apart from the stores in the country’s airport, the remaining outlets are in the Central Business District, so finding one wouldn’t be a hassle. Just a heads up, ready some cash as their products are quite pricey!

Credit: @twgteaofficial on Instagram

Stop by their café for a cuppa and you might find yourself leaving with bags of their products. You can find a plethora of tea flavours, either in the form of tea bags or loose tea leaves (from SGD 10). We recommend purchasing the tea taster collection, which contains a variety of their bestselling tea flavours such as English Breakfast Tea and Jasmine Queen Tea.

Credit: @_kimjiyul on Instagram

Disclaimer: TWG Tea cafes are not halal-certified so do purchase their products at your own discretion.

Stores in Central Business District:
1) The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, B1-122/125, Singapore 018972
2) The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-65/68A, Singapore 018972
3) ION Orchard: 2 Orchard Turn, #02-21, Singapore 238801
4) Takashimaya: 391 Orchard Road, B2 and L2, Singapore 238873
5) Swissotel The Stamford: 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
6) T Galleria Singapore: 25 Scotts Road, L3, Singapore 228220

Stores in Changi International Airport:
1) Terminal 1: Departure/Transit Lounge West, #02-14, Singapore 819642
2) Terminal 2: Departure/Transit Lounge South, #026-102-01, Singapore 819642
3) Terminal 3: Departure/Transit Lounge South, #02-26, Singapore 819663
4) Terminal 3 Kiosk: Departure/Transit Lounge North, #02-K12, Singapore 819663
5) Terminal 4: Departure/Transit Lounge South, #02-29, Singapore 819662

5. Instant Singaporean meals (from various supermarkets)

Craving for halal Hainanese Chicken Rice or Laksa? 🤤 There are many varieties of instant meals in Singapore. Some come in the form of instant noodles or ready-to-eat meals. They range from unique Singaporean dishes such as Singaporean Chilli Crab to common ones such as Laksa and Chicken Rice.

If you are into cooking your own Singapore meals, there are those which come in paste or powder form. Dancing Chef and Prima Taste are just two of the many brands of instant meals, which can be found in the many supermarkets in Singapore. Just follow the instructions on the packets, add your own ingredients and you can enjoy Singapore meals back home! 🤗

Note: Do keep a lookout for the halal sign when purchasing instant meals and prices vary across different supermarkets.

6. Salted egg products (from Irvins)

Singapore-owned Irvins released various salted egg snacks a few years back which started a “salted egg revolution” in Singapore 🤗 Their halal-certified products come in different sizes and flavours (from SGD 7.50) and they are well-liked by most Singaporeans but you might have to face long queues when you head to their stores.

Credit: IRVINS Salted Egg on Facebook

Their products include the classic salted egg potato chips, salted egg cassava chips and their rather unique salted egg fish skin. If you love spicy food, then get yourself the hot bomb versions of their salted egg products and be prepared for an explosion of flavours in your mouth 

Credit: @thesnack.amplaz on Instagram

Another halal brand that’s famous for their salted egg products is Golden Duck, so do keep a lookout when you’re shopping for souvenirs!

Outlets:
1) Vivocity: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B2-K25, Singapore 098585
2) Raffles Xchange: 11 Collyer Quay, #B1-59, Singapore 049317
3) Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #B2-56, Singapore 238839
4) Orchard Gateway: 277 Orchard Road, #L1-K3, Singapore 238858
5) Westgate: 3 Gateway Drive, #02-K3, Singapore 608532
6) Changi Airport T2: Departure/Transit Area, #026-10703, Singapore 819642
7) Marina Bay Sands: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B2-K3, Singapore 018972

7. Merlion-themed and other affordable souvenirs (from Mustafa Centre)

A trip to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without shopping at Mustafa Centre. You can shop for souvenirs here and it’s open 24/7. Don’t worry about burning a hole in your pocket as almost everything here is affordable 

They sell a huge variety of souvenirs including those that are Merlion-themed. The Merlion is the national symbol of Singapore and statues of this national symbol can be found in Sentosa and Marina Bay.

Get yourself a Merlion keychain, snow globe, fridge magnet or even Merlion-shaped chocolates!

Did you know that you can also get Singapore-themed teas at Mustafa? This is definitely a perfect gift to bring home for all you tea lovers!

Note: Not all of the Merlion chocolates are halal-certified, so do check the ingredients list before you buy them!

Address: 141 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207700

8. Alcohol-free perfumes (from Jamal Kazura)

Smell good with alcohol-free perfumes, which you can purchase from a Jamal Kazura outlet, all located in the Kampong Glam district. You can find a variety of perfume vials and attars (Arabic perfumes) and massage oils imported from all around the globe. Jamal Kazura’s products are suitable for men and women of all ages 🤗

Credit: Jamal Kazura Aromatics on Facebook

Their wide range of scents include custom-blended ones and they have a distinct scent especially their floral range, which includes the Bella Rose scent.

#HHWT Tip: If you’re feeling hungry while exploring Kg Glam, be sure to check out our guide to the latest halal cafes in Bugis!

Credit: Jamal Kazura Aromatics on Facebook

Outlets:
1) 728 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198696
2) 21 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199439
3) 27 Arab Street, Singapore 199726

Interested in making your own customised perfume? Then head down to Jamal Kazura’s sister shop, Sifr Aromatics located along Arab Street!

9. Singapore-themed merchandise (from Naiise)

Travellers to Singapore and Singaporeans alike should head to Naiise for their amazing local merchandise. From plushies of local meals to t-shirts with Singlish (Singaporean English) phrases, the merchandise sold at Naiise can’t get any more Singaporean 

Credit: Naiise on Facebook

If you a true foodie, get yourself a bolster or cushion from Naiise. Designs of their bolsters or cushions include that of a durian, curry puff, local kuih, otah and more! 

Credit: Naiise on Facebook

You can also find parking coupons tissue holders, ang ku kueh (glutinous rice flour with sweet filling) coin pouch and Singapore-themed household items such as doormats, towels and door stoppers.

Credit: Naiise on Facebook

Disclaimer: Some of their products contain explicit languages, so do purchase them at your own discretion!

Outlets:
1) I12 Katong: 112 East Coast Road, #01-31/32, Singapore 428802
2) The Star Vista: 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-11, Singapore 138617
3) The Cathay: 2 Handy Road, #B1-08, Singapore 229233

So, free up a spare luggage bag (or get one at Mustafa Centre) for souvenirs alone and be prepared to shop for souvenirs in Singapore! While some in this list may be wallet-friendly, others might be a little pricier so do prepare enough cash. Whatever it is, the souvenirs in this list are worth getting so you can bring home great memories of your Singapore trip with you 🤗

Ask any parent what their experiences flying with young kids are like, and I’m sure they’ll have plenty of war stories to tell.

Credit: Giphy

Travelling with babies or toddlers (or both!) is no easy feat, and often requires preparations akin to that of a major logistical operation. But we’re here to help you out with some tips and tricks to make travelling with young children a less stressful event overall!

Full disclaimer: I don’t have kids yet. But! I have friends who do  And I’m lucky enough to be close friends with two amazing mums (shoutout to Diyana and Aliaa!) who have young kids AND who have braved multiple adventures taking flights (including long-haul ones!) with their adorable offspring. They’ve graciously shared some of the wisdom gained through their travels with me, which will hopefully, in turn, help some of you out too!

Before you fly

1. Check the requirements/conditions applicable to infants and children for your flight

If you’re a parent travelling for the first time with your baby or young child, it’s important to be aware of the conditions that pertain to your airline travel. Different airlines may have different fares for infants (usually categorised as children below the age of 2) and different allowances in terms of on-board baggage (including dimensions for strollers,  or other items such as car seats, travel cot, etc.). In addition, some airlines allow for priority boarding for families, while others do not, so even if you’re used to flying on a particular airline, always remember to double check when taking other airlines.

2. Research the logistics for your stroller

While I’ve mentioned the need to check for conditions for strollers in the first point, I feel that strollers warrant another point on its own. Much like cars, strollers are a complicated field to navigate. There all kinds of strollers available (at various price points), and it can sometimes be overwhelming to choose which one to buy for your child. Throw in air travel into the mix, and it can become a whole other ballgame.

Credit: @travelingwkids on Instagram

While some airlines allow for strollers within specific size and weight dimensions to be stored as hand-carry luggage in the overhead compartment (these are known as in-cabin strollers which are lightweight and foldable, allowing for easy storage), other airlines will require you to gate check your stroller, meaning that you leave the stroller at the gate when boarding your flight, following which airline crew will store them and later deliver them to you at the aeroplane door when you reach your destination. Please do note that if your stroller or pram is large, bulky, or not collapsible, you may be required to check-in the stroller along with your baggage. With that in mind, you’ll need to plan accordingly to make sure that the distance between the check-in counter and the gate is tolerable for you to juggle with your child and carry-on luggage.

3. If possible, choose a flight that can align with your child’s bedtime

Where possible, you may want to choose flight timings that best align with your child’s sleep patterns (i.e. a flight that takes off immediately prior to your child’s normal bedtime, as this hopefully means they’ll be asleep for a large portion of the flight). However, a disclaimer is probably warranted here: in some cases, kids may get too excited to fall asleep – if so, the plan could backfire and you could end up with a tired and cranky child upon arrival  It’ll have to be a case of going through the experience and figuring out what works best for your child!

4. If you’re going to a long haul destination, consider whether it may be preferable to opt for layovers

Credit: @joie.de.viv on Instagram

If you’re planning to travel somewhere far (say, Europe, or the Americas) that requires a long-haul flight, it may be a good idea to consider breaking up your journey. So for example, if you’re travelling to London, while there are direct routes from Singapore and KL which typically take about 14 hours (via airlines such as Singapore Airlines or Malaysia Airlines) , it may make sense to opt for a connecting flight with a layover (for example, Emirates has flights to London which transit in Dubai, with anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours of gap time before your connecting on to London). This way, your child (and you!) get a chance to stretch, run around, and have some freedom of movement halfway through the journey. Even for the best of us, being cooped up in an aeroplane gets taxing after several hours, so it’s understandable how kids would become fidgety or cranky.

Packing for the trip

5. Make sure to pack a lot of snacks

Credit: @travelingwkids on Instagram

This one is pretty much a no-brainer. Both Diyana and Aliaa firmly reiterated that it’s important to have (a lot!) of snacks on hand, not just for when their kids get peckish or hungry, but also as a form of distraction  Aliaa sometimes has yummy titbits on hand (such as Kinder Eggs!), which she uses as special treats once in a while for her 3-year-old daughter Sofia – because the Kinder Egg is seen as a special event or reward, it’s a great way to keep Sofia focused or well-behaved for a duration of time!

6. Don’t forget to bring extra milk powder (or alternatively, be ready to breastfeed more often) on longer flights

Planes, which tend to be a dry environment, can potentially result in your child being more thirsty. This can sometimes result in them asking for more milk than usual. It’s also handy to have extra, just in case there are delays or for the transit between the airport and your destination.

7. If you have a baby that’s weaned, it’s probably best to pack your own food

Most airlines have children’s meals as part of their food onboard, and a large number also offer baby meals (usually for infants under 2 years). However, baby meals typically tend to be pureed baby food in jars, with limited airlines offering meals for post-weaning babies (i.e. babies that don’t solely rely on milk and consume food that’s more substantial than just purees in jars, typically within 1 – 2 years old). Where this is the case, it’s vital that you pack your own supplies of food to feed your baby onboard.

8. Bring a change of clothes (for them AND for you!)

Credit: @toddler_learnandplay on Instagram

A must-have for anyone travelling with young kids is a change of clothes (Aliaa goes so far as to championing TWO sets per child). It goes without saying that the chances of kids getting their clothes soiled (be it spilt food or any other mishaps/accidents) are pretty up there, so having a backup change of clothes is crucial.

Aliaa also made a couple of super useful points: having two sets of clothes is a good idea, especially if you’re travelling to a much colder country and need to change into warmer attire. She also pointed out that it’s a good idea for the clothes to be in separate pieces (as opposed to onesies or bodysuits). This way, it allows for flexibility not just in terms of changing out clothes if they get soiled but also layering or taking off layers depending on whether the child gets cold or warm.

Diyana, on the other hand, shared a great reminder that parents themselves should have a change of clothes!  Which makes perfect sense, given that whatever accident that happens on the flight will just as likely be one where the parent becomes the recipient 

9. Pack any necessary items you may need to keep your child comfortable

Credit: @practicaladventures on Instagram

A comfortable child is a much happier child, and a much happier child often means much happier parents! It’s important to try and make your child as comfortable as possible, so it’s good to pack items they may require, such as a blanket, a small pillow, a favourite stuffed animal they can’t do without, or anything else.

At the airport

10. Get to the airport early

Credit: @dina_akkeeffff on Instagram

While some of us may have played the dangerous game with airport check-ins when travelling without dependents (and by this I mean rocking up to the airport an hour or less before departure and strolling to the gate last-minute), that may not be the best approach when travelling with a young one (especially if there’s more than one child!). Getting to the airport early is crucial is a number of ways – not only does it ensure ample time to check-in, get yourselves settled and be at the gate on-time, it can also be helpful to use the extra time to let your kids play at the airport playground or even run around open space (which airports usually tend to have a good amount of). This can help get the kids to get their energy out, making them more likely to rest or sleep during the flight.

11. Make baby formula before going through security

While many of us are familiar with the liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage (usually capped at 100ml per container, with a total allowance of liquids not more than 1 litre), many airports and airlines waive this restriction in terms of milk or formula meant for your child. If your child consumes baby formula and you prefer bringing your own water to mix with powder to make milk, be sure to make it prior to going through security – this way, despite exceeding the liquid limit, there shouldn’t be an issue with bringing it onboard (though security will likely want to inspect the bottles of milk).To note, the waiver on the liquid restriction also applies to expressed breast milk 

12. Encase your stroller in a stroller bag before handing it to airline staff at the gate

Credit: Mimosa Mena om Facebook

Aliaa flagged this one from experience – before checking your stroller at the gate (or even if you are checking-in your stroller as part of checked luggage), take the time to fold and store the stroller in a stroller bag. While airline staff exercise necessary precautions, sometimes strollers can get dinged up or dirty while it’s stored during your flight, so it’s worth the time to keep the stroller in its bag. That way, it acts as a layer of protection and keeps the stroller clean and ready for your usage when you arrive. If your stroller didn’t come with its own bag, you can easily purchase one off sites like Lazada for reasonable prices.

During the flight

Credit: @justlikemee_ on Instagram

For this category, both Aliaa and Diyana made it overwhelmingly clear: have toys, puzzles, snacks, and other activities on-hand to keep your children occupied.

13. Keep supplies and surprises on hand

Be a real-life Mary Poppins and have a kit of supplies handy to keep your children entertained. Popular items include colouring books and colour pencils, stickers, toys and puzzles. Aliaa bumps up the fun-factor by including a reward element – she sometimes brings a series of presents that are wrapped up, which her daughter can get surprised with at intervals and unwrap (much like a birthday gift!). The presents don’t have to be extravagant items – Aliaa used small treats (Daiso’s a great resource) such as keychains, flashlights, notepads, etc. Diyana, on the other hand, finds that interactive books (such as those that are battery-operated and can make sounds or light up) work a treat with her two-year-old son Aaqil.

Credit: @leighann.novielli on Instagram

It’s also worth noting the usefulness of having an Ipad or in-flight entertainment. While some parents may be wary of using digital devices to keep their kids occupied for long periods of time, at some points during air travel, it can be an undeniable relief to pull out the big guns and let them watch cartoons or other suitable programs. If you travel often, it may be worth getting children’s sized headphones that they can wear comfortably while watching their shows.

14. Distract them during take-off/landing

During take-off, infants and pre-toddlers (meaning those that don’t have their own seat) would have their seatbelts attached to their parents. For some of them, they may get fidgety and struggle against the bonds, so to speak  Diyana has a neat trick to handle this –  she often give her son his milk at this time, because not only does this help him stay put, it can also help to make sure that air pressure doesn’t build up in his ears (thanks to the swallowing motions from drinking his milk). Giving him sips of water in place of milk can also help 

15. Don’t pull out all your tricks at once!

Credit: @dumbells_and_dummies on Instagram

While you may amass what you think is a decent-sized bag of tricks to entertain your children with during the flight, don’t make the mistake of overestimating how long it’ll be able to keep them engaged. And when you’re taking a long-haul flight, that bag of tricks can empty pretty quickly. Diyana’s method of handling this? Making sure to pull out only one toy/treat/activity at a time, so her son can fully exhaust the entertainment time derived from each item. She also makes use of items that already in the plane, especially during take-off and landing – her son can be kept occupied with things as the such as the seatbelt buckle, window shutter, and the in-flight magazine )

16. Taking breaks to walk around

Credit: @chongjunkai on Instagram

At some point or another, kids (especially those in pre-toddler or toddler age) will get fidgety and restless during the flight (let’s face it, we do too! We just don’t make it known to the world 🤣). If that’s the case, you can try taking breaks to get up and let your child walk around and get some movement in. But please do be wary of any other traffic in the aisle – it might be a good idea to walk to the back of the plane where there fewer people are going up or down the aisle. Alternatively, you can let your toddler stand on the chair (with your supervision), so they can stretch their legs.

And that rounds out our list of tips for flying with young children! While this is not an exhaustive list and there are heaps of other tips to cover many more detailed aspects of flying, I hope this proves useful to some of you, be it those embarking on their first trip with a baby in tow, or even those that have flown multiple times with their children. To mums and dads out there, do share your tips that can InsyaAllah benefit the community! 

Authentic halal Mexican food is hard to come by in Singapore but there’s a new eatery in the west that’s satisfying ALL our cravings for tacos and quesadillas!

Credit: Giphy

Say Hola to Jalapeño South-West at 321 Clementi  This Muslim-owned eatery has only been opened for 2 weeks but it’s getting rave reviews for serving authentic AND affordable Mexican food. Almost all their dishes cost around $8-$10 and they come in generous portions too.

Credit: @jalapeno_321 on Instagram

One of the highly recommended dishes is their Beef Quesadillas (from $9.90). Crispy tortillas with smoked marinated meat, jack cheese and topped with sauteed onions and pickled jalapenos – it sure doesn’t get any better than this! You can choose chicken, turkey or BOTH chicken and beef too  All quesadillas are served with sour cream, salsa and Mexican rice.

Credit: Nur Nabilah Roslan

Another must-try is their signature Jsw Burger (from $8.90) – the meats are hand-patted and then grilled to perfection. Onion rings, cheese and their special “Jalapeno South West” sauce are added to the mix and voila, you’ll get to savour this hearty burger 🤤

Credit: Nur Nabilah Roslan

Their appetisers are JUST as good too. The Beef Nachos ($9.90) is an upgrade of your regular favourite snack. Sink your teeth in the light crispiness of tortilla chips, juicy smoked meat, melted cheese and spicy jalapenos! Don’t miss out on their mozzarella cheese sticks and jalapeno poppers too 

Credit: Nur Nabilah Roslan

For those of you looking for something different, you can try their tacos, burritos and fajitas (grilled meat) too. There’s also a wide variety of sauces and dressings to choose from, like ranch, blue cheese and even wasabi ginger  Did we tell you that the eatery has an open concept too? This means that you’ll be able to see your Mexican grub prepared freshly right before your very eyes. That’s certainly a feast not just for your tummy, but your eyes too!

So, this weekend, why not ring up your amigos and plan a meetup at Jalapeño South-West? Yes, we’re talking to even those of you who don’t stay in the west  Because good food is worth travelling for and in this case, since it’s yummy AND affordable, what’s not to love?

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: #01-09, 321 Clementi Ave 3, Singapore 129905
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm daily
Contact No: 6272 7123

As someone who loves colours, flowers and nature in general, I’ve always wanted to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom ever since I saw a picture of it in my secondary school days. Coupled with my love for anime, where cherry blossoms are always beautifully animated, it became a dream to see these pink flowers with my own eyes 

[READ ALSO: Here’s the 2019 cherry blossom forecast for Japan!]

Credit: Giphy

Cherry blossom itself is an iconic symbol in Japanese culture – it’s a representation of the fleeting nature of life. The beauty of these pink flowers peaks for around 2 weeks before they start to fall off. I personally enjoy seeing the world and learning about different cultures, so naturally, catching these flowers in full bloom was definitely something on my bucket list!

[P.S. If you’re visiting Tokyo for cherry blossoms, make sure you keep our 5D4N Muslim-friendly itinerary handy!]

The first time

My first cherry blossoms experience was in 2017 and I was a student at that time. Cherry blossoms usually bloom in April and it’s an extremely inconvenient time for university students since it’s in the middle of the school term. I figured out that the only way I could catch these flowers without missing classes would be to attend school in Japan. The most convenient way to go around doing it was to go on an exchange program. Thankfully, my home university has affiliations with several universities in Japan and I chose a university in Tokyo for my semester-long exchange program 

Since classes only start in April, I had a few days to wander around Tokyo. To maximise my time, I researched the different cherry blossom spots in Tokyo before planning my trip!

My first hanami (flower viewing in Japanese) experience was at Shinjuku Gyoen. My friend and I had a mini picnic with a sushi set we bought from a store. As much as we had a really wonderful view of the flowers, our pants got pretty dirty as we forgot to bring a mat along and we had to sit on plastic bags instead. So, please remember to bring a mat along if you’re thinking of having a picnic!

#HHWT Tip: You’re going to get hungry while chasing cherry blossoms, so here are 10 halal places to dine at in Tokyo!

But despite the mess that we got ourselves into, we still had a good time catching up ☺️ After the really nice lunch and catch-up session, we went to explore the park and it was then that I realised how beautiful the cherry blossoms were. The flowers came in a myriad of colours – from white to pale pink to dark shades of pink. That image is still etched in my mind till today 

Lively atmosphere

Fast forward to my second cherry blossom viewing experience (on the same trip!) – this time, it was with the friends I made on exchange. We headed to Yoyogi Park, another popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. It was really crowded so we settled for a not-so-prime area. But it was during this time that I observed what was happening around me.

An interesting sight I could remember was Japanese men in suits who just sat around enjoying themselves. They were probably colleagues who were out for a company lunch. The atmosphere was really lively and you could hear groups of people chatting away. There were instances where random strangers approached us casually to say hi, or attempted to strike up a conversation. It was really great talking to other locals and travellers and finding out about each others’ culture. It was really amazing how the shared experience of viewing cherry blossoms had brought complete strangers together. My friends and I had so much fun that we only left Yoyogi Park when the sun was about to set!

Viewing cherry blossoms is not just a group activity

Apart from these mini picnics, I also went to several other cherry blossom spots on my own – Meguro River and Sumida Park. Although it’s a nice and warm feeling to experience cherry blossoms with a group of people, going alone was a therapeutic and refreshing experience.

I started noticing even the smallest things around me – like how the beautiful the sakura petals look as they hang charmingly over the canal. And when the wind blew and the petals start falling, one by one, into the canal – that was the most magical sight ever  Even though there were hordes of people here, it somehow didn’t bother me at all because the view made up for it!

If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, I’d recommend heading to Sumida Park instead! It has a really relaxing and chill vibe – perfect if all you want to do is to sit and watch the world go by 

What I really loved about Sumida Park was its festival vibe. There were traditional music and dance performances and the performers even had their masks on so it was really interesting! There were also street vendors selling Japanese snacks like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and more. While it’s a nice experience to feast on some of these snacks, the locals would usually buy food from the convenience stores and have a picnic instead.

#HHWT Tip: Buying snacks from the convenience store? Then you’d need our guide to the Muslim-friendly snacks you can find in Japanese convenience stores!

Fulfilling my cherry blossom dream

Although I had already seen a lot of cherry blossoms at this point, there was 1 place which I had yet to visit – the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto. This was THE place which inspired me to experience cherry blossoms in Japan. I had seen gorgeous pictures of this place and I had wanted to visit it all along. So, I made it a point to visit the Philosopher’s Path during exchange in hopes of recreating the same picture.

Truth be told, no words could describe the excitement and joy when I finally set foot on the place after years of yearning. The sight, the smell, the atmosphere – everything was perfect. If happiness had a form, it’ll be strolling down the path under the fully bloomed cherry blossoms.

[P.S. Visiting Kyoto? Make sure you fill your tummy at these 12 amazing halal restaurants!]

But perhaps, what made the experience memorable was the fact that I made the effort to come here earlier at around 6am! I had learnt from previous experiences so this time I had to get it right. Needless to say, it was incredible. There was barely anyone there other than a couple of photographers and some tourists. The view was so breathtaking that I was almost in tears when I had to leave (no, I’m not exaggerating) to catch the bus back to Tokyo. I made a promise to myself that I’d definitely revisit the place in future to catch the cherry blossoms again.  

#HHWT Tip: If you plan to visit the Philosopher’s Path during the cherry blossom season, do try to make your way there early as it will get really crowded in the afternoon since tour buses will start to arrive between 9-10am. 

Going back to Japan for cherry blossoms

I returned to Japan for my graduation trip with several other friends. Since we went in early May, we weren’t expecting to see any cherry blossoms. But boy were we pleasantly surprised when we saw that there were still remnants of cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture) 

I could still remember a sense of nostalgia when I saw the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki – it reminded me of the days I spent in Tokyo as an exchange student and the fun I had, travelling and exploring the city! Most of the flowers had fallen and the bed of grass was filled with pink petals – it was a really magnificent sight 

Since the park was relatively empty, we spent quite a fair bit of time trying out different poses and taking pictures. This was definitely something that none of us would’ve done if the park was packed!

Tips for cherry blossom sighting

Since I’ve viewed cherry blossoms several times, here’s a list of tips to help you have a better experience:

1. Visit the place earlier if you don’t want to be shoved around (especially in Meguro Park!) or don’t want anyone in your picture.
2. Plan your trip early! It’s important to know where you want to go and how to get there.
3. Try to visit the cherry blossom spots on a weekday as most places will be packed on weekends. If possible, try to head over earlier as it tends to get crowded in the evening.
4. Bring extra snacks and bottles of water if you plan to stay there for a prolonged period of time!
5. For amateur photographers (like myself!), it might be difficult for you to get that perfect picture of cherry blossoms but don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead of trying so hard to get the best shots, just live in the moment and enjoy the view 

[P.S. Here are more tips to guide you on your cherry blossom chase in Japan!]

Is it really worth it?

Many of you must be wondering if the reality of viewing cherry blossoms will meet your expectations. To that, I’d say that it really depends on the location. The cherry blossom spots in Tokyo were really packed when I was there and if I’m being really honest, sometimes it can get a little disappointing when you have to jostle through large crowds and hordes of people just to see the flowers. But like I mentioned earlier, after seeing the marvellous sight, nothing else seems to matter.

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to catch the cherry blossoms. Whether it’s because you’ve been captivated by pictures of the flowers, roped in by your friends or just like myself, you’re inspired by Japanese dramas and animes that you’ve watched – as long as you have a reason for wanting to catch these flowers, trust me, the trip WILL be worth it. The bonds forged with the people whom you travel with and the dream (of seeing the flowers) that you’ve fulfilled can’t be described in words.

As for me – ask me if I’d experience it again and my answer is a resounding yes! I’d go through the experience all over again and catch these cherry blossoms in full bloom. But my goal for my next trip is to visit other prefectures because Japan is so huge and there must be other spots waiting to be discovered 

So, if you’ve been contemplating that cherry blossom trip, I’d say, go for it. And if you’re already planning your trip, all the best and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

Disclaimer: Do note that the views expressed in this article are purely those of the writer’s and do not necessarily represent or reflect HHWT’s views. 

So you have decided to go to Iceland, the land of Vikings.

It’s far and foreign, we know.

We also know that you have seen pictures of their spectacularly breathtaking Aurora Borealis, or more commonly known as the Northern Lights.

And now you want to see this ethereal phenomenon with your very own eyes.

Credit: Giphy

Will it be an epic adventure? Most definitely. Some even say it’s a life-changing event.

The land of ice and fire (Game of Thrones fans, we know you like this!) lives up to its reputation with volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal pools, and alien-like landscapes. Seriously, just look at these stunning Icelandic photos! If you’re not in love with Iceland after seeing this, we’re totally judging you.

Credit: Old Skool Photography on Unsplashed

But first, what exactly are the northern lights? Time to recall some physics and chemistry! The magnificent dancing lights are the result of electrically charged particles from the sun ☀️ colliding with Earth’s  gaseous particles in the atmosphere.

Bear in mind, the northern lights are unpredictable. It is not a guaranteed sighting *sigh *. But you can exponentially increase your chances of sighting the dancing lights with these three things:

One, there needs to be auroral activity. There are plenty of websites such as this that shows auroral activity.

Two, you need clear skies. Even if there’s high auroral activity, clouds can block your view.

And three, it must be dark. You can’t see it when there’s too much light. Even a bright full moon will dim its aura!

And maybe this extra fourth point – you need a LOT of patience. There will be a lot of waiting in the cold, cold, cold weather ❄️.

Now, to get all three factors at once, plus all the extras that come with travelling (timing, routes, accommodation, clothes, photography gears and all that jazz) require some intensive planning.

When to visit

Late September to late March is the best time to visit, simply because it gets dark as early as 6 pm, giving us longer hours of fully dark nights.

Also, December is the darkest month, while January and February have more rainfall and therefore more clouds.

Stay duration

The suggested length of stay is usually seven nights. The lights usually follow a cycle of being highly active for two to three nights, then low activity for three to four nights.

But sighting the northern lights is based on luck, chance and patience. This means that the longer you stay, the higher your chances are of seeing it.

Anyway, there’s so much more to Iceland than the northern lights! The land of fire and ice is a haven for adventurers and photographers alike! Since you’ll be spending your nights hunting for the majestic dancing lights, why not use your day time to explore the rest of Iceland’s scenic landscapes?

But first, there are some things you need to know and prepare before your trip.

Food

Since Islam is such a minority population in Iceland (only 0.3%!), there are not many amenities to accommodate Muslims such as mosques or halal eateries in the country.

But Iceland’s food culture is heavy on lamb and seafood, so it is easy to find non-pork meals (watch out for porky bits like bacon and ham though! Always ask before buying).

And some meals may also be cooked with alcohol. Again, it is best to check before buying or ordering.

There are a few Muslim-owned restaurants in Reykjavik such as Mandi Reykjavik and Shalimar Pakistani Cuisine. Although these restaurants are Muslim-owned, not everything on their menu may be halal and we advise that you dine at your own discretion

Outside of the city, there are almost none so it’s recommended that you prepare beforehand.

Organize with your tour operators about your food options beforehand. They usually have vegetarian or seafood options available.

Get snacks for the road. Head over to a supermarket and stock up on snacks in case there aren’t any Muslim-friendly eateries while you’re exploring the country.

Alternatively, if you have access to a kitchen, you can also shop for your own groceries at the supermarkets for their amazing fresh produce and prepare your own meals.

Prayer facilities

Credit: @reikei2608 on Instagram

As mentioned earlier, Iceland is not a place with many Muslim amenities. There is only one mosque in Reykjavik (The Grand Mosque of Iceland), so we suggest that you bring your own mat and qibla compass if necessary.

For those who are travelling with tour operators, you might have to work your prayer times around the tour schedule. Be ready to pray on the go as not many tour operators accommodate Muslim prayer times (there are no prayers halls on the road for them to stop).

Here are some tips to pray in public while travelling.

Weather

Imagine experiencing four seasons in one day ☀️⛄️. That’s what you’ll be packing for. Iceland’s weather is known to be unpredictable.

One of the popular sayings there is “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”. That’s how fickle the weather is.

Be prepared for anything – rain, snow, sun (yes, even sun!), wind, anything!

What to wear/what to bring

Dress for warmth and comfort. Chances are you’ll be doing a LOT of walking during the day, and waiting (for the northern lights) at night. The weather there isn’t too kind so you definitely want to be prepared.

Ideally, layering is the way to go. You don’t want to be too cold the moment you remove the one super hot and warm jacket you were wearing because you only have one layer underneath.

You want to be comfortable enough to move in between indoors, outdoors, and in and out of vehicles. Layering would help you get comfortable since you can remove or add on layers accordingly.

Here are our suggested items to bring to make your trip more comfortable

1. Comfortable long sleeve t-shirts – be as comfy as you can be!

2. Water bottle – there aren’t many stops on the road so it’s better to have water with you at all times, especially if you’re not travelling with tour operators.

#HHWT tip: Refill drinkable water straight from the tap. There is no need to buy water there. You can even drink water fresh from the glacial streams!

3. Lotion and lip balm – a must-have for any cold weather travels to prevent dry skin and chapped lips.

4 – Umbrella/raincoat ☔️ – because, psychopathic weather. It’s good to be prepared for the rain. It might rain up to 5 times a day, sporadically.

5. Comfortable trekking shoes (preferably waterproof) – this is important because you’re going to be spending a lot of time walking.

#HHWT tip: Make sure to use your new shoes before the trip to avoid blisters!

6. Clothes for the cold – sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, beanies, woollen sock, long thermal underwear)

7. Hot hands – small heat packs to keep your hands warm! These things are lifesavers for any cold-weather trips. Just keep them in your jacket and hold them when you start to feel chilly.

8. Waterproof backpack – to make sure all your belongings are safe from the rain!

9. Ski pants – they keep you warm and are comfortable enough to wear while exploring the countryside!

10. Jeans (wear something underneath them) – for the sunnier days in the city!

11. Jacket – invest in a good jacket to keep you warm.

12. Adapters – The electrical plugs in Iceland are 2 pin 220V 50Hz. Bring adapters for the plugs and wall sockets.

#HHWT tip: Most hotels would have adapters available, but just in case you need to charge your electronics at a pit stop while on the road, it’s good to have one with you.

Getting around:

Renting a car

For those who want the freedom of travelling in their own time and have their own schedules, driving is the way to go ! Rental cars are available around Reykjavik and other major towns. You should be able to rent a car with a foreign license, as long as there’s English on it.

Credit: Simon Sun on Unsplashed

Driving around the countryside can be liberating for some. You don’t have to follow anyone’s schedules but your own. But keep in mind that this requires some intensive planning on your end.

You might miss out on hidden gems that only locals are aware of, or even lack the experience to find the best spots for the northern lights. Maybe reach out to tour operators beforehand and check their itineraries, or ask them for tips on hidden gems to visit.

#HHWT tip: If you have little experience driving on dark, snowy, rural, or icy roads; we recommend you choose other alternatives as a safety precaution. The roads can get slippery.

And if you don’t feel comfortable driving a car, there are plenty of tours you can choose from!

Tour

The most common method would be using guided tours. They usually run from September to March during the northern lights season.

You will be guided by Icelandic experts who are familiar with the northern lights, and can guide you to the best locations to sight one! And the best part? You don’t have to worry about driving (in hazardous winter conditions), routes, maps, and planning. Everything is done for you. Just hop onto the vehicle and enjoy beautiful sceneries!

#HHWT tip: Most tours would have negative reviews from people who have not seen any aurora, but that is the nature of this phenomenon. Most would also offer to take you for another day if you did not see it on the first.

There are different tours available for different travellers – luxurious, budget-friendly, adventurous, easy-going, buses, vans, jeeps, and many others. You just need to pick the one that suits you and your time best.

Two of the most popular tour operators in Iceland are Guide to Iceland and Extreme Iceland.

There are some disadvantages to using a tour operator. Mainly, you would be moving on their time and depending on the type of tour you choose, it can be crowded.

Boat

The last option is to tour by boat . These boats are available in Reykjavik and Akureyri, and they take you out into the open ocean away from the city and its urban light pollution.

But where the first two options take you on a ‘hunt’ for the northern lights, the boat tour’s main highlight is to take you out to sea and enjoy the magnificent landscape while being under the stars with a chance of seeing the northern lights while you’re out there.

What to look for

First of all, look north! The lights aren’t called the northern lights without reason. They appear on the northernmost part of the sky aka the arctic sky! Once darkness falls, the optimum time to see the lights seem to range between 9.30pm and 1 am.

Credit: Johannes Groll on Unsplashed

What might seem like grey thin wispy clouds at first can be easy to miss. Try and take a long exposure (20 seconds or so) picture with your camera. If the ‘clouds’ in your photograph appear green – that’s it! That’s a weaker version of the northern lights. Now you have to wait a while longer and hope for the auroral activity to get stronger.

Credit: Old Skool Photography on Unsplashed

The colour of the lights depends on the intensity of the auroral activity. The stronger it is, the brighter its colours. The most common colour is green, but sometimes it can be red, blue, or orange!

Again, we remind you, these surreal lights are unpredictable. Sometimes they stay for just five minutes *again, sigh *, and sometimes you get a whole show for the entire night!

Where is best to see

City

Credit: Wikipedia Commons

In the city, the auroral activity has to be pretty strong for you to see them. It’s not an impossible occurrence, and maybe you could be lucky enough to see it right in Reykjavik. But note that in the city, you would lack the mobility to move around if clouds get in the way of your view. Here are a few places we would suggest in the city:

1. Grotta lighthouse – a small lighthouse on the north-westernmost point of Reykjavik

2. Oskjuhlio – a beautiful woodlands area in the centre of Reykjavik

3. Klambratun – a simple and cosy little park in east central Reykjavik

Pack some light snacks and a warm drink (their hot chocolates are delicious ☕️) and chill under Reykjavik’s star-filled sky while waiting for the northern lights!

Credit: Jonatan Pie on Unsplashed

You would have much higher chances outside the city, away from light pollution. Drive a few miles out to get away from the light pollution or maybe even stay overnight in Thorsmork just 3 hours away from Reykjavik.

Countryside

One great thing about hunting for the northern lights is that you can use your day time for other awesome Icelandic adventures! Once you’re out of the city and away from urban light pollution, you can pretty much set up anywhere on a good night and get a great view of the northern lights when they appear.

These are some suggestions of places you can visit during the day for beautiful landscape photos.  And (if you’re lucky!) see the aurora borealis in all its glory at night and enjoy TWO natural wonders in one place!

1 – Black Sand Beaches and Vik

Credit: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplashed

Vik is a small fishing village on the southernmost tip of Iceland. Just a few minutes drive away from the town, you can find this unique beach, Reynisfjara. Here you can find black sand beaches. Stroll along the beach during the day and admire its uniqueness.

Credit: Chris Reid on Unsplashed

At night, when the aurora appears, the black beach and reflective ocean can add an interesting element to your shot.

2- Skogafoss Waterfall

One of Iceland’s iconic waterfalls! This magnificent waterfall stands at 60 meters high. You can spend your day exploring the waterfalls to find your favourite angle for your northern lights photo at night.

Walk up the steps (at the side of the waterfall) to the top, explore inwards towards the waterfall, or stay back and get a shot of the waterfall and all its surrounding landscapes.

You might even get a rainbow  (or a double rainbow) on sunny days at the waterfall itself.

Credit: Balasz Busznyak on Unsplash

#HHWT tip: If you have seen Skogafoss in all its glory, another of Iceland’s famous waterfall is Seljalandfoss is just as spectacular and within driving distance from Skogafoss.

3 – Solheimajokull Glaciers

An impressive glacier that is 8 km long and 2 km wide. Unlike most glaciers, Solheimajokull has a mixture of colours from snowy white, ice blue, and black ashes from its volcanic sand.

During the day you can organize a hike on the glacier! It takes about three hours to hike up to the top but you get to enjoy a view of the colossal glacier once you’re up there.

Once you’re done with hiking, take a chill pill, relax, and wait for the sun to set!

4 – Jokulsarlon Ice Lagoon

Credit: John Salvino on Unsplashed

Another of Iceland’s must-visit locations.

What makes this glacial lagoon so special is that it is ever-changing. As chunks of ice are constantly crumbling, the lagoon is constantly expanding. This means that for every trip made to Jojulsarlon, you would get a different view!

And just some interesting facts, because of it’s unique landscape, it was the filming locations of many Hollywood films such as James Bond Die Another Day, Interstellar, Batman Begins, and Tomb Raider!

Credit: Wikipedia Commons

Imagine getting a view of the northern lights like this over the glacial lagoon!

5 – Eldhraun

This 565 km-square feet lava field covered in moss. This bizarre landscape was caused by a cataclysmic event in 1783 when Laki (the volcanic fissure) erupted lava for more than a year!

This serene yet surreal lava field adds a whimsical touch not just to your northern lights picture, but also your daytime photos.

Interesting fact: This was where the Apollo 11 astronauts trained for their 1969 moonwalk due to its surface similarities to the moon.

6 – Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park

Credit: Kym Ellis on Unsplashed

A huge national park about 40km away from Reykjavik, Thingvellir is one of the popular attractions because of its geological, cultural and historical significance. You can explore the Oxara waterfall, Nikilsargia Gorge and check out the tectonic plates.

In the park lies a rift valley that shows the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The plates are naturally pulled 2cm apart every year!

#HHWT tip: Go past the visitor centre and up to Almanngja for a magnificent shot of the entire park with the northern lights!

Game of Thrones fans, one of the locations in the park, Almanaggja, was used to represent the Gates to the Moon, or the entry to the Eyrie.

7 – Kirkjufell

Credit: Joshua Earle on Unsplashed

An iconic Icelandic landmark! This mountain is the most photographed mountain in Iceland! At 463 feet it is a towering figure on its surrounding flat land.

This place was the filming locations for the stunningly picturesque The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and one of the locations north of the wall in Game of Thrones!

SPOILERS! – Skip this next gif and #HHWT tip if you don’t want any Game of Thrones season 7 spoilers!

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Credit: Giphy

#HHWT tip: Game of Thrones fans, this was one of the locations filmed for season 6 and 7. The iconic mountain at Kirkujufell in the scene when Jon Snow and gang went north of the wall trying to capture a wight. You can briefly see it in the gif!

8 – Hvitserkur

Credit: Tetiana Syrova on Unsplashed

What is that thing? Is that a creature coming out of the sea? Nope, this Star Wars-like creature is a rock formation that resembles a monster rising from the sea! With its shape and standing at 15 meters high, it is no surprise that sometimes its mistaken as a living creature at first glance.

Credit: Joshua Earle on Unsplashed

At night, it looks even more surreal (at times even eerie). Wait for the northern lights to appear, and it’ll look like a scene from a fantasy movie!

There you have it. Those are the 8 locations for a surreal Icelandic northern lights experience.

Note that these locations are scattered on both the north and south of the country. Tour operators may not take you to all the locations we listed, and even to drive there on your own may be time-consuming.

We know you want to visit all (we would if we could too). You don’t have to go to all places to enjoy Iceland and see the enigmatic northern lights. There is always next time, and Iceland is that beautiful a place you would want to visit again.

And if you know other great Icelandic locations for that perfect shot, drop us a comment after you’re done with this article.

Photography tips to capture the northern lights 

Credit: Jakob Owens on Unsplashed

In most situations, gears don’t matter too much. But if you want to get the best shots, here are our recommendations for equipment and settings to capture the ethereal phenomenon.

P/S: If you’re still deciding on which cameras to purchase before your trip, have a look at our top 10 recommended travel cameras.

Equipment:

1. Digital camera (preferably with manual mode and high ISO)

2. A wide-angle lens (24mm or wider) and a higher aperture (2.8 minimum)

3. A tripod to steady your camera for the long exposures

4. Extra batteries (around 3-4) because the cold weather drains batteries faster

As the light in the surrounding environments is constantly changing, you might have to experiment around with the settings until you get it right.

Here are some guides to start with for the shot:

1.  Image format – use raw if you can, especially for those who will post-process the images. Raw contains much more data than jpeg for you to edit later.

2. Aperture – as you need to capture as much light as fast as possible, a minimum aperture of 2.8 (or as close as possible) is recommended.

3. Shutter speed – this is dependent on how fast the northern lights are moving. Experiment between 15 to 30 seconds to make sure the stars stay static

4. ISO – depending on your camera capabilities, this should range between 800 to 3200 ISO. Maybe even higher for high-performance cameras (we know Sony’s beast of a camera, the A7 series is definitely capable of this!).

5. Experiment. Our recommended settings are just a guide for you. As mentioned before, no environment is exactly the same. Adapt and change as your light changes!

Hotels

Unfortunately, there aren’t many Muslim-friendly hotels in the country. But many hotels have vegetarian and seafood options available. They usually provide ala carte and buffet options, but we suggest to enquire before consuming as some dishes may have pork bits or alcohol.

So, for the hotels, we’ll focus on are their other amenities instead such as location convenience, and chances of seeing the northern lights.

Here are some of our suggestions:

The Thingholt

Credit: @bogila_libros on Instagram

The Thingholt in Reykjavik is probably as convenient as it gets for those who are staying in the city. This modern contemporary hotel is walking distance from most of the tourist attractions in the city so you don’t have to worry much about transportation. There are also plenty of cafes and shops within the area for those who would like to grab a morning coffee and do a little shopping.

There’s also a shuttle bus to and from the airport too! So once you land at Keflavik airport, you can conveniently hop on to the shuttle and it’ll take you to Thingholt’s doorstep!

Address: Þingholtsstræti 3, Reykjavík, Iceland
Phone: +354 595 8530
Website

Hotel Ranga

Credit: @thehandsomepegasus on Instagram

This beautiful cabin inspired hotel in Hella is a perfect stop if you’re heading to the southern attractions!

Credit: @neonconflagrations on Instagram

There is also a possibility of seeing the northern lights without leaving the hotel grounds. They even have hot tubs outside your room so you can enjoy the aurora while having a good soak. The cabin itself makes a stunning foreground for a picturesque photo!

Address: Suðurlandsvegur, 851 Hella, Iceland
Phone:+354 487 5700
Website

The Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Credit: @erick_in_iceland on Instagram

This stunning modern contemporary hotel is located in Oraefi, near the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon. An ideal overnight location before heading back towards Reykjavik.

Credit: @klao19 on Instagram

Each sleekly decorated room is fitted with ceiling to floor windows so you will never miss anything happening in the sky!

Address: Hnapavellir, 785 Öræfi, Iceland
Phone: +354 514 8300
Website

#HHWT tip: Hotel Ranga and Fosshotel offer wake up calls if there are aurora sightings. If you are staying at other places, check if they do too so you won’t miss your chance!

From magnificent auroras to impressive landscapes, there is so much more to this incredible country! We would need ten other articles just to cover it! It definite ranks at the top for places we would want to revisit if we could.