I find it interesting after over 3 decades of travelling the world, my travels now branch out towards some really interesting perspectives.
Travelling to me isn’t just about seeing beautiful places. As a matter of fact, learning new things, meeting new people, exploring new realities and letting them inspire me meant a lot more to me.
FACT
Do you know that Muslims now make the fastest growing in global travel Industries? USD$300 billion is estimated contributed through Muslim’s halal travels in the recent years. In response to this, hotels, tour operators, tourism boards and even medical and pharmaceutical industries worldwide are increasingly trying to meet the religious needs.
When we talk about halal or Muslim friendly travels, it doesn’t just refer to food. Logistics and medical tourism contributes to the rise of this niche market too.
I’m stoked to have the opportunity to dive deeper into these rapidly growing businesses in the tourism industry, travelling around the state of Selangor, thanks to Gaya Travel and the Economic Planning Department of Selangor (UPEN)
From shopping at a homely concept boutique and experiencing a hi-tech Islamic skin specialist centre to exploring agro farms, trying various hidden gems for food, meeting business owners and expanding my horizons in this aspect of travel that is new to me. Travelling has certainly taught me various aspects of businesses too.
MUTIARA FIGS GARDEN
Figs, also known as ‘buah tin’ in Malay has been associated with health benefits since ancient times. They are rich in potassium, high in fibre and antioxidants to help prevent major illnesses.
Commonly grown in the Mediterranean, some adventurous and brave Malaysians have taken initiatives, bringing figs farming into our tropical climate.
I’m pleased I have the opportunity to visit Mutiara Figs Garden to dive deeper into this.
Architects, Mohd Hilmi Yusoff and his wife Faridah Hasni started planting figs for their own use.
The story behind Mutiara Figs Garden I find really empowering. The idea of growing figs purely for their own family consumption grew into a successful business. Encik Hilmi has taken agro farming to the next level. He has invited scientists, experts in agriculture, university Professors and Chefs to his fig farm to have a deep understanding about this unique fruit. Millions of ringgits were spent towards this initiatives. I admire his courage, his beliefs and his visions to reach his goals. He’s sold his art collection, luxury belongings and did everything under the sun to ensure the success of his family business. Total respect for this courageous, knowledgeable and hospitable man!
After 7 years of venturing into the agro farming of figs, they now are the main supplier of this delicious fruit for luxury hotels around Kuala Lumpur.
Their figs, absolutely delicious; their desserts, to-die- for; the fig relish goes so well with my favourite cheddar cheese and the garlic chilli is blended beautifully with my spaghetti aglio olio!
Their hospitality, totally heartwarming and their effort in ensuring their success in farming this ancient fruit is definitely commendable.
Lot 4114 Jalan Ikhsan, Kampung Jalan Kebun, Seksyen 30, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor.
🛒 Mutiara Garden Figs cakerush beepit
DERMALENE
Coco Chanel quotes “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.”
Stoked to meet this beauty with brains, Dr Alina Hasni . Dr Alina is the founder and the CEO of Dermalene a leading Skin Specialist Centre that provides Syariah compliant treatments and skin solutions.
A woman with great visions, she started building her own website and YouTube content at the age of 18 focusing on health content, sharing her knowledge in health. Imparting her knowledge and empowering the community has been part of her life and she’s passionate about it.
Fast forward 18 years later, Dr Alina is still keeping her dreams alive through Dermalene which now has 6 Skin Specialist Outlets, and expanding. Dermalene is certainly climbing its ladder fast! Their skin centre provides non-invasive clinically proven methods by their Specialist Dermatologist and well-trained Beauty Consultants.
Her goal? To create the first National Skin Centre in Malaysia by 2030.
Proof of effectiveness of Dermalene? Well, in the photo, Dr Alina herself, sitting next to me!
ANGGUN CHITRA BOUTIQUE
Meet the ever-so lovely Noreen Firdaus, the founder and CEO of Anggun Chitra Boutique in Shah Alam, Selangor 🇲🇾
Nooreen left her career in the corporate world with the primary oil and gas company in Malaysia to pursue her dreams in fashion entrepreneurship. Her years living abroad in the Middle East and Indonesia sparked the ideas of bringing in the elegant fashion of the Muslim world to Malaysia.
Her collection clearly expressed her exquisite sense of fashion. Gorgeous silky scarves, classic abayas and modern ones with elaborate bling bling, a variety of accessories and a lovely collection of Malay traditional costumes will definitely inspire the elegant Muslims in Malaysia.
Friends who saw my Facebook and Instagram posts checked it out and told me they were happy with their purchases!
Nooreen is a hostess with the mostest. Her resident’s friendly boutique will make you feel at home!
It is wonderful to have crossed path with someone so warm, kind and a goal-getter like Nooreen. Not just a business owner, she is actively involved in voluntary works through her products.
🤔 Will you give up your career to live your dreams? I did, and I went on full throttle, living my life, without ever turning back!
CHOCOLATE MUSEUM KOTA DAMANSARA
A visit to Chocolate Museum Kota Damansara, a one-of-a-kind museum will guarantee to make you drool. This interactive museum, open to public since 2014, owned by DR Holdings Sdn Bhd is the homegrown brands of Fidani and Danson. They are the biggest chocolate manufacturer and importer in Malaysia.
Visitors will be exposed to the history of chocolates, learn how chocolates are made, have better understanding of its benefits and have the options to experience making chocolates. Be warned, its retail shop at the end of the visit has over 100 brands of chocolates to choose from! You’ll be spoilt for choices.
The museum also provides customised orders for special occasions and children could host birthday parties with chocolate making experience.
The media team and I were given the opportunity to decorate chocolates in shapes of handbags and shoes. We had various types of chocolates to use to design our chocolate handbag and chocolate shoes. It felt like we were kids again! So much fun and laughter decorating and nibbling the chocolates at the same time. Well, it’s hard to resist those delicious chocolates!
Chocolate Museum Kota Damansara is definitely heaven for chocolate-lovers!
Super awesome to have you covered us. Thank you so much. Love the website! I’m all for epic adventures! Yeay!
Thank you for taking time reading the article. You deserved the big shout-out for your initiatives and visions. Total respect for you Dr Alina. And thank you for your kind support