Wednesday, October 1, 2025

10 #PragueTravelTips

So I finally made it to Prague - the city of fairy tales, cobblestones, and buildings so pretty you’d think they got filters on in real life. But let me tell you, behind all the magical vibes, there’s a few very real things you need to know before you strut around like you're in a Netflix Euro-romcom. From cancelled Airbnbs to elevators that don't exist, I learned a thing or two the not-so-glam way. Here’s the lowdown - unfiltered, unglossed and full of my usual drama. You're welcome.

Prague Reel : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQJG2erj0c0/


1. It is convenient to stay near to the Old Town and Charles Bridge, however these places are usually taken up fast and rather expensive. Plan well.

2. My Air BnB accommodation was cancelled at the last minute, so I booked another place 15-20 mins away. It was a huge hostel/hotel complex that have 300 rooms (if not mistaken, need to fact check this but now malas). They have single room (one single bed), twin sharing and 4-8 pax dorm room (mix and non-mix). Other facilities are guest kitchen (tak semengah), bar (kot2 nak beli soft drinks), washing machine, breakfast (additional cost), wifi, table football, billiards, Kids' Corner, lounge, parking and meeting room/area.

3. When searching using google or chatgipiti, make sure you indicate 'lift is a must'. Reason being most buildings here are old especially those near the Old Town, hence majority are without lift... kang jadi satu kegigihan mengangkut naik 3-4 tingkat.


4. The train station Information Counter folks garang and tak berapa well mannered (it is reviewed/mentioner in other platforms as well), so when you seeking help for directionn make sure tanya specifically. Adek I trauma aritu.

5. Public transport is fairly easy to master all you need to remember is to validate yout ticket, else kena denda macam we all masa kat Romania dulu. YES, ada orang check randomly - we all kena check di 2 negara yang berlainan.

6. ALL Old Town is walkable, sila count your steps.

7. Please visit the castle cos I didn't manage to. Read the history, very impressive, so kira kena revisit lah kan.



8. I like to visit other country's fast food joint and cafe, to check-out their merchandise, deco, type of drinks and their localised menu. Sangat interesting yea... #marketinggeek.

9. Start your day early, be mindful operating hour/day, daylight hour, distance, weather forecast, rerouting of public transport (I kena ni, rupanya tram not in service sebab road repair hence rerouting it).

10. Look out for local market - farmer marker, flea market, Christmas market and etc.

So yeah, Prague was a mix of “Wah so cantik!” and “Eh hello, why like this??” moments - but that’s what makes the trip memorable, kan? Moral of the story: plan a bit, chill a lot, and always, ALWAYS check if there’s a lift unless you're training for Mount Everest. I’ll definitely be back to check out that castle I missed (don’t judge me) and maybe redeem my trauma kat train station tu. Till then, walk like your steps count (because they do), validate your tickets,and always pack some patience. Catch you in the next city, travelholics!










Monday, August 25, 2025

Halal Restaurant in Hanoi: Batavia Restaurant

If you are a traveller like me then you know the struggle of finding proper halal makan in non-Muslim-majority cities. So guess what? While strolling through the charming chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, I stumbled upon a gem that had me grinning from ear to– Batavia Restaurant!

A Little Piece of Indonesia in Hanoi
Tucked away in the heart of Hanoi, Batavia is not just any Indonesian restaurant – it's a cozy, homey spot bursting with authentic flavors, warm service, and loads of soul. Think Balinese wood décor meets Vietnamese charm. Love at first sight lah!


The heart and soul behind Batavia? Meet Mr. Iwan, an Indonesian expat with a big smile and even bigger dreams. He moved to Vietnam years ago and, like many of us, missed the comfort of his home food. That craving turned into a mission… and boom! Batavia was born.

100% Halal, No Compromise
Now here’s the best part, Batavia is 100% halal! Mr. Iwan takes this very seriously, kid you not. All their meats are sourced from certified halal suppliers (in fact some were imported!), and the kitchen is managed with strict halal practices so when you makan here, no worries, no doubts, tanpa was-was.

I even peeked into their kitchen (curious traveller kindathing) - clean, organised, and the smells... MasyaAllah laparrudin terus.


Inspired by Home & Heart (Masak dengan kasih saying)
The menu? A true love letter to Indonesia. Mr. Iwan shared that the dishes are inspired by his late mum’s cooking, his travels across Indonesia, and the street food stalls he grew up with, a typical Indonesia kampung upbringing. It’s not fusion or modern, nor was it this-and-that fancy shmancy food, it’s the real deal, straight-up kampung-style goodness with Hanoi flair.

A True Crowd Favourites
Okay, let’s talk food! These three dishes? Must. Try.

1. Rendang Sapi – Slow-cooked, tender beef in rich coconut gravy. Smoky, spicy, heavenly.
2. Nasi Goreng Batavia – Their signature fried rice with just the right kick.
3. Sate Ayam with Peanut Sauce – Juicy, smoky skewers with that creamy, dreamy sauce.



But we from IslamiCruise did not have the normal-typical-crowd favourite, we have a fusion of Indonesia-Vietnamese food. The mix vege versus the Vietnamese fried fucuk, the all-time-famous Pho, cakoi (my favourite, and we only got a plate [mana cukup!]) and keropok. And beladoooo (the Minang in me leap with joy) and few other dishes that was to die for.




IslamiCruise Approved!

And guess what? Our friends from IslamiCruise have been loyal patrons of Batavia for over 3 years now! It is their go-to spot whenever they're in Hanoi and you know IslamiCruise only partners with trusted halal eats and great taste place! And I approves it too.

Why Hanoi Loves Batavia
Besides the yummy food and halal seal of approval, Batavia has won the hearts of both locals and travellers because of its authenticity, affordable prices, and homely vibe. Plus, it’s perfect for Muslim tourists who wanna eat with peace of mind without compromising on taste.

Save it. Share it. Tag your makan kaki.



IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.








Monday, August 18, 2025

Halong Bay: A Spiritual Serenity onboard IslamiCruise

I have been sailing on cruises multiple times in multiple countries but my recent trip onboard IslamiCruise’s Pelayaran 55 in the breathtaking Halong Bay, Vietnam was definitely not my normal nor typical sail. This time around, it is all about blending spiritual healing with nature, and perhaps to some - soul-refreshing/ searching. We cruised through the stately limestone islets while participating in tazkirah, Qiamullail, congregational Subuh solat and meaningful forum with renowned scholars. Till now, I’m still processing everything.



An Experience Like No Other
A little background on IslamiCruise: Established back in 2014, they were (still are) the world’s first Islamic program onboard a Halal-certified cruise, of which redefined the meaning of Muslim-friendly travel. Everything on board is Syariah-compliant, right from the halal-certified food, Qibla-facing prayer signs, as well as religious activities, making you feel at peace without compromising your lifestyle.

Pelayaran 55 brought along 50+ participants from all age groups and walks of life, indifferent when it comes to this trip. What makes it great is that despite that we were strangers at first, but by the end of the trip we are one big family.


The Heart of the Journey
This would be the tazkirah sessions. We are humbled and honoured to have Ustaz Syeikh Muhd Zainul Asri and Ustazah Mahani, Ustaz Azwan Ali together with Ustazah Muzayyanah that brought something special to share. This is unlike the surau or masjid session lecture or ceramah, this felt personal – a direct impact to the soul I would say.


I clearly remembered, one moment we were waking up for doing Qiamullail under the stars, performing Subuh prayer in congregation and quietly listening to a Subuh tazkirah, and next before our eyes we saw the beautiful sunrise emerge. We were all overwhelmed. Who needs filter when you are presented with God greatest gift.



The Food for the Soul
Golden Cruises served us a sumptuous 5 star halal meals, strictly monitored by Ustaz Salam. I was told that the meat was brought all the way from Hanoi as Halal meat is hard to source in Halong Bay. And also, there are times that Ustaz Salam himself prepared some of the dishes. Happy tummy throughout the trip.



Bonding Time
Aside from the structured activities, there was a lot of time for chit-chatting especial during mealtime and this extended to while tender boat riding, cave excursions or even lepaking at Titop Island, everything just clicked. As much as the exhilarating adventures, the piritual moments shared balanced it off.

Everyone said the same thing ie. they connected and genuinely grateful for this wonderful experience. It’s not every day (nor usual) that you get to go on a trip that feeds your soul and your sense of travel at the same time.



So, if you are ever desire for a more meaningful and unique holiday ie. balancing travel and spiritual aspect then this might just be the trip for you, it recharges your spirit, reconnects you with inspiring people, and reminds you of your purpose if life - IslamiCruise. 

With over 50+ sails to places like Phuket, Banda Aceh, and Halong Bay (was told 20+ cruises just in Halong Bay alone), they announced that come this January 2026 a 13-nights cruise sailing from Malaysia and Arab Saudi, with stops at Banda Aceh, Maldives, and Salalah in Oman. An epic trip indeed.

So yeah, this isn’t just another holiday trip but a journey inward, outward, and obviously upward. An experience that I will remember (hence blogged about it) and one that I recommend for you to experience it too.




IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.









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