JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA | September 2026: With the Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, we are glad to share the season with a delightful discovery from Sheraton Johor Bahru's limited-edition Luna Prestige Mooncake, part of the hotel’s 2026 “Golden Symphony of Seasons” mooncake collection.

This year’s collection brings together a selection of baked mooncakes that combines familiar traditional flavours with contemporary creations, offering mooncake lovers an opportunity to explore different tastes and textures during the festive season.

Six Baked Flavours to Discover

The baked mooncake selection features six flavours:

• Pure Lotus Paste: a classic favourite with a smooth and rich lotus filling.
• Pure Lotus with Single Yolk: a traditional combination pairing lotus paste with a salted egg yolk.
• Tiramisu Lotus with Single Yolk: a contemporary interpretation that brings together lotus paste, tiramisu-inspired flavours and salted egg yolk.
• Chocolate Lotus Paste: a chocolate-inspired creation for those who enjoy a richer, sweeter profile.
• Chocolate Sea Salt with Walnut: combining chocolate, sea salt and walnut for a more distinctive flavour combination.
• White Lotus with Kaya Lava: a local-inspired creation featuring white lotus paste with a kaya lava centre.

The experience began even before tasting the mooncakes. The hotel's Luna Prestige offers an elegant presentation, making the unboxing itself part of the festive experience.

The unboxing experience was really enjoyable. The presentation immediately created that Mid-Autumn feeling, and it was exciting to discover the different flavours inside the box.

The collection also provides an opportunity to enjoy Mid-Autumn moments with family and friends whether sharing traditional favourites or discovering newer flavour combinations.

The Golden Symphony of Seasons

The Golden Symphony of Seasons collection is available in two box options:

RM163 nett per box

2 pieces

RM238 nett per box

4 pieces

The mooncakes are available from 1 August to 28 September 2026 at Sheraton Johor Bahru.

Discovering the collection is another opportunity to highlight the diverse food and hospitality experiences available in Johor Bahru.

We would like to sincerely thank Sheraton Johor Bahru for the thoughtful appreciation and for giving us the opportunity to experience this year's mooncake collection. We truly appreciate the gesture and look forward to sharing this Mid-Autumn discovery with everyone.

As families and friends prepare to gather for this Mooncake Festival, Sheraton Johor Bahru’s Golden Symphony of Seasons offers a selection of baked mooncakes designed to bring together tradition, creativity, and the joy of sharing.

After a long day of driving, finally arriving at BRIX KLIA by Pinetree felt like a moment to slow down and relax. With our check-in completed and our personal belongings settled, we were ready to take a much-needed break.

The good thing about staying at BRIX KLIA by PineTree is that there is a restaurant right inside the hotel — Eats Café. For hotel guests, having a dining option within the property is certainly convenient, especially after spending hours on the road.

Since we had already spent quite some time travelling and settling in, we decided to take the opportunity to sit down, relax and explore some of the specialities available at Eats Café.

A Variety of Choices on the Table

Eats Café offers a selection of dishes ranging from local favourites to Western-inspired meals. With the kids joining us for dinner, we decided to order several different dishes so everyone could have something to enjoy.

Our dinner spread included: Pasta Carbonara Chicken & Mushroom, Cheesy Chicken Chop, Grilled Lamb with Fried Rice, Fish N Chip, French Fries

With several dishes arriving at the table, we were already excited to start trying them one by one. The presentation was appetising, and after a long day of travelling, there was something particularly satisfying about finally sitting down to enjoy a proper meal.

Starting with the Fruity Drinks

Before getting into the food, we also tried some of the café's fruity drinks. We started with their orange drink, followed by the cranberry drink. The kids were especially excited to have their own drinks while we settled into our dinner.

For me, the drinks were a nice complement to the meal, particularly after spending so many hours on the road.

Cheesy Chicken Chop

I started with the Cheesy Chicken Chop. Since my little one is a fan of French fries, they were quick to request a piece from my plate as well.

The chicken chop is one of the Western dishes available at Eats Café, and the combination of chicken, cheese and fries makes it a familiar choice for those looking for a comforting meal.

If you are craving a chicken chop while staying at the hotel, this is certainly one of the dishes worth considering.

Grilled Lamb with Fried Rice

Next, we tried the Grilled Lamb with Fried Rice. What caught my attention was the mushroom sauce served with the grilled lamb. I really enjoyed the combination, and it was nice to try something a little different from the usual chicken or pasta dishes.

This is also one of the dishes that requires a little more preparation time. So, if you are ordering the grilled lamb, just keep in mind that it may take some time before it reaches your table. A little patience is needed, especially when the restaurant is busy.

For us, it was worth waiting for and gave us another dish to enjoy as part of our family dinner.

A Must for the Kids — Pasta

And of course, since my kids love pasta, we had to have pasta on the table. The Pasta Carbonara Chicken & Mushroom came with a creamy sauce that the kids enjoyed.

Having pasta as part of the meal also gave the kids something familiar to enjoy while we explored some of the other dishes on the menu.

It was definitely one of those family meals where everyone could find something they liked.

A Convenient Dining Experience

Overall, our dining experience at Eats Café inside BRIX KLIA by PineTree was quite pleasant.

For us, one of the biggest advantages was simply the convenience of having a restaurant within the hotel. After a long day of driving, we did not need to get back into the car or spend additional time searching for somewhere to eat.

The service may take a little longer depending on how busy the restaurant is, so it is good to manage expectations during peak periods.

But once the food started arriving, we were happy to sit back, enjoy the meal and spend some family time together.

And there was one particular drink that I enjoyed enough to have another bottle — their fruity calamansi drink.

It was refreshing and went nicely with the dishes we had ordered.

Our Little Dining Discovery

Sometimes, after a tiring journey, you don't need anything complicated. A comfortable place to sit, a selection of food, refreshing drinks and some quality family time can be more than enough.

That was our experience at Eats Café.

With its selection of local and Western dishes, convenient location inside BRIX KLIA by PineTree, and a menu that offers something for both adults and kids, it gave us a comfortable place to enjoy dinner without needing to leave the hotel.

For travellers staying around KLIA, especially families arriving after a long drive or flight, having a dining option within the hotel can certainly make the stay a little easier. And for us, this dinner became another little food discovery during our stay.

 

Johor Bahru: A new grocery destination has officially opened its doors in Tampoi, Johor Bahru, and the opening-day response was certainly something to experience.

On 12 September 2026, we visited ST Rosyam Mart in Tampoi, Johor Bahru, to witness its official opening and see for ourselves what the new mart has to offer the local community.

And if there was one thing that immediately caught our attention, it was the crowd. At around 8:45 AM, shoppers were already arriving and lining up to register as ST Rosyam Mart members.

There was a sense of excitement around the entrance, with many people eager to get inside and take advantage of the special opening promotions.

New members were also able to enjoy benefits such as free reusable shopping bags, which came in handy later when we started filling our own bags with groceries.

But, of course, the biggest attraction was the promotional pricing. 8 Sen Whole Chicken and RM0.88 Tilapia

Among the opening promotions that caught our attention was the highly talked-about whole chicken promotion at just 8 sen. Yes, just RM0.08!

It was certainly one of the promotions that attracted shoppers to the mart, and the crowd around the chicken section quickly grew as people looked to take advantage of the deal.

Another promotion that stood out was Ikan Talapia Merah at just RM0.88, with the fish weighing approximately 400 to 600 grams.

There were also various other promotions throughout the mart, including selected vegetables and grocery items offered at remarkably low prices.

What made these promotions particularly interesting was that many of them involved basic household necessities products that families would normally purchase during their regular grocery trips.

During the opening ceremony, we had the opportunity to witness Datuk Rosyam Nor, Director of ST Rosyam Mart, together with Dato’ Raymond Ho Cheng Hann, Group Managing Director of Sri Ternak.

The opening also gave us an opportunity to learn more about the operation behind this new grocery destination. During the press conference, Dato’ Raymond shared that the mart has more than 400 staff serving the outlet, with recruitment still ongoing.

This is also an interesting development from a local employment perspective, as the new outlet continues to create job opportunities for people in Johor Bahru.

Once the doors opened, the atmosphere inside ST Rosyam Mart was definitely lively. We were welcomed by staff positioned throughout different sections of the mart, and shoppers quickly spread across the various departments.

The fresh food and wet market areas were among the sections we explored. The seafood was neatly displayed, while the wet market section also featured a selection of live seafood.

The overall area looked clean and organised despite the large number of shoppers moving around. Plenty to Explore in the Grocery Section. Moving into the grocery area, the crowds continued.

The shelves were filled with dry goods and everyday household products, while shoppers were busy looking for the best opening deals.

Some of the vegetable promotions were also priced as low as 8 sen per pack, adding to the excitement among shoppers looking for affordable groceries.

With so many promotions happening at the same time, it was easy to understand why the mart became so busy shortly after opening.

The crowd was especially noticeable at the cashier area. With so many shoppers carrying their groceries, the mart had opened its payment terminals to accommodate the large number of customers.

There was certainly a long queue, but considering this was the official opening day with some very aggressive promotional prices, the busy atmosphere was not entirely unexpected.

Fortunately, our reusable bags from the membership registration came in handy.

After going around the mart and picking up some of the promotional items, we ended up with two bags of groceries.

And the total? Less than RM72! For us, this was probably one of the more interesting parts of the visit. Affordable Everyday Essentials

What we found particularly appealing about the opening promotions was that a large portion of the discounted items were not simply novelty products.

Many were everyday grocery necessities that families would normally buy, chicken, fish, vegetables and other household grocery items.

For families who are always looking for ways to manage their weekly grocery budget, promotions like these can certainly make a difference.

Of course, promotional prices may be subject to availability and specific membership conditions, so shoppers should always check the latest promotions when visiting.

Another interesting feature of ST Rosyam Mart is that it is said to operate 24 hours a day. This could be convenient for shoppers who prefer doing their grocery shopping outside the usual daytime hours.

So, if you're worried about the huge crowds we experienced during the opening day, there is always the option of visiting at a later time when things have settled down.

Whether you're looking for fresh food, groceries or simply want to explore a new shopping destination in Johor Bahru, ST Rosyam Mart is certainly a new place to keep on your radar.

For those planning to visit, it may be worth checking the latest membership promotions and offers before heading down, especially if you're interested in the special opening deals.

There’s something special about exploring Melaka at night. As the sun goes down, the city’s historic heritage area comes alive with colourful lights, beautifully illuminated buildings and the unmistakable sight of decorated trishaws ferrying tourists from one place to another.

During our recent exploration, we took some time to simply stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere. The colourful heritage buildings looked even more vibrant under the evening lights, creating plenty of beautiful scenery and photo opportunities along the way. 

One of the things we enjoyed most was the relaxed atmosphere. There was no need to rush from one attraction to another. We could simply walk around, admire the architecture, watch the trishaws passing by and enjoy the lively surroundings.

And the good news for visitors is that there is no entrance fee to enjoy the heritage area. You can simply come, walk around and take in the scenery at your own pace. For families and budget-conscious travellers, this is definitely a nice way to experience Melaka without spending much.

Parking, however, can be a little challenging, particularly when the area gets busy. It may take some patience to find a suitable parking spot, but once you are parked, the experience of walking around the heritage area is well worth it.

If you are planning to explore the area on foot, especially with children or family members, do remember to bring enough drinking water. The Malaysian weather can still be warm, and you may end up walking more than expected while stopping at different spots to enjoy the scenery. 

What makes this experience even more enjoyable is that there is always something happening around you. The colourful trishaws, tourists exploring the area, beautifully lit buildings and heritage surroundings all come together to create the unique atmosphere that Melaka is known for.

For us, it was not just about visiting another tourist attraction. It was about slowing down, enjoying the surroundings and appreciating the heritage and character of one of Malaysia’s most recognisable historic cities.

So, if you are planning a family getaway or simply looking for somewhere nice to explore during an evening in Melaka, consider spending some time around the heritage area. Take a slow walk, bring your camera, stay hydrated and enjoy the colourful scenery.

For families looking for an interesting day out in Melaka, Zoo Melaka offers an opportunity to step away from the usual city attractions and spend a few hours surrounded by wildlife.

Located in Ayer Keroh, the zoo spans approximately 54 acres and is home to more than 1,200 animals representing over 200 species. Its open-concept setting provides visitors with plenty of space to explore different animal exhibits, petting areas and other attractions.

Our visit started even before we entered the main animal exhibits. At the entrance, we were greeted by tamed birds positioned in a forest-like setting, with a beautiful fountain providing a pleasant backdrop. It created a welcoming atmosphere and gave us a good first impression as we began our exploration.

Meeting the Sulcata Tortoise

One of the first animals we encountered was the Sulcata Tortoise. This impressive tortoise is considered the third-largest tortoise species in the world and the largest mainland tortoise species. These herbivorous animals are known for their ability to burrow, and seeing one in person gives visitors a much better appreciation of just how large these tortoises can become.

From there, we continued our journey through the zoo and came across the White Rhinoceros.

Unfortunately, the weather was particularly hot during our visit, so most of the rhinos were taking advantage of the shade and resting underneath the trees. While we didn't get to see them moving around much, it was still fascinating to observe these magnificent animals in person.

Meerkats, Goats and Malayan Tapirs

Further along the route, we spotted the Meerkats, which are part of the petting zoo area.

The zoo also has friendly, tamed goats that visitors can interact with. These encounters can be particularly enjoyable for children who may not often get the opportunity to come close to animals.

We also spotted the Malayan Tapir, one of Malaysia's most recognisable native animals. During our visit, however, the tapirs were resting underneath a large tree rather than walking around their enclosure.

Sometimes, that's simply part of visiting a zoo — animals have their own routines, and visitors may have to be patient to catch them when they are active.

Walking Among the Deer and Peacocks

One of the more interesting experiences was entering an enclosure where visitors could get closer to some of the animals.

Inside, we encountered wild deer and peacocks, creating a different experience compared with viewing animals from outside an enclosure.

Being able to walk into the space and observe the animals from a closer distance made the experience feel more immersive.

Getting Up Close With Zebras

One of the highlights of our visit came when we encountered the tamed zebras. This was actually my first time getting so close to a zebra, and the experience was quite memorable. The animals were active and appeared comfortable engaging with guests.

The zoo also offers feeding sessions as part of its activities, although visitors need to pay an additional fee for the animal food.

For children especially, these encounters can turn a simple zoo visit into a much more interactive experience.

Exploring the Reptile Section

We then moved into the reptile area, where we had the chance to see iguanas and other reptiles.

For younger visitors, sections like this can be more than just an attraction. They provide an opportunity to learn about animals that children may normally only see in books, photographs or videos.

Seeing them in person can make learning about wildlife much more memorable.

Horses, Carriages and More Activities

As we continued walking around Zoo Melaka, we noticed horse carriages available as part of the services offered at the zoo.

There is also an opportunity for guests to experience horseback riding, while horse feeding gives children another chance to interact with animals.

These activities provide additional experiences beyond the traditional zoo visit.

However, parents and guardians should always provide proper supervision when children are participating in animal activities to ensure that they remain safe and follow the appropriate guidance.

Another Look at the Giraffe

We also came across another impressive giraffe enclosure. The enclosure is tall and semi-open, allowing visitors to observe the zebras comfortably. Their distinctive black-and-white patterns immediately catch the eye and make them one of the animals that naturally attract plenty of attention.

Discovering the Spotted Deer

Another interesting animal we encountered was the Rusa Bintik Chital, also known as the Spotted Deer.

This species can be found in countries including India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. One particularly interesting characteristic is that its spots can remain throughout its lifetime, unlike some other deer species whose spots fade as they mature.

It was another reminder that a zoo visit can introduce visitors to species they may not normally encounter.

Camels and African Wildlife

We then came across two camels, adding another interesting species to the zoo's diverse collection.

Not long after that, we discovered the Waterbuck, a large and robust African antelope known for its shaggy, water-repellent coat and distinctive white ring around its rump.

Waterbucks are commonly associated with areas close to rivers, lakes and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa.

From Asian species to African wildlife, the variety of animals at Zoo Melaka means there is always something new to discover as visitors move from one enclosure to another.

Cows, Monkeys and an Unexpected Encounter

The zoo also has a wide enclosure where several cows could be seen gathered together. As we continued our walk, we spotted several monkeys, including a Spider Monkey moving around the area.

Visitors should always remain cautious around wild monkeys and follow the zoo's safety guidelines. Keeping an appropriate distance is important for both visitors and the animals.

For me, however, one of the pleasures of the visit was simply walking between the different enclosures and discovering animals that we normally only see in pictures.

There is something different about seeing them in real life — observing their size, movement and behaviour with your own eyes.

The Bengal White Tiger

One of the animals that naturally attracted our attention was the Bengal White Tiger. During our visit, the tiger was resting, most likely taking a break from the hot weather. Even while resting, its appearance was impressive.

Seeing a tiger in real life provides a very different perspective compared with seeing one on a screen. The size and presence of the animal are difficult to appreciate fully until you are standing nearby.

Majestic White African Lions

No zoo visit would feel complete without encountering lions, and Zoo Melaka is home to White African Lions.

These majestic animals certainly have a commanding presence, and their appearance makes them one of the memorable stops during our exploration.

Meeting the Mandrill and Jungle Apes

We also spotted a Mandrill, a colourful primate native to parts of Central Africa, including the Republic of the Congo.

Mandrills are among the most distinctive-looking primates because of their colourful faces and impressive physical appearance. They can also have long lifespans, potentially reaching several decades.

At the Jungle Apes section, we saw another ape happily relaxing inside its enclosure.

Sometimes these quiet moments can be just as enjoyable as seeing an animal actively moving around. Watching animals simply being themselves offers another perspective on their daily routines.

An Elephant Encounter

One of the biggest highlights of the visit was the elephant section. The elephants were friendly and active, particularly when interacting with visitors during the feeding sessions.

Being able to get closer to these magnificent animals and watch them engage with guests was certainly an enjoyable experience.

For children, this kind of encounter can be especially memorable — an opportunity to appreciate the sheer size and character of one of the world's most recognisable animals.

Discovering the Bornean Orangutan

Our exploration continued to the Bornean Orangutan section. Native to the island of Borneo, including parts of Malaysia and Indonesia, these great apes are among the most fascinating animals visitors can encounter.

They are large, intelligent primates and can live for several decades.

Seeing them in person also reminds us of the importance of appreciating and protecting the wildlife and natural habitats that these animals depend on.

Ending With the Malayan Sun Bear

And finally, we ended our animal adventure with the Malayan Sun Bear. We were lucky enough to capture the sun bear while it was busy playing and showing off its skills. It was a fun and unexpected way to end our exploration of the zoo.

The Malayan Sun Bear is particularly special because it is the smallest of the world's bear species and is native to Southeast Asia.

A Visit That Can Easily Take Four Hours

After making our way through the different sections, one thing became clear Zoo Melaka is not a place that needs to be rushed.

With its large area, numerous animal exhibits and additional activities, visitors who want to explore at a comfortable pace can easily spend around four hours here.

There are also additional activities such as animal feeding sessions, horse-related activities and access to certain sections that may require additional payment.

During our visit, Dinosaur Island was also closed, and we look forward to seeing what updates may come before it eventually reopens.

For those planning a visit, it is also useful to check the latest operating hours and ticket prices before heading there, as these can change.

Zoo Melaka Entrance Fees

Malaysian Visitors

• Adult: RM39.10

• Child (4–12 years): RM18.95

• Senior Citizen (60 years & above): RM18.95

• Children aged 0–3 years: FREE

• Adult: RM90.05

• Child (4–12 years): RM64.00

• Senior Citizen (60 years & above): RM49.75

• Children aged 0–3 years: FREE

Opening Hours: 

Monday–Friday: 10am–5pm
Ticket counter closes at 4pm.
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 9am–6pm
Ticket counter closes at 5pm.

*** Rates are inclusive of tax and may be subject to change by Zoo Melaka.

Zoo Melaka also has its Bila Larut Malam programme, with RM10 night-entry tickets for Malaysians on selected dates, subject to availability.

More Than Just a Zoo Visit

Our visit to Zoo Melaka turned out to be more than simply walking around and looking at animals.

From the first encounter with the birds at the entrance to the Sulcata Tortoise, rhinos, meerkats, tapirs, zebras, reptiles, deer, camels, waterbucks, monkeys, tigers, lions, mandrills, elephants, orangutans and finally the Malayan Sun Bear, every section brought something different.

Some animals were active. Others were resting. Some encounters were planned, while others happened unexpectedly. And perhaps that's part of what makes exploring a zoo enjoyable. You never quite know what you are going to see.

For families, children and anyone who enjoys wildlife, Zoo Melaka offers a chance to slow down, explore at your own pace and experience animals that we normally only see through photographs or videos.

For us, it was another memorable day discovering what Melaka has to offer.