
Readers will be pleased to know that in this issue, we have incorporated stories on selected destinations in Singapore (page 12); Solo (page 92) and Yogyakarta (page 96) in Indonesia; Switzerland (page 76); and Vietnam (page 100). The process of travelling to these destinations is now back to normal as before the pandemic since there are no more health protocols required, which we find refreshing. For Malaysians, all they need to do is to show their updated MySejahtera profile when checking in before flight to indicate that they are healthy and have been fully vaccinated. Let’s hope that international travel remains unhindered, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
As such, we strongly recommend that travellers get vaccinated and buy the necessary travel, medical, hospitalisation, accident and life insurance plans from reputable and established providers prior to travelling as a precaution because the threat of COVID-19 still looms – you really don’t want to be caught unprepared if you were to contract the disease or face mishaps when travelling. You might also want to let your close contacts, and possibly even your country’s embassy or consulate or foreign mission, know your travel plans or your whereabouts when you are overseas, just in case. And yes, call us paranoid, but we much prefer to err on the side of caution to make sure that our travel plans run smoothly and hiccup-free.
Besides, in this issue, we present Malaysia’s inspiring destinations as well like Gua Musang (page 24); Kuala Lipis (page 30); Lenggong, Central Perak and Ipoh (page 34); Kuala Selangor (page 46); Labuan (page 52); Kota Belud, Ranau and Tenom (page 56); Sandakan (page 62); Lahad Datu (page 68); and Alor Gajah (page 82). Our team members also bring you their experience attending the internationally renowned Rainforest World Music Festival 2022 (page 72), which was held for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic; and Halal Selangor 2022 (page 40) promotional programme, which was informative and educative.

On that note, Gaya Travel Magazine team prays that you and all of humanity remain safe, productive, happy, continue venturing out into the worldresponsibly to gain enriching experiences, while at the same time bring great benefit and value to the places we visit and people we meet. Have meaningful travels and life, everybody!
JUHAN KAMARUDDIN @ JEREMY KHALIL
Email your comments to jeremy@gayatravel.com.my

Cover illustration by: Emila Yusof
DEPARTMENTS
Page 14. Editorial Jottings
GAYA SPECIAL FEATURE
Page 21. Urutan Malaysia – Proudly Malaysian, Inspired by Tradition
Page 126. Sambutan Hari Muzium Antarabangsa Peringkat Kebangsaan 2022
Page 128. The 6th Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Awards 2022 Honours Over 100 Winners
GAYA TRAVELLER
Page 21. Gaya Traveller‘s Halal Guide to Singapore: A Self-Drive Adventure
DESTINATIONS
Page 24. Experiencing Gua Musang, Kelantan
Page 30. Experiencing Kuala Lipis by Train
Page 34. Places to Discover in Upper, Central, and Lower Perak
Page 40. Halal Selangor 2022 Continues to Highlight Thriving Muslim-Friendly Businesses
Page 46. Kuala Selangor: History, Food & Uniqueness
Page 52. Exploring Pearl of Borneo: Labuan
Page 56. Sabah, a Slice of Paradise on Earth
Page 62. Sandakan & Kinabatangan: Of Heritages and Borneo’s Best Offerings
Page 68. Hidden Gems in Lahad Datu
Page 72. Switzerland – So Surreal, Yet So Real
Page 79. Rainforest World Music Festival 2022: A Tribute to the Past and the Future
Page 82. Playing Tourist in Alor Gajah, Melaka
Page 88. 5 Reasons on Why You Should Cruise with the Genting Dream
Page 92. Solo So Good
Page 96. A Guide to All Things Local in Yogyakarta
Page 100. The Contrasting Allures of Vietnam
GAYA DINE
Page 104. A Homely Treat at Chendana Home Café
HOTELS & RESORTS
Page 106. 7 Things to Experience When Staycationing at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara
Page 110. Music Plus Hospitality Immersion at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Page 116. Temple Tree Resort Langkawi: An Unparalleled Romantic Microcosm of Nostalgic Peninsular Malaysia
Page 122. STEG Kuala Lumpur: Catalysing Urban Renewal
GAYA SNAPSHOT
Page 132. Gaya Snapshot: Serenity