Hotel Review: Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya x SplashMania Stay Experience

School's out! To all the mama and papas out there, check out this latest promotion from Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya - the SplashMania Stay Experience which promises a comfortable stay at the hotel plus a fun-filled unforgettable day out at SplashMania to keep your kids entertained this school holiday season. 

Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya is located in IOI Resort City, and is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, a range of independent boutique hotels within Marriott Bonvoy. Be greeted by the large wooden wau installment at the hotel lobby - the wau is a traditional kite originating from Malaysia, while sipping on your welcome drink. 

The Room

We checked in to the Family Room (46 sqm), a spacious, contemporary space with 1 king-sized bed and 1 twin bed - perfect for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. The hotel has recently undergone refurbishment so all rooms are modern and elegantly designed with elements of Malaysian culture. There is also a work desk, sofa, LCD TV, mini fridge, coffee/tea making facilities, as well as a bathtub/shower in the bathroom - everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Food / Dining

Breakfast is included with this package, and is served daily from 6.30am to 10.30am at Palms Cafe, the hotel's all day dining restaurant. The breakfast selection was fantastic - we thoroughly enjoyed Asian specialties such as the nasi lemak, mee goreng, a selection of roti made to order, as well as the pastries, egg counter, and more. The barista here also makes a very good cuppa coffee (with nice coffee art to boot).

You can also enjoy a la carte lunch or dinner here at Palms Cafe, and buffets are usually served on weekends or during public holidays and festive season. We had two of our dinners here, ordering from their a la carte menu - we recommend the Wild mushroom soup (RM35), served in a farmer's loaf, Melting Cheese burger (RM48), Grilled Lamb Chops (RM80) and Spaghetti aglio e olio (RM45). 

For fans of Nyonya cuisine, a visit to Madam Lee Nyonya Private Dining is a must. The dining space is beautiful and vast. Upon arrival, we were served with Kam Cheng, their welcome drink and invited to try on their Nyonya kebaya for free, should we wish. Start with the Pie Tee, crunchy top hats filled with jicama, mushrooms and prawns, followed by a selection of delectable mains such as Kapitan Ayam, Lemak Nenas Udang, Ayam Buah Keluak, Nyonya Chap Chye, Nyonya Curry Mee and Nyonya Nasi Ulam. 

Located directly below the restaurant is Baba Bar, a stylish lounge blending Peranakan heritage with modern flair. You will find handcrafted cocktails and mocktails with a local touch as well as light bites from Madam Lee served here. Chat the night away with your friends, or entertain yourself with a game of foosball, pool or watching a football match on the large screen TV.

Hotel guests are also invited to unwind from 4-6pm daily at the Courtyard with their welcome ritual, Kopi Dulu. Local snacks and kuih-muih is served along with an old-style coffee brewed the traditional way, employing a cloth strainer and a vintage charcoal stove. 

Hotel Facilities

For the fitness fanatics, there is a well-equipped gym in the hotel, accessible by hotel keycard 24/7. There are two outdoor swimming pools; one of which is suitable for children and comes with a water slide. There is also a small playground area next to the pool. 

The SplashMania Stay Experience

Guests booking under this package will receive 2 adult + 2 kids tickets to SplashMania. Return transfer from the hotel to SplashMania is also included in the price. 

SplashMania is an expansive 18-acre water theme park located in Gamuda Cove, a 30-minute journey from the hotel. The theme park features 39 exciting rides and attractions, suitable for all different age groups. Our kids had such a fun time exploring the theme park and enjoying the various rides / attractions - their favourites include the Shaka Waka, Plunge, Sumaumeira Drop, Twista and Maniac Racers. Highly recommended for a family fun day out!

Other family activities

The hotel is located within a 5-min walking distance from IOI City Mall, the largest shopping mall in Malaysia. Here, you can indulge in lots of activities with your family such as ice skating, watching a movie at the cinema, shopping, roller skating, singing to your heart's content at the karaoke, bowling, or visit IOI City Farm, Malaysia's first indoor urban wildlife adventure park. The hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle bus service to the mall.

Quote promotional code 'E4000' when making your booking for the SplashMania Stay Experience. This offer is valid from 1 December 2024 to 31 March 2025. 

Check-in time 3pm, check-out time 12pm.

Location: Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, IOI Resort City, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia. (complimentary on-site parking)

Tel: 03-8943 2233

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kulpt-palm-garden-hotel-putrajaya-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/

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Umi Ka Shin, Bukit Damansara, KL

Recently, we visited Umi Ka Shin in Bukit Damansara, and had a totally amazing Japanese lunch here. A traditional Japanese restaurant, you can find all sorts of sashimi, nigiri sushi, temaki, tempura, grilled items, donburi, and more. In addition, you can enjoy various seasonal seafood here, which air flown twice a week from Japan.

Here are some of the dishes we tried:

✨ Sanshoku Kaisen Don (RM180) - One of their signature dishes here, and i can totally understand why. Uni, ikura, negitoro and an egg yolk, all mixed together for a sinful, indulgent treat. 

✨ Ankimo (monkfish liver) (RM46) - I've always wanted to try ankimo and finally got the chance to do so here. Often considered the foie gras of the sea, the ankimo had a rich and creamy texture and was definitely very enjoyable. This is a seasonal item so please try if it’s available. Love it!

✨ Bara Chirashi Don (RM69) - another solid don without breaking the bank. A selection of cubed fish is topped with sliced salmon sashimi and ikura for a great rice bowl. 

You can also find lots of affordable set lunches here on weekdays too, with prices starting from RM26. we highly recommend the Tsukuri Setto (RM70), which is their sashimi set. We were pleasantly surprised that they served seasonal fishes like samegarei (roughscale sole) and houbou (bluefin robin) with this set along with kanpachi and Fujisan salmon. The sashimi slices were thick and fresh, absolutely delicious.  The set comes with chawanmushi, miso soup, pickles, side salad and a slice of melon.

We also had the Tempura udon set (RM29), which comes with 2 ebi tempura and some vege tempura as well as chawanmushi, pickles, salad and fruit.

To end, we had the mitarashi dango (RM15) as well as matcha ice cream imported from Japan.

Check out our YouTube video here:

Quote “BABYSUMO” under coupon code when booking your table and get a free mini ikura don.

The restaurant has less than 10 tables, so booking is highly advisable. Book your table here: 

Opening hours: Lunch 11.30am - 3pm; Dinner 6-10pm.

Location: Umi Ka Shin, 57-1, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 013-350 1310

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Introducing New Lay’s Double Crunch – Deeper Ridge, Bigger Crunch!

Lay’s, the world’s #1 potato chip brand*, is thrilled to introduce its latest innovation: Lay’s Double Crunch! Offering an exhilarating snacking experience with its deep-ridged texture and intense flavor, Lay’s Double Crunch is set to delight snack lovers across Malaysia, perfect for those who crave bold flavors and a satisfyingly intense crunch!

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to take your snacking experience to the next level and participate in Lay’s festive “Snack More, Win More” campaign running until 30th November.

With Lay’s Double Crunch, every bite is more intense. Featuring deeper ridges and more crunch per bite, Lay’s Double Crunch is packed with flavor that satisfies the cravings of snackers looking for something truly unique. Whether you're snacking solo enjoying some ‘me’ time or sharing with friends and family, Lay’s Double Crunch guarantees the ultimate snacking satisfaction.

Lay’s Double Crunch 170g sharing packs

Available in three explosive flavors - Overloaded Nori Seaweed, Extra Cheese and Smokin’ Barbecue - snack lovers are in for an exciting and sensorial treat with the new Lay’s Double Crunch. All three flavors are available in both 170g sharing packs (RM13.60) for group hangouts and 50g single packs (RM3.50) for a quick personal treat, ensuring there’s a perfect option for every occasion. From its delicious taste to the crispy, mouthwatering texture, Lay’s Double Crunch delivers a multi-sensorial snack experience that’s worth trying!

“Snack More, Win More” Holiday Campaign

To make the holidays even more rewarding, Lay’s is currently running the "Snack More, Win More"** campaign from 1st October to 30th November 2024, with redemptions available up to 31st December. Fans can simply purchase any participating Lay’s products—including Lay’s Double Crunch, Lay’s Stax, Doritos, Cheetos, and more—scan the QR code on the pack or visit https://www.winwithfritolay.com , and submit their e-receipt for a chance to win amazing rewards. Every purchase guarantees a win, with monthly draws offering 8 Days Resort Staycations for lucky participants​.

Aditya Ahuja, Commercial Director for Pepsico Foods in Malaysia, Singapore & Pacific Islands, shares, “Lay’s Double Crunch is more than just a new snack—it’s a bold, flavor-forward experience for the adventurous snacker. We’re excited to see fans embrace it and enjoy it throughout the festive season. And we’re delighted to reward our customers for every purchase they make during this joyful season of sharing, reunions and lots of laughter.”

With a global reach in over 100 countries, Lay’s has been a staple in snack aisles since 1932. Known for delivering high-quality, flavor-packed snacks, Lay’s remains the go-to choice for snack lovers as the brand continues to push boundaries with innovative products that cater to evolving consumer tastes. The launch of Lay’s Double Crunch is a testament to the brand’s dedication to offering new and exciting ways to enjoy your favorite snack.

So, whether you’re hosting a get-together or simply treating yourself, Lay’s Double Crunch is here to bring you an extraordinary snacking experience.

For more information on Lay’s products, promotions, and exciting updates, follow us on social media or visit www.facebook.com/LaysMalaysia.

#LaysMY #LaysDoubleCrunch

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The Sunday Table at ATAS, The RuMa Hotel and Residences, KL

This November, ATAS unveils The Sunday Table, a Sunday buffet series designed to spotlight a different seasonal ingredient every two months. For its debut, guests are invited to experience a lobster extravaganza, showcasing innovative and indulgent dishes crafted around this premium ingredient. The star dishes of the buffet are the delicious River Lobster Sizzle served with crispy spinach cappellini and a Borneo Lobster Thermidor. 

These specialties are complemented by a smorgasbord of international dishes on the buffet line such as beef Wellington, seafood on ice, cold cuts, salads, pasta, grilled meats and seafood, sashimi and sushi,  as well as a selection of items cooked upon order and a delectable selection of desserts and chocolates.

From the cook-to-order menu, you may order the dishes as many times as you like (except for the star dishes, which you can order only once). Our favourites include the NY Steak, a dry aged Angus striploin grilled in the Mibrasa charcoal oven to our preferred doneness, served with crispy hand cut fries, asparagus and Bearnaise sauce.. so good, we ordered this multiple times! We also enjoyed the Ireland Fish & Chips, thanks to the light crispy batter. For this dish, the chefs have chosen to use barramundi, locally and sustainably sourced.  The ATAS Seafood Rice is another must-try item, reminiscent of a paella with lots of fresh seafood such as baby lobster, clams, and scallop. Some other cooked-to-order dishes on the menu this series are lamb ossobuco, oyster rockefeller, grilled seabass, ATAS cordon bleu, Wagyu beef waffle and scrambled egg truffle croissant.

To make your Sunday gatherings even more special, ATAS is also offering beverage packages with free flow selected Beer, Red and White Wine at just an additional RM200, or RM288 for an additional option of Sparkling Wine. Every two months, the ingredient focus will shift, offering an ever-evolving Sunday Table that promises fresh flavours and culinary surprises for each visit.

The Sunday Table buffet is priced at RM 228 nett per person. Available every Sunday from 12.00 to 3.30pm. Book your table via this link.

Check out our personal experience at The Sunday Table here:

Location: ATAS, The Ruma Hotel and Residences, 7 Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Parking rate RM10 for 1st hour, RM5 for subsequent hour).

Tel: 03- 2778 0888


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Shopee Affiliates Drive Brand Success: One Million Videos Generated & 4X Livestream Growth in 10.10 Brands Festival

 Shopee Affiliates Drive Brand Success: One Million Videos Generated & 4X Livestream Growth in 10.10 Brands Festival

• New Shopee Mall brands achieved 36X growth uplift, 13X orders increase on 10.10

• Malaysians Save Over RM70 Million with 25 Million+ Shopee Live Vouchers Claimed

Shopee Affiliates were a key success driver for brands as trusted livestreamers and content creators generated close to one million Shopee Videos during Shopee Malaysia’s 10.10 Brands Festival—a 34X increase compared to a typical day, driving overall sales growth for Shopee Mall brands on the platform. As a whole, new and existing Shopee Mall brands experienced a total of 8X growth uplift, and 6X increase in orders, when compared to an average day as Shopee Affiliates continues to help local brands grow through interactive content and personal shopping experience. 

Top brands featured by Shopee Affiliates included SKINTIFIC, Glad2Glow, Panda Eyes, Dr. Cardin, and Masdora,  based on order volume.

New brands on Shopee Mall participating in Shopee Malaysia’s 10.10 Brands Festival for the first time saw their sales grow 36X when compared to an average day. These brands also saw their campaign day orders increase by 13X, fueled by increased Shopee’s commitment to Lowest Price Guaranteed, exclusive promotions, and high visibility through Shopee’s in-app features, such as Shopee Live and Shopee Video, and support from Shopee Affiliates.

“This 10.10, Shopee Live has showcased its capability as a strategic hub for sellers to interact better with consumers as we see a 2X uplift of brands livestreaming during 10.10 as compared to an average day. Over 25 million Shopee Live vouchers and more than 21 million Shopee Coins were claimed during the campaign period, attributable to increased user engagements on livestream. We are also thrilled to report that Shopee has helped Malaysians save more than RM70 million through enticing platform- and store-wide vouchers,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia. 

Shopee also observed a growing consumer interest in women’s fashion and beauty products, with Health & Beauty, Home & Living, and Groceries & Pets leading in spending this 10.10. Top product categories included skincare products, home improvement tools, and supplements, while top searches featured power banks, sandals, blouses, slippers, and mobile phone accessories.

Shopee's 10.10 Brands Festival has once again highlighted its commitment to empowering brands and driving substantial sales growth. The event provided a dynamic platform for local and international brands to connect with consumers, showcase their products, and maximize their reach. Shopee is dedicated to fostering a vibrant e-commerce ecosystem in Malaysia, supporting brands in their growth journeys, and enhancing the overall shopping experience for consumers.

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evian® Collaborates with Michelin-Starred Chefs Arnaud Dunand Sauthier & Darren Chin for an Exquisite Four-Hands Gastronomic Experience

evian® Collaborates with Michelin-Starred Chefs Arnaud Dunand Sauthier& Darren Chin for an Exquisite Four-Hands Gastronomic Experience

evian® Natural Mineral Water and evian® Sparkling Water complement and celebrate a culinary partnership of global flavours, French flair, and infused with Malaysian soul

In an extraordinary fusion of culinary skills and impeccable craftsmanship, evian® the iconic bottled natural mineral water from the heart of the French Alps recently joined hands with Chef and evian® Ambassador Arnaud Dunand Sauthier and renowned Chef Darren Chin of DC restaurant for an exclusive four-hands dining experience, indulging eighty privileged Malaysians with an unforgettable evening.

The culinary partnership which promised an unforgettable evening of French sophistication and bold Malaysian flavours did not disappoint, with each dish thoughtfully accompanied by evian® Natural Mineral Water and evian® Sparkling Water, enhancing the sensory experience without overshadowing the delicate balance of flavours. Each dish from the exquisite menu showcases the Chefs’ combined culinary artistry and unique culinary backgrounds in a collection that champions the elegance of French cuisine and the vibrance of local Malaysian ingredients.

In crafting the menu, Chef Arnaud Dunand dug into his roots, the mountains of Savoie Region, France set in the midst of the French Alps while Chef Darren Chin contributed the Malaysian soul to the unique menu. Reflecting on the partnership, Chef Arnaud Dunand said, “This collaboration with Chef Darren Chin and evian® allowed us to transcend boundaries and create an experience that celebrates our shared passions. Evian®, with its unique purity, successfully elevated the overall tasting experience and brought out the authenticity of each ingredient, reminiscent of the purity of my childhood in the French Alps.”

The evening’s culinary highlights showcased an exquisite array of dishes:
· Snow Crab paired with shellfish and broad beans, setting the tone for the evening with a refined yet fresh start
· Banana Blossom, an innovative creation featuring aged banana vinegar served with gambero rosso and roasted coconut, bringing forth an explosion of harmonious fusion of textures and flavours
· Sophistication of Caviar, balanced with potato and uni
· Songkhla River Prawn with yellow curry bisque sauce paired with Langit black rice salad, bridging local ingredients with refined French techniques
· Succulent Irish Duck with zucchini and olives.
· A beautiful dish of Violet, with smokey sweet potato with brown butter honey, preceded the final indulgence.
· The culmination of the meal comes in a course of Extraordinary Chocolate with Patrick Roger, a decadent selection of light chocolate siphon mousse, shiitake chocolate ganache and black sesame streusel, providing a fitting grand finale to a sublime evening.


“It was an honour for DC Restaurant to host this unique collaborative effort between evian®, Chef Arnaud Dunand and myself. The one-of-a-kind fusion dishes that we created were an astounding success, judging from the numerous feedback we received from our guests over the two nights. Together, we created dishes that were not only a testament to our respective culinary philosophies, but were elevated by the subtle, crisp character of evian® Natural Mineral Water and refined evian® Sparkling Water. These waters complemented our creations and added that spark which brought our dishes to the next level,” said Chef Darren Chin.

 

evian® Natural Mineral Water and evian® Sparkling Water complemented perfectly the creations by both Chefs. evian® Natural Mineral Water gave a delicate, fresh, neutral and crisp taste while evian® Sparkling’s unique water profile provided a taste sensation that was refreshing. With the finest fizz and lowest sodium content, evian® Sparkling Water allowed the Chefs to showcase their creations without other interventions such as a very pronounced taste of the water.

This exclusive dining experience was a showcase of culinary prowess, as well as a celebration of the art of pairing – where the purity of evian® water allowed the chef’s creations to truly shine.

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