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SUCCESS


Follow These Tips to Make Perfect Pizza Dough Every Time

February 24, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: CNET How To, SUCCESS

If you’re ready to make your own pizza dough at home, we have seven expert-backed tips to help you out along the way.

Deeper Wider | Everything, Part 1

February 24, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: Andy Stanley, SUCCESS

Deeper Wider | Everything, Part 1

Biblical generosity is informed and fueled by the acknowledgment that God owns it all. We are simply managers. When we adopt that posture, we view everything we “own” as a potential tool to further the agenda of our King. We will give first and adjust our lifestyle accordingly. Christians who adopt this perspective as the organizing principle for their personal finances find it easier to surrender the other components of their life as well. As Jesus made clear, the number one competitor for our devotion to God is our devotion to more. More money and more things.
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Escaping Escapism: From Drinking to Scrolling to Being Present

February 24, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: SUCCESS, Tiny Buddha

“Sit with it. Instead of drinking it away, smoking it away, sleeping it away, eating it away, or running from it. Just sit with it. Healing happens by feeling.” ~Unknown

I had no idea I had so many feelings until four years ago. I became sober and immediately started overflowing with emotions—emotions I never knew I had.

I stopped drinking just over a month after my twenty-fifth birthday, in January of 2021. I drank a lot in college, often going out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights every week. Once I graduated, though, my drinking mellowed. I was still going out, but paying for my own drinks (as opposed to the free flow of alcohol at a college party) forced me to drink less to save more.

Early in 2020, my drinking increased again due to being stuck inside while in an unpleasant living situation. By the end of 2020, though, I again wasn’t drinking much—maybe a glass of wine or two during the weekend. I was, however, smoking weed daily.

Cannabis, a substance used by many to calm their anxiety, did the opposite for me. Every day after work, I would sit on the front porch and smoke a joint—through rain, snow, anything. I loved the heady feeling of being high.

When I was high, I felt motivated to become a better person (that motivation, however, lacked follow-up action). I felt like a child again, seeing everything with wonder in my (droopy red) eyes.

While I enjoyed the effects of weed, I also felt my anxiety, an ever-present being in my psyche, slowly become more intense. One harrowing night, after being up for hours having panic attacks caused by both alcohol and weed, I made the decision to try sobriety.

I went into sobriety with no expectations. It was an experiment for me, although I had a hunch I was on the right path. Would not smoking help my mental health? Would quitting drinking lower my anxiety? I was about to find out.

I realized that something changes when you stop engaging with harmful substances, almost like a switch slowly flips the less mind-altering drugs are in your body. Things become clear, like taking off glasses you didn’t know you were wearing. You realize things and remember things, especially things you didn’t expect. Thoughts you had forgotten, memories you thought you blocked, trauma you thought you had released.

There’s something about the absence of anything mind-altering in the body that makes things abundantly transparent. In early sobriety, I discovered that the anxiety I thought I was healed from was only lying dormant.

I’ve had anxiety my entire life; some of my earliest memories are of being anxious. I remember starting kindergarten nervous that my peers would make fun of me for the way I chewed.

By January 2021, I thought I had my anxiety under control. I was on the same medication I had started nine years prior. I was going to therapy regularly. I was familiar with the feeling of butterflies taking over my stomach, the wash of heat or cold that would overtake me during a really anxious moment.

I did not, however, know how to manage my anxiety without any substances. The second I stopped smoking daily, it felt like all the suppressed anxiety came to haunt me. My legs were constantly bouncing. My stomach was constantly upset. My heart was constantly pounding. I couldn’t go a day without at least an hour of panic attacks.

I was terrified and confused, thinking to myself, Shouldn’t I be feeling better? I thought I moved past these intense feelings ages ago.

With time, my panic attacks became fewer and farther between. I learned to allow the feelings to flow through my body—my legs would eventually stop bouncing, my stomach would eventually feel normal, my heart would eventually return to its natural rhythm.

But I still unconsciously tried to find distractions. I drank caffeine, and I scrolled on social media. I read a pile of self-help books without taking any action. Just reading the book is enough to feel successful in self-improvement, right? But really, I was in the same place as I was pre-sobriety. The only difference was I was suppressing my feelings with social media instead of the bottle or a joint.

Then I woke up one day and recognized that social media was serving the same purpose as substances did. I would get up on the weekends feeling hungover, even though I hadn’t drank the night before. I had, however, scrolled TikTok for an hour.

Getting out of bed after bingeing social media feels like getting out of bed after bingeing alcohol. I had stopped using substances, but I hadn’t stopped doing everything I could to get away from experiencing everything happening inside me.

Once I had this realization, I tried, desperately, to process my emotions, to feel my feelings, but the lure of TikTok was so strong. I’d tell myself only five minutes but would be in the same position an hour later with a stiff neck, berating myself for bingeing TikTok yet again.

Escapism was screaming in my ear, and it was so, so easy to give in. Reaching for a phone takes a second; processing an emotion takes minutes. Which one is easier? Which one is more beneficial? Which one will make me feel better?

I was stuck in this cycle of wanting to be in touch with my feelings, of wanting to embrace life, but continually falling into the trap of one addiction or another because it’s Just. So. Easy.

Our phones were designed to suck us in and rewire our brains to use them to escape our lives. And no matter how much I recognize that and how much I want to be fully present every day, I can’t seem to stop trying to ignore my feelings.

Every day when I get home from work, I ‘decompress,’ using my thirty minutes of allotted TikTok time curled up on the couch. I do feel refreshed after, but I can’t help but think, how close are we to living in the spaceship from Wall-E? How soon will we all be so glued to technology we’ll be physically allergic to human emotion?

When there were talks of TikTok getting banned in the US, people were freaking out. Influencers who make their income on the app were posting videos on where else they could be found. People were revealing secrets—some influencers even admitted to building their platforms on lies.

When did we become so dependent on an app? How have we gone from dial-up internet to tiny computers in our pockets that we can use anytime, anywhere in the course of my lifetime? And why are social media apps designed like casinos—to give us little dopamine hits here and there to keep us engaged and addicted?

When I phrase it like that, social media can be easily seen as evil. However, social media has also done a lot of good.

I’ve used TikTok to find tips on managing anxiety, on curing migraines, and workouts.

People have donated the money they’ve made to good causes—to rebuilding Asheville after Hurricane Helene, to Planned Parenthood, and to buy school lunches for children.

Unknown authors, singers, and comedians have gained fans and recognition.

How can something that’s done so much good be so bad at the same time? How do we, as humans with pleasure-seeking brains, reconcile this dichotomy? I regularly have this conversation with my therapist, as I recognize how far I’ve come.

It took two years of sobriety for me to WANT to acknowledge my feelings. Although I had been in therapy on and off since I was a child, my therapy became much more effective post-sobriety.

I felt like I was on the fast track to healing, like before I had been dragging my feet with my therapist, and now we were running together like athletes. It still took a while, however, to turn away from escapism and embrace my inner world.

It’s taken another two years to start becoming aware of every time I turn to one of my vices. Life is so busy that it’s easy for me to go a week drinking caffeine every day, or extending my TikTok screen time for fifteen more minutes four times in a row.

It’s taken years of building knowledge of what makes me feel good (for real) and what makes me feel like substances used to—good for a moment, bad for a while.

I love reading, and I always feel refreshed after taking some time out of my day to read. Listening to music can always put me in a good mood. How long is it going to take for me to fully let go of technology, of dampening my emotions to avoid unpleasantness? Will I ever find peace?

Had someone told me four years ago I would be writing about the similarities between substances and social media, I would’ve laughed and said, “They’re both so fun; they make my life better!” But that’s addiction, isn’t it? Even if you don’t have “a problem,” looking to external sources for your happiness will always end in suffering.

Although sobriety hasn’t solved my desire to escape, I do feel a lot better than before, and I continue improving every day. Over time, I’ve learned to accept and sit with my emotions. I know that everything will pass, even the most unpleasant feelings.

Four years in, I finally understand that vices are a way to run away from feelings. I may never totally escape escapism, but as long as I continue trying to choose presence and awareness, that will have to be enough.

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About Melissa Moxey

Melissa Moxey is a special education teacher from the East Coast. She enjoys exploring the connection between ancient teachings and current society and writing about how anxiety has impacted her life. She currently lives in The Bahamas with her cat, Margaux.

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How to Use ChatGPT: A Beginner’s Guide

February 24, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: CNET How To, SUCCESS

Consider this your ChatGPT 101 class.

How to Turn On Siri’s Brand-New Glow Effect on Your iPhone

February 24, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: CNET How To, SUCCESS

Updated to iOS 18.3 but don’t see Siri’s new look yet? Here’s how to fix it.

At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson Masters The Art of Creating A Fashion Spectacle

February 24, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: Luxury Lifestyle

Blurring the line between fashion and art, Loewe’s sculptural crinoline dresses for Spring/Summer 2025 are made to seem like they are floating.

Tracey Emin is an artist. Vincent Van Gogh was an artist. Édouard Manet was also an artist. Jonathan Anderson might fancy himself an artist, too, going by the showpieces he created for Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

The collection was presented in a spacious white room, the kind where one usually holds an art exhibition. In fact, there was a single artwork on display, perched upon a towering pole: a delicate bronze sculpture of a bird made by Emin. In her sculptures, the British artist often uses the bird as a symbol of our vulnerability as humans; looking up at the small creature in its solitude should invite introspection. But when placed in the middle of a fashion show — a hub of distraction, especially with the presence of celebrity guests — Emin’s bird fades into the background.

Anderson set out to achieve the opposite — that is, to cut through the noise — with Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The show’s press notes ask, “Is it possible to fill an empty white room, commanding attention, without shouting for space?”

Anderson’s answer came in the form of the crinoline dresses that opened the show. The stiff ensembles do not resemble clothing so much as they do sculptures: through the sheer, floral silk, you can see that dresses are shaped with hoops and weighted with fine chains along the hem. As the models walked, the dresses bobbed with each step, their airy fabric fluttering about.

Anderson appreciates the visual effect. The designer told WWD, “The fabric is like floating off the garment. So you have the structure, but then you have this idea that something is in movement. So you get this body moving, or the body looking like it’s hovering somehow.”

Outside of spectacle, what do those crinoline dresses offer to the women who will wear them off the runway? It’s hard to say, although the dresses do come with pockets. In fact, the pockets were the most practical thing about those opening looks, aside from the accessories they were styled with: oversized, mirrored aviators; oxford shoes with freakishly elongated tips; boat shoes with character, and high-top versions of Loewe’s cult Ballet Runner sneakers.

The shoes in Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection include high-top Ballet Runner sneakers…
… and boat shoes with character.

So far, Loewe’s crinoline dresses have been worn in real life a couple of times—if one counts red carpet events as real life. Ayo Edibiri graced a gala and an after-party wearing a dress, mere days after Loewe’s show at Paris Fashion Week. Ambika Mod also opted for a dress when she attended the 2024 British Fashion Awards. The actress had “a lovely evening walking sideways through doors”, as she wrote in an Instagram post. The hoop of Mod’s dress was pressed against her when she posed for pictures with friends, and later bent awkwardly about her when she sat down for dinner.

Maybe the dresses aren’t meant to be worn in real life, where women have to do things like navigate streets, board crowded trains, climb into cabs, go up or down the stairs, or simply walk through doors. In Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, the dresses were not worn but hung on poles in the middle of a forest. Spectral.

Thankfully there are more substantial pieces in the collection. Those who like the whimsy and liberating waistlines of Loewe’s crinoline dresses can try the mini trapeze dresses instead, whose proportions recall those seen in Marc Jacobs’s doll-inspired Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Loewe’s trapeze dresses are perfect for parties, with their dangerously high hemlines and high shine achieved with layers of sequins or mother-of-pearl shells. There are also trapeze jackets cut from supple leather to consider in the outerwear department, if the comically flared coats in the collection are not to your liking. And there is a new trapeze bag, which has been named after Loewe’s home, Madrid.

The collection plays with textures, as seen on this trapeze mini dress embellished in mother-of-pearl shells.

Elsewhere, Anderson offered his twist to the band tee by covering it with feathers and printing it with the faces of famous classical composers, like Bach, Mozart and Chopin. One feathered shirt was printed with a painting by Manet. Others reproduced Van Gogh’s flower paintings — a new kind of floral print.

Those lightweight pieces featuring great artists remind us of what Anderson really is: a great fashion designer, with an ability to construct wearable clothing with inventive forms, all while staying true to the artisanal craftsmanship that lies at the heart of Loewe. It’s impressive that Anderson has created yet another spectacle on the runway. But more impressive is his feat of turning something we see everyday, like the T-shirt, into something spectacular.

Jonathan Anderson reinvents the ordinary T-shirt with layers of feathers printed with artworks.
A strong emphasis on silhouette is also seen in this line-up of coats and skirts with upturned hems.

This article first appeared on Grazia Singapore.

For more on the latest in luxury fashion reads, click here.

The post At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson Masters The Art of Creating A Fashion Spectacle appeared first on LUXUO.

The Other Side of Kuala Lumpur: Underrated Destinations Worth Visiting

February 23, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: Luxury Lifestyle

With its striking skyline, bustling shopping districts, and renowned landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is often seen as a dynamic urban hub. However, beyond its well-trodden tourist hotspots, the city and its outskirts are home to hidden gems that offer a fresh perspective on Malaysian travel. From unexpected cultural enclaves and heritage-driven dining experiences to serene nature escapes within and beyond city limits, LUXUO uncovers some of KL’s most underrated spots alongside destinations beyond the capital city. For locals in search of something new or a traveller eager to step off the beaten path, these destinations promise an experience that is both unexpected and rewarding.

Within KL

The Zhongshan Building – KL’s Best-Kept Creative Secret

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The Zhongshan Building is a hidden gem in KL’s creative scene, offering a mix of independent art studios, indie bookshops, and cosy cafés. Once a three-storey residential building, it has been reimagined as a dynamic hub for local designers, batik artisans, vintage bookstores, and vinyl collectors. The ground floor is home to the beloved café Tommy Le Baker, known for its signature matcha lattes, while weekend nights come alive with intimate jazz sessions, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Address: Jalan Kampung Attap, 80 – 84, Jalan Rotan, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to get there: A 5-minute walk from Maharajalela Monorail Station.

Head here to find out more or visit their social media here.

REXKL – A Cultural Hub in a Former Cinema

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REXKL — a revitalised 1947 cinema — has become one of KL’s most dynamic creative hubs. This multi-level space is home to independent bookstores, bars, local boutiques, and pop-up art exhibitions, drawing in culture enthusiasts. It also hosts film screenings, live music, and panel discussions, making it a key venue for KL’s evolving arts scene. Within REXKL, REXPERIENCE (RXP.KL) reimagines the historic REX Cinema as an immersive digital art space. Blending the site’s cultural legacy with cutting-edge technology, it offers a gateway into the world of digital art, where nostalgia meets innovation.

For a laid-back evening, The Rex Bar serves craft beers and sparkling tuak (Sarawakian rice wine) on tap, while café Stellar welcomes visitors at the street-side entrance. Across its various floors and mezzanines, REXKL hosts art galleries, boutiques, and eclectic events — from poetry slams and board game meet-ups to antique and jewellery flea markets. Retaining its industrial-cool aesthetic, the building features exposed brick, raw cement walls, and floor-to-ceiling glass panels that frame the energy of Jalan Sultan.

Address: 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to get there: Located in Chinatown, it is a 5-minute walk from the Pasar Seni MRT station.

Head here to find out more or visit their social media here.

Kwai Chai Hong – A Walk Through Time in Chinatown

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Tucked away in the heart of Chinatown, Kwai Chai Hong is a beautifully restored heritage alley that brings Kuala Lumpur’s past to life. Blending history with contemporary street art, this hidden gem features immersive murals, QR-coded stories, and meticulously restored pre-war shophouses, offering a glimpse into the city’s golden era of the 1960s. Open daily from 9 A.M. to midnight, it is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, where visitors can admire seasonal art installations, discover charming cafés, or unwind in hidden speakeasies and artisan boutiques.

Beyond its striking visuals, Kwai Chai Hong is a hub for culture, food, and nightlife. The area is home to a diverse range of eateries, from traditional hawker-style dishes to modern fusion cuisine, making it a favourite stop for food lovers. For those seeking a livelier atmosphere, stylish resto-bars in the vicinity offer handcrafted cocktails and live music, creating a vibrant social scene.

Easily accessible via public transport, Kwai Chai Hong is just a short walk from Pasar Seni MRT Station, with the alley located behind the row of shophouses along Jalan Panggung. Visitors coming by KL Monorail can alight at Maharajalela Station and take a 10-minute walk towards Jalan Petaling. Those driving can park at the open-air car park on Jalan Balai Polis, just a two-minute walk away, though parking in KL’s city centre is often limited and costly. For visitors exploring KL’s cultural heritage, indulging in good food, or soaking in the vibrant art scene, Kwai Chai Hong offers a nostalgic yet contemporary experience, making it a must-visit destination for locals and travellers alike.

Address: Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to get there: A short walk from the Pasar Seni MRT station.

Head here to find out more or visit their social media here.

Limapulo: Baba Can Cook – A Michelin-Recognised Peranakan Delight

Opened over seven years ago, Limapulo exudes a rustic charm with its vintage canteen-style furniture and dimly lit interiors, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. As noted in the Michelin Guide 2024, the restaurant is helmed by a team of Malaysian chefs and is best enjoyed through shared plates. A must-try is its famed “Nyonya laksa”, a standout dish that embodies the bold, aromatic flavours of Peranakan cuisine. Another highlight is the signature sate, served with a unique house-made sauce featuring star fruit and pineapple. Some dishes are only available on select days, adding to the experience of discovering something new with each visit.

This unassuming eatery has rightfully earned its reputation as one of KL’s top destinations for Nyonya cuisine, blending time-honoured recipes with a warm, heritage-rich atmosphere. Signature dishes like “laksa lemak” and “ayam pongteh” pay homage to Peranakan culinary traditions, each crafted with meticulous attention to flavour and authenticity. The nostalgic interiors, adorned with vintage décor, make dining at Limapulo feel like stepping into a cherished past — where food is not just a meal, but a story.

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At the heart of it all was the late Baba John, a revered master of Nyonya cooking whose passion for heritage cuisine remains the soul of Limapulo. His dishes were more than just food — they were edible love letters to Peranakan culture. Whether one is here for a comforting bowl of laksa or a meal that brings generations together, Limapulo serves up history, heart, and a taste of home.

Address: 50, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to get there: Located in The Row KL, it is a short walk from Medan Tuanku Monorail Station.

Head to the link here to find out more or visit their social media here.

Outside KL

Shah Alam’s Blue Mosque – A Majestic Architectural Wonder

​The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque — often referred to as the Blue Mosque — is a prominent landmark in Shah Alam, Selangor. Renowned for its impressive blue and silver dome, the mosque stands as a testament to Malaysia’s Islamic architecture. It was commissioned by the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in 1974, coinciding with Shah Alam’s designation as the new state capital. Construction commenced in 1982 and concluded in 1988. The mosque’s design harmoniously blends traditional Malay and modern architectural elements, featuring intricate Islamic calligraphy and four towering minarets at each corner. The mosque’s interior is adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy and blue stained glass windows while the main prayer hall is spacious and air-conditioned. The mosque can accommodate up to 24,000 worshippers simultaneously. The mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also as a cultural and educational hub, reflecting the significance of Islam in Malaysia.​ Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque outside of prayer times, with appropriate attire required.

Location: Persiaran Masjid St., Sekysen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

How to get there: A 30-minute drive from KL or take the KTM Komuter to Shah Alam Station. To reach the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque from Kuala Lumpur, travelers can embark on a short drive via the Federal Highway, which connects directly to Shah Alam. Alternatively, public transportation options include the KTM Komuter train service from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station to Shah Alam Station, followed by a brief taxi or bus ride to the mosque.

Siniawan Night Market – A Charming Old Town Experience

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Nestled in Sarawak’s Bau district — approximately a 40-minute drive from Kuching — the historic town of Siniawan offers visitors a unique blend of heritage and vibrant local culture. By day, Siniawan exudes a tranquil atmosphere, with its well-preserved wooden shophouses standing as testaments to a bygone era. These structures, weathered yet proud, reflect the town’s rich history and the resilience of its community.​ By evening, Siniawan transforms into a bustling night market, drawing both locals and tourists to its lively streets. The market comes alive every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, illuminated by rows of red lanterns that cast a warm glow over the festivities. Visitors are greeted by a plethora of culinary delights, with vendors offering a diverse array of local delicacies. From the crispy textures of oyster omelettes to the savory flavors of ngoh hiang — a deep-fried roll filled with spiced minced pork and vegetables wrapped in beancurd skin — the night market presents an array of delicacies that cater to diverse palates. Staples like kolo mee — featuring egg noodles tossed in a savory sauce and topped with barbecued pork, and the aromatic Sarawak laksa — a spicy noodle soup celebrated by food enthusiasts worldwide — are must-tries for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the region.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Siniawan is home to the historic Shui Yue Gong temple, which houses a century-old statue of the deity Guanyin. This temple serves as a spiritual center for locals, who visit to seek blessings and offer prayers. The town’s rich history is further highlighted by its connection to James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, who once resided near Mount Serumbu, just a short distance away.​

Address: Jalan Siniawan, Siniawan, 94000 Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia

How to get there: A 30-minute drive from Kuching city centre. For travelers journeying from Kuala Lumpur, reaching Siniawan involves a flight to Kuching, followed by a scenic drive to the town. This accessible route makes Siniawan an ideal destination for those eager to immerse themselves in Sarawak’s cultural heritage and experience the vibrant atmosphere of its renowned night market.

This quaint heritage town comes alive on weekends with a vibrant night market set against a backdrop of well-preserved wooden shophouses. Unlike the crowded street markets of bigger cities, Siniawan offers an intimate atmosphere with traditional Sarawakian street food, live music, and a glimpse into the town’s nostalgic past.

Kukup Island – A Johorean Jewel

Kukup Island or Pulau Kukup is a breathtaking mangrove island in Johor that remains one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets. Just a few hours from Kuala Lumpur, this ecological wonderland is home to one of the largest uninhabited mangrove islands in the world. Established as a national park in 1997, Pulau Kukup is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. The island’s boardwalks and viewing platforms offer an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore its lush biodiversity, spot migratory birds, and witness the delicate balance of its mangrove ecosystem. Adding to its mystique are local legends of goblin princesses, giant sea serpents, and tales of pirates who once roamed its shores. Recognising its global importance, the island was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2003.

While in the area, consider visiting Tanjung Piai — the southernmost point of mainland Asia — located nearby. This cape offers unique coastal mangrove habitats and is part of the Tanjung Piai National Park, providing another enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.​

Address: Pulau Kukup, Pontian District, Johor, Malaysia

How to get there: Getting to Pulau Kukup from Kuala Lumpur is relatively straightforward. Travellers can drive via the North-South Expressway, exiting at Simpang Renggam before heading towards Pontian and following signs to Pulau Kukup. Alternatively, express buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur travel to Pontian, where taxis are available for the final stretch to the island’s jetty.

Head to the link here to find out more.

Kanching Rainforest Waterfall – A Jungle Adventure Near KL

Tucked within a nearly 500-hectare forest reserve in Rawang, Selangor, Kanching Rainforest Waterfall is a verdant escape just north of Kuala Lumpur. This natural haven boasts a stunning cascade of seven tiers, collectively dropping around 120 metres, and offers a 2.1-km out-and-back trail that typically takes just over an hour to complete. The lower levels feature well-maintained paved walkways and stairs ideal for a refreshing dip in crystal-clear pools or a leisurely picnic under gazebos, while the upper sections challenge more adventurous hikers with their steep, rocky terrain.

Easily accessible by car, head from Kuala Lumpur along the Lebuhraya Rawang (a continuation of Jalan Ipoh) towards Rawang; the park appears about a kilometre past Templer Country Club on the right. For those relying on public transport, various travel agents in KL organise tours to this picturesque destination. With an entrance fee of MYR 1 and minimal parking charges, Kanching Rainforest Waterfall is renowned for its rich birdlife — with migratory waterbirds and native species frequently spotted amidst the extensive mudflats and dense mangroves — making it a prime destination for eco-photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. For a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem, guided eco-tours provide insights into the diverse flora and fauna that make Kanching a vital biodiversity hotspot.

Location: Rawang, Selangor

How to get there: A 30-40 minute drive from KL. Alternatively, take the KTM Komuter to Rawang and a short Grab ride from there.

For more on the latest in lifestyle and travel reads, click here.

The post The Other Side of Kuala Lumpur: Underrated Destinations Worth Visiting appeared first on LUXUO.

Drukair Introduces Direct Flights Between Dubai and Paro, Bhutan

February 23, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: Luxury Lifestyle

In a significant move for travellers, Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines has launched direct flights between Dubai and Paro. Initially operating twice weekly, flights from Dubai to Paro will depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while those from Paro to Dubai will leave on Mondays and Fridays. This new route offers a direct link to Bhutan, inviting explorers, spiritual seekers, and those in search of peace to immerse themselves in the serene beauty and profound culture of the Himalayan kingdom.

Dubai, a vibrant international hub, now serves as the perfect gateway for travellers from across the globe to explore Bhutan’s majestic landscapes and timeless traditions. With this new connection, Bhutan is poised to attract those in pursuit of meaningful travel experiences, rejuvenation, and inspiration.

A Creative Retreat Amidst Breathtaking Landscapes

Bhutan offers more than just picturesque scenery — it’s a sanctuary for the creative soul. Writers and artists in need of inspiration will find the country’s unspoiled valleys, rugged mountains, and tranquil rivers the perfect muse. The spiritual presence of Buddhist temples and sacred sites like the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery adds a mystical layer to this already captivating setting, drawing visitors into a world of story-rich landscapes and untold narratives.

The air hums with legends of tigers, dragons, and enlightened monks. As you walk through its sacred monasteries or trek along mountain trails lined with fluttering prayer flags, the distractions of modern life dissolve. Here, clarity and creativity flourish, making Bhutan the ultimate haven for anyone seeking artistic renewal and personal transformation.

Wellness and Adventure in the Land of Happiness

For those seeking more than just physical adventure, this destination offers a holistic journey that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. From hikes through pristine forests to mountain biking on historic paths, adventure seekers will find plenty to fuel their spirit. Wellness aficionados can indulge in traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths, savour the rich flavours of local cuisine, or unwind in luxurious lodges nestled in nature’s embrace.

The Himalayan nation’s unique atmosphere encourages a deeper connection to the self, allowing travellers to shed the layers of societal pressure and reconnect with their authentic essence. It’s a place where distractions fade away, leaving room for inner peace and reflection. More than a trip to the Himalayas, Bhutan offers a return to the core of who you are.

A Perfect Escape for Dubai Expats

For those living in Dubai and yearning to reconnect with family or take a meaningful retreat, this is the ideal haven. Thanks to aviation’s new direct flights, the journey is smoother than ever. The airline’s renowned service ensures a relaxed and comfortable travel experience. Business class passengers, in particular, can enjoy spacious seating, gourmet meals, and top-notch hospitality, all embodying Drukair’s commitment to excellence.

A Transformative Experience Awaits

Known for its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, The Land of the Thunder Dragon offers more than just a vacation — it promises a transformative journey. Whether you’re an adventurer, a creative seeking inspiration, or someone in need of spiritual renewal, Bhutan’s unparalleled beauty and calming presence are waiting for you. And now, with Drukair’s Dubai-Paro route, this magical destination is more accessible than ever.

Take the first step on your journey to Bhutan — shed the layers of everyday life and let the magic of this sacred land reveal your true self.

Visit www.Drukair.com.bt to discover more!

For more on the latest in luxury travel reads, click here.

The post Drukair Introduces Direct Flights Between Dubai and Paro, Bhutan appeared first on LUXUO.

Inspire for Sleep Apnea: What to Know About the Treatment Device and How It Works

February 23, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: CNET How To, SUCCESS

If a traditional CPAP machine isn’t for you, you might consider the Inspire sleep apnea device as an alternative treatment option. Here’s what you need to know.

Upgrade Your Apple Watch Experience With These 7 Expert-Approved Tips

February 23, 2025 Ogghy Filed Under: CNET How To, SUCCESS

The Apple Watch does way more than tell time.

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