From Zafigo
Stories from the Desk of Zafigo

Vaxxed? Here’s Where You Can Go Based On Your Brand Of Jab
Only china-made vaccines are accepted in China, while Sinovac’s not accepted in most countries. Meanwhile, researchers are contemplating mixing and matching COVID-19 jabs. Things are getting messy with the vaccine wars, so we’ve simplified it for you.
Boost Tourism: We Need To Help The Arts & Culture Scene In Malaysia
For our 15th episode of Hello Zafigo, we spoke to Low Ngai Yuen and Susan Lankester about the lack of support given to our local arts and culture scene and what we can do to change it. Here’s a recap of that conversation.
Open To Public: A Night’s Stay In Gaudi’s Casa Vicens
You’ve been to the Gaudi museums and gardens all around beautiful Barcelona, but thanks to Airbnb, you’ll be able to stay in one of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces this autumn.
Marina Mahathir’s Guide To The Best Reads: My 10 Favourite Books
From epic journeys in the Caucasus Mountains to 16th century redemption, Zafigo’s Founder, Marina Mahathir, shares with us which 10 books she’s currently loving and why.
Let’s Get Digital: 6 Ways To Virtually Explore Asia
With international travel still some ways away for most of us, here are a few ideas to help you scratch that travel itch – by virtually exploring Asia as she slowly opens up. Think of it as future travel inspo.
Pandemic-Free Holidays Will Happen… At The Edge Of Outer Space!
There’s no better place than the edge of outer space if you’re looking to go on a holiday that’s guaranteed to be free of COVID-19.
12 Unique Cafe Storefronts You Have To See Around Asia
What if we travelled around the world by taking pictures of cafe storefronts like how we would collect passport stamps? Here are 12 instagrammable cafes from around Asia that we love.
Will Langkawi Reopen? Asian Region Remains Worst-Hit By Pandemic
It looks like Asia’s the first in and last out when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. But with vaccinations ramping up, its eventual reopening is on the horizon.
13 Beautiful Stationery Stores In Malaysia
Curated by a stationery addict who is a sucker for packaging, here’s a list of beautiful stores around Malaysia that offers more than pen and paper!
Mystery Trips: The Contiki Travel Experience You Never Knew Existed
Are you a young traveller itching to explore the world again? Well, the Contiki Travel Lounge has something tailor-made just for you – mystery trips with unreal discounts!
The World With… Nicol David
Jet-setting across the globe for squash has given the former world number one, Nicol David, many unique opportunities to see the world. From glass courts overlooking Shanghai’s Bund to playing amidst Egypt’s pyramids, she shares her favourite destinations in and out of Malaysia with us.
Help Malaysia’s Zoos: Virtual Tours Worth Taking
We reckon that the crocs over at the Melaka Crocodile and Recreational Park are the only buayas worth dating. Plus, it’ll help save Malaysia’s zoos!
COVID-19 In India: The Battle We Weren’t Ready For
When there are bad things happening all around us, it's easy to think that it'll never happen to us - especially when it comes to COVID-19. But that hopefulness can quickly turn into hopelessness when you realise the deadly disease has morphed into something else entirely. Sadly, what you see and read in the news…
Reading Glasses At The Ready: 7 Writers & Literary Festivals In 2021
Calling all lit lovers, you may have missed out on your favourite festivals in 2020, but they’re back with a vengeance this year! If your goal for 2021 is to read more, then this list is for you.
Langkawi Heritage Villas Awarded By Hotels.com
Langkawi’s Kunang Kunang Heritage Villas scored top ratings amongst guests and nabbed an award while they were at it earlier this month.
Bali High: Another Island Destination Reopening In July 2021
Tourism is slowly making a comeback with top destinations such as Phuket reopening in July, and now Bali announcing plans to reopen borders next month. Here’s exactly what’s going on.
My Period Changed After The COVID-19 Vaccine: 8 Women Share
We speak to eight women about their personal experience with COVID-19 vaccines to shed some light on how it affects our menstrual health. You’ll be surprised at how little information is out there, but hopefully together, we can be better informed!
Europe May Be A No-Go For M’sians Who Received The Sinovac Vaccine
Those who have been administered with vaccines produced in Russia, India, and China may not be allowed to enter Europe.
Hello Zafigo Session #15: Preserving Local Culture & Tradition Through Tourism
What are the arts, culture, and film industries’ role in Malaysian travel and tourism? We speak to Low Ngai Yuen and Susan Lankester about all things performing arts.
Will Malaysians Be Able To Travel Again In October 2021?
Following the announcement of the Malaysian government's COVID-19 national recovery plan, we can expect (while keeping our fingers and toes crossed) for local travel to resume by October.
Tried, Tested, and Zafigo Approved: Our Women’s Health Month Favourites
What’s our verdict on these brands we featured for Women's Health Month? Let’s just say that we emerged feeling happier, well-rested, and had peace of mind using these products and services!
Phuket Reopens To Foreign Tourists: Here’s What You Need To Know
Before you dust off that suitcase and start searching for flights, here’s a rundown of what you need to know before travelling to Phuket, Thailand when the island reopens on 1 July.
My Hope For Tourism: An Open Letter From A Malaysian Hotelier
Some may feel COVID-19’s effects as ripples, but there are those of us who feel it in overwhelming, all-consuming, tsunami-like waves, and one of those industries most adversely affected is hospitality. Let’s beat the odds.
Ahoy, Friends! It’s The One Where They Went On A Cruise
Could we be any more excited? Probably if it turns out the cast will be hopping aboard this Friends-themed cruise that’s set to sail next year.
























