VIRTUAL travelling is no longer a term of the future. With everyone adhering to the new norms and staying safe in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual travel is probably the way to go to cure that wanderlust.
Buddyz.co, a budding online travel agent has been aggressively promoting virtual travel curated by its partners most of whom are experts in their own fields.
The peak of its virtual travel promotion is the coming National Virtual Travel Weekend, happening this weekend (Nov 7-8).
The event will see family packages, each consisting of two experiences for up to four pax, offered at only RM149, from their original prices of RM320 each.
Here five interesting virtual experiences available at Buddyz.co. For more information, visit www.buddyz.co or Whatsapp 014-3672134.
SNEAK PEEK INTO A CHINESE FISHING VILLAGE
Hosted by Angie who calls herself "Bagan Moi" (bagan is a Malay word for fishing village, moi in Teow Chew refers to a young girl), born and bred in a fishing village in Sungai Besar, Selangor. The banker turned certified tour guide offers both virtual and physical tours in her hometown. For the virtual tour, she will show how to identify the types of fishing boats commonly seen in Malaysia and share taboos and superstitions believed and practiced by the fishing community in her hometown. To make her tours more interesting, she holds fun quizzes that offer unique prizes to her guests. The virtual tour is held every first and third Fridays of the month at 9pm.
WAYANG KULIT FOR DUMMIES
Hosted by two friends, Lylatul and Shufitri who are working for Persatuan Kakiseni, a registered association that promotes arts and culture in the country. The art enthusiasts will share their knowledge and story behind the art of wayang kulit in a manner that is easy for non-practitioners to learn and understand. Not only will they share their knowledge on the art's history and background, they will also guide their guests on how to make a simple shadow puppet using the materials that guests have to prepare in advance. The virtual experience is available on every Thursday at 7.30pm.
TIME TRAVEL TO 1940s OF KUALA LUMPUR
Hosted by a history enthusiast, Tajuddin Idrus who is an active member to several history-related associations like the Malaysian Cultural Group, Malaysia Historical Society, The Heritage of Malaysia Trust and Malaysian Branch of The Royal Asiatic Society (MBRAS). In his virtual tour, Dean as he prefers to be called will share unheard stories and trivias on Kuala Lumpur. He will take his guests on a virtual heritage tour that covers interesting spots of KL with real photos. The tour is especially suitable for those planning to visit the city. This experience is available daily at 9am and 5pm.
VIRTUAL SAFARI EXPERIENCE WITH BORNEAN SUN BEAR
Hosted by Dr. Wong Siew Te, the founder and chief executive officer of Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sandakan, Sabah. The Penang-born "Papa Bear" will guide his guests on a journey at the center for them to get a closer look at the Bornean sun bears which is the smallest in the bear species in the world, their natural habitat and how they interact with each other. He will also share some information on flora and fauna. If lucky on your side, you may get to see some snakes taking their meal for the day. This virtual experience is available daily at 9am.
TRIBUTE TO PRAYA LANE, MELAKA
Hosted by Martin Theseira, a Malacca Portuguese descendant born and raised in Praya Lane Melaka. The chef and chorister will take you on a live on-site heritage walkabout in Praya Lane (praya means beach in local creole language), a suburb of Banda Hilir. He will take his guests through the history and lifestyle at Praya Lane. To sweeten the experience, the tour will end with a virtual tea-session with Theseira's special guest. This experience is available daily at 4.30pm.