Malaysia – A romantic getaway for couples.

The trend of combining wedding photography with travel.

Outdoor wedding photoshoots combined with travel are increasingly becoming a popular trend for couples, offering unique and novel photo albums while allowing them to enjoy beautiful moments together. There are many countries in Southeast Asia to choose from, but in my opinion, Malaysia is the ideal choice for couples because it boasts numerous famous scenic spots, countless high-end accommodations for relaxation, and convenient transportation links between major cities.

After a 3-hour direct flight from Hanoi, I arrived at KLIA2 airport. One of the destinations that impressed me was the administrative capital, Putrajaya, about a 45-minute drive from the airport and 30km from the center of Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya stands out with its garden city architecture, where the building density is only 25%, with the rest being roads, parks, sports facilities, and nature gardens. This promises to be an ideal place for beautiful, nature-filled photos. You can choose famous photo spots for your album such as: the Palace of Justice - Istana Kehakiman (Supreme Court), the Perbadanan Government Complex, or the Putra Mosque. Putrajaya also becomes more charming and alluring with modern bridges spanning the lake, such as the Seri Wawasan Bridge and the Putra Bridge connecting to the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), where many couples stop to capture stunning photos at sunset.

But first, let's visit the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, which has its own unique charm with its distinctive architecture blending Eastern and Western styles. Besides the famous Petronas Twin Towers, you can add other famous landmarks to your itinerary such as Old KTM Station, the National Library, Istana Budaya National Theatre, Merdeka Square, Muzium Negara National Museum, and Istana Negara Royal Palace. Or simply enjoy a moment of hand-in-hand happiness as you stroll along the bustling Bukit Bintang pedestrian street.

If you want more private photoshoots combined with your honeymoon, you should plan a trip to Langkawi Island. You can capture moments together standing on the Sky Bridge, enjoying and immersing yourselves in the majestic beauty of nature, or spontaneously stopping to take pictures while driving along the coastal road. You can also book a photoshoot package at the most beautiful 5-star resorts on the island, with private beaches and unique, luxurious architectural designs.

Additional information:

+ If you are fluent in a foreign language, you can find information about some local photographers to save costs or hire a freelancer in Vietnam to accompany you on your trip.

+ Clothing: Depending on your preferences and style, it's best to choose clothing you prepare yourself for a more flattering look. You can also buy a ready-made silk bouquet in Vietnam to bring along.

+ Makeup: If you want to save money, you can do your own hair and makeup for the photoshoot, or look into some salons or hairdressers with reasonable prices.

+ Check out some wedding photography studios/freelance photographers in Malaysia:

www.mphotoo.com | www.zachchin.com | www.crazymonkeystudio.com | www.jimliaw.com

Sweet honeymoon at "Eagle Island"

Besides popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands, Penang (the Pearl of the Orient), or the ancient city of Melacca, Langkawi, the "Eagle Island," located a one-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, is a favorite honeymoon destination for couples.

You should allocate a substantial budget for your trip to this beautiful island, as it will be difficult to find budget-friendly hotels like in other destinations, but accommodations with impeccable service will surely win you over. Visitors can consider some 5-star resort hotels such as: The Danna Langkawi Hotel with its infinity pool overlooking the stunning beach; Andaman Resort, designed in a palatial style with villas featuring private pools and beaches; Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, with rooms designed entirely from wood, creating a close connection with nature. Particularly noteworthy is the Four Seasons Hotel, the most beautiful hotel in Langkawi, boasting a private emerald beach and rooms and bungalows equipped with exquisite furnishings and decor. As it's a popular tourist destination, it's advisable to book your rooms in advance through reputable websites like ivivu.com, booking.com, and agoda.com for greater peace of mind.

Langkawi, comprising 99 islands and covering an area of ​​478.48 km², attracts tourists with its two most vibrant areas: Kuah Town, home to the ferry terminal, and Pantai Cenang, which houses Langkawi Airport. Beyond its captivating beaches with endless stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, the island also amazes visitors with its stunning mountain passes. You can explore by renting a car, taking a taxi (based on distance), renting a motorbike, or hiking along trails to discover waterfalls, lakes, and pristine rainforest landscapes. Don't forget to visit the administrative center of Kuah, home to Eagle Square, considered the island's iconic landmark, prominently located near the ferry terminal and close to the sea. Beyond the square are Legend Park, Al-Hana Mosque, and Kuah Pier, an ideal spot for couples to enjoy the sparkling sunset over the waves.

A must-see highlight is Oriental Village, a complex of hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment venues nestled deep in the mountains. Here, you can experience the Cable Car system that takes visitors to the observation deck at the mountaintop to enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and forests, as well as the panoramic view of Kuah Bay with its beautiful yachts below. Next, try the thrill of walking on the uniquely designed Sky Bridge, a 125-meter-long arched suspension bridge connecting Mat Cincang Mountain with the neighboring mountain. Oriental Village is voted by international tourists as one of the most attractive and worthwhile destinations to visit in Langkawi and is also a popular choice for couples to take memorable wedding photos.

After your trip to the forest, don't forget to head to the beach to immerse yourselves in the crystal-clear waters, admire the fascinating underwater world by snorkeling at Payar Island Marine Park, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the underwater world. In the evening, you can stroll along Cenang Beach, or stop at a bar or café to enjoy a cocktail or local drink and immerse yourself in the lively and bustling atmosphere of the island.

If you want to explore the island on a tour, you can book a day tour right at the airport with many options. In particular, this beautiful island also attracts all shopping enthusiasts because all goods are completely tax-free, especially household items, perfumes, chocolates, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and cigars, with prices 30-50% cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur stores.

Additional information:

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi takes 1 hour. You can book your flight with Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines.

Languages: English, Chinese, and Malay

+ Exchange rate: 1 RM (Malaysian) is equivalent to 6,000 VND

At Langkawi ferry terminal and airport, there are many information counters offering hotels, tours, and car rentals. Motorbike rentals cost around 35 RM/day, and car rentals start from 180 RM/day. Transportation is in the opposite direction from Vietnam, and most of the roads on the island are mountain passes. If you are inexperienced, taking a taxi is the safest option.

+ The current price for a two-way cable car ticket is 35RM/adult, and the Sky Bridge ticket is 5RM; after the upgrade, the price will be 17RM.

+ Food and Drink: There are many local restaurants and eateries on the island, especially in Pantai Cenang and Kuah Town. A recommended option is Fish Farm restaurant, which serves a variety of European and Asian dishes, and particularly traditional Malaysian cuisine.

Go all out shopping for designer brands!

If you're in Malaysia between now and the end of August, take advantage of the last-minute discounts at the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2015. If you weren't lucky enough to be one of the lucky travelers, start planning your honeymoon now to take advantage of the final sale of 2015 at the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale, running from November 14th to January 3rd, 2016. At the festival, hundreds of retailers in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru will offer massive discounts of 20% to 80% on everything from handicrafts to world-renowned fashion brands.
 

Kuala Lumpur

Right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, you'll surely be impressed by the bustling shopping "boulevards" that are lively day and night, featuring famous shopping malls, including:

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a favorite shopping destination for fashion enthusiasts, is divided into 6 zones featuring most of the world's leading fashion brands. You'll receive special offers and discounts, as well as the chance to win valuable prizes at Pavilion KP from now until August 31st. All international brands such as Zara, Mango, H&M, G200, F21, Esprit… along with over 250 stores are simultaneously offering promotions, discounts, and special gifts for visitors.

At Fahrenheit88, the “Sale-Brate” is the biggest sale of the year, featuring duty-free items, prizes, contests, and great travel deals. For every RM100 spent, customers receive a free travel voucher and significant discounts from over 50 brands, along with a complimentary personal shopping bag.

- Located right at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC houses famous brands such as Louis Vuitton, Versace, Hermes, Burberry, Gucci, and Chanel. KLCC attracts shopping enthusiasts with its modern and luxurious atmosphere. While the items sold here are quite expensive, during Mega Sale events, you can find items at incredibly low prices compared to the usual exorbitant rates.

Besides world-renowned fashion brands, if you're looking for more affordable items, head to Berjaya Time Squares, one of the shopping centers with reasonable prices and high-quality products.

At Central Market, visitors can enjoy shopping with discount retailers participating in the Tourist Privilege Pack. Tourists can return items by presenting their passport at the information counters. On weekends, you can enjoy traditional dance performances at the outdoor stage.

Johor Bahru

As Malaysia's second-largest city, Johor Bahru is home to many large shopping malls and serves as a gateway to Singapore. It is famous for its leading shopping area, Johor Premium Outlet (JPO), located 40km from the city center. This outlet brings together over 80 well-known brands and individual fashion designer labels, with many items offered at discounted prices. Major fashion brands at JPO offer year-round sales with discounts of up to 60-70%.

Don't miss Johor Bahru City Square and Komtar JBCC Mall, where you can find a wide variety of goods from well-known brands to specialized electronics. These malls also offer diverse and convenient entertainment and dining options, perfect for relaxing and unwinding after hours of shopping.

Additional information:

+ When arriving at a Malaysian airport or any shopping mall, be sure to visit the Malaysia Tourist Information Centre. You'll have the chance to receive discount cards such as the Tourism Privilege Card, offering a 5% discount on selected items at major shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.

When shopping, it's a good idea to bring a credit card to avoid carrying a lot of cash and to have the chance to receive discounts when paying.

Shopping malls are open from 10 AM to 10 PM.

+ Check out the Super Pass for shoppers, which includes thousands of vouchers for fashion, dining, spa treatments, vacations, entertainment, and more. With the Super Pass, you can get 20-30% off on products, plus vouchers for free drinks or ice cream when ordering. The Super Pass is usually priced at RM 55. Follow us on www.superpass.com.my for more information.

The Thanh