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Escape Lifestyle News

Four Points by Sheraton Opens in Kuala Lumpur City Centre

The latest hotel in the capital city of Malaysia, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur City Centre has been opened in time for the year-end celebrations and festivities.

Located at the intersection of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, it is the first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

“Kuala Lumpur remains an attractive destination for travellers, with its vibrant urban energy and many attractions,” said Marriott International area vice-president (Indonesia and Malaysia) Ramesh Jackson.

“We are thrilled to deliver for guests an experience of unrivalled excitement and convenience with our newest hotel.”

“As the fourth Four Points by Sheraton property in Malaysia, this hotel further reinforces our commitment in Malaysia and propel our select offering to the increased number of business and leisure travellers in Malaysia,” he added.

At Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre, form follows function in its 513 guest rooms, all newly designed with localised flair and uncompromised comfort.

The hotel offers great facilities on levels 3 and 4 for guests of all ages to unwind and recharge without worries. Featuring one of the largest outdoor pools in Kuala Lumpur complete with water slides and a splash play area, the Paradise Trails adventure zone, and an indoor Kids Club, the resort-inspired facilities are an invitation for families with little ones to embrace a fun-filled stay. For a more relaxing leisure, the adults can enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, as well as the Mandara Spa.

The hotel highlights the debut of its two distinctive specialty restaurants that feature familiar cuisines with a twist. Sichuan Kitchen introduces a lively dining scene with five spacious private rooms and a unique bar. Savour flavourful Sichuan cuisine with signatures like the cult-favourite ‘hot pot’ feast, and hand-pulled ‘dan dan’ noodles, to name a few. The Mesh, the all-day dining restaurant reimagined with a homegrown concept, features local cuisine with a contemporary narrative that travels back in time. The distinctive setting adds to the homely experience ranging from communal-styled dining areas to an indoor summer garden and an intimate library. The extended outlet of The Mesh, Grab N Go offers fresh to-go selections of snacks, pastries and coffee including locally-crafted Nitro Brew, part of the Four Points by Sheraton’s signature Best Brews™ program, made by the in-house baristas.

Mark big or small occasions in one of its 27 versatile venues spanning 52,000 square feet of event space including spacious foyers and a prime dedicated lobby of its own. Ideal for meetings and training sessions or social gatherings and wedding celebrations, the convention centre caters up to 1,800 guests in its largest venue, the Grand Ballroom.

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Hungry News

Serving Coffee With Charcoal Is An Offence In Malaysia

Adding charcoal to coffee drinks, which is reportedly become a trend, is an offence in Malaysia under the Food Regulations 1985 act.

The Health Ministry, in a statement to Bernama yesterday, stated that operators of food premises found serving coffee with charcoal could face prosecution and be fined a maximum of RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, if found guilty.

“Ready-to-drink coffee is subject to Regulation 269A of the Food Regulations 1985, which only allows the addition of sugar, dextrose, glucose or honey, milk, cream, other foodstuffs and permitted flavourings. Charcoal is not categorised as a food,” read the statement.

The statement was issued in response to a Bernama report on Nov 16, which highlighted that the trend of drinking coffee in a restaurant with a lump of burning charcoal dunked in it at a restaurant here has sparked a debate on social media.

This is because of the claim that charcoal coffee, or ‘Kopi Joss’ as it is known in Indonesia, has its own unique taste and is said to be able to detoxify the body.

However, health experts have expressed concern that consuming it could cause adverse effects on the body, including bloating, diarrhoea and appendicitis.

The ministry explained that the hot charcoal added directly to coffee is different from the activated charcoal commonly used in the food industry, as the latter undergoes processing and purification that makes it safe for consumption.

“However, with hot charcoal added directly to coffee, it is not possible to determine whether it has been properly processed or whether it is suitable for consumption, as it may contain foreign substances or other toxic elements.

“As a precautionary measure, an investigation will be conducted upon receiving complete information about the affected food premises, the ministry said.

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Events News

Coldplay Brings The Highest Crowd Ever In Bukit Jalil National Stadium For A Concert

Coldplay’s concert in Kuala Lumpur on November 22 was Bukit Jalil National Stadium’s highest-attended concert ever, with a record-breaking 75,000 fans.

According to Fly FM, the British rock band, formed in 1997 secured the largest single day concert attendance in Bukit Jalil National Stadium ever. This does not include the many more fans that did not manage to get the tickets, standing outside the stadium.

Coldplay performed 26 songs altogether during the two-hour show which is part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour, with the entire stadium filled with fans singing along to their hits such as Yellow, Fix You, and Paradise.

“Thank you for waiting 27 years for us to come to your country. Thank you to the government for letting us play here,” said lead singer Chris Martin during the concert on Wednesday night.

“I wish we’d come to Malaysia sooner than this. Nobody told us you’d be one of the best audiences in the world,” he added.

Before the seven-time Grammy-award winning band came to Malaysia, the record for most-attended concert in Bukit Jalil National Stadium was the one by our fellow Malaysian, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza with an attendance of 70,000 in 2004 during her Fantasia Tour.

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Lifestyle News

Exciting Brands That Are Coming Into The Exchange TRX

The Exchange TRX’s retail wing in the Tun Razak Exchange, Kuala Lumpur is set to open its doors to visitors on November 29, and there are many exciting brands joining the retail space.

Some of the brands are opening their first store in Southeast Asia, and Kuala Lumpur is definitely proud to be chosen as the city.

Seibu

SEIBU, the luxury department store from Japan, is making its debut in Malaysia for the first time. It will span 250,000 square feet, featuring over 400-500 retail brands with about 100 of them are new brands entering Malaysia for the first time.

Taking up four levels in the building, it will be the first international luxury department store in Malaysia to house various mix of contemporary fashion brands and Japanese fashion brands that are new to Malaysia, largest collection of children’s luxury fashion brands, and Malaysia’s first Japanese food hall.

seibu.com.my | Instagram | Facebook

Gentle Monster

A popular South Korean eyewear brand, the store will feature a curated selection of pieces from the brand’s collaborations with D’heygere and Maison Margiela, in addition to showcasing the latest offerings from its 2024 Optical Collection.

Founded by Hankook Kim in 2011, the company has 41 directly operated stores worldwide, including in Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

gentlemonster.com | Instagram | Facebook

Maison Kitsuné

Maison Kitsuné is a French-Japanese lifestyle brand founded in 2002. The brand is best known for its approach to a slow and considered lifestyle as well as the beloved fox mascot from which it takes its name.

They will also be setting up their café brand, Café Kitsuné at this new shopping mall.

maisonkitsune.com | Instagram | Facebook

Drunk Elephant

Previously, Drunk Elephant had only been accessible to Malaysian consumers through Sephora’s retail network. With the cult beauty brand growing strong, they are finally opening their first brick-and-mortar store at The Exchange TRX.

The brand’s emphasis on products that work is solidified by only using ingredients that benefit the skin and omitting the unnecessary.

drunkelephant.my | Instagram | Facebook | X

Shake Shack

Shake Shack will be serving elevated, modern, and fun versions of American classics. The menu showcases responsibly sourced premium ingredients with everything made-to-order. Their signature items include ShackBurger, Chicken Shack, ‘Shroom Burger, Crinkle-Cut Fries, Shakes and Shack Attack.

The f&b brand will be working with SPC group to operate Shake Shack in Malaysia. They are also the operator of Shake Shack in Korea and Singapore.

shakeshack.com | Instagram | Facebook

Marimekko 

This Finnish brand will make your life more exciting with its more vibrant elements, colours and graphic prints in the designs.

Marimekko’s one-of-a-kind, colourful textiles are used across its catalogue; from decorating your house with its kaleidoscopic homeware to picking its high-quality clothing and more!

marimekko.com | Instagram | Facebook

Alo Yoga

Co-founded by Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge in 2007, this fitness apparel brand will take you directly from studio to the streets due to its mindful approach to yoga wear that combines functionality with style.

The brand isn’t only a staple in the yoga community but is also worn by celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Taylor Swift.

aloyoga.com | Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok

Amazonas

Kenny Hills Hospitality Group will be opening the Amazonas, a vibrant Latin American restaurant and bar concept on the rooftop which will feature an amazing view of the city’s modern skyline.

The restaurant is expected to offer sharing plates inspired by the region, open-fire cooking, fun cocktails, and late-night DJ fiestas.

Tipsy Flamingo

Singaporean hospitality group, Tipsy Collective is expanding their presence into The Exchange TRX by launching the Tipsy Flamingo.

The restaurant, which is expected to feature a highly thematic ambiance will provide the space with a fresh culinary experience and perhaps, a specially curated cocktails.

tipsycollective.com | Instagram | Facebook

Hey Tea

Hey Tea is a Chinese tea drink chain founded in 2012 and commonly regarded as an “influencer” brand in China due to its popularity in social media.

Its signature items are various cheese tea and fruit tea. The cheese mixture used in their signature cheese tea is described as “a blend of New Zealand’s Anchor cheese, milk, cream and salt”.

heytea.com | Instagram | Facebook

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City Guide News

Best Cities For Expat 2023: Kuala Lumpur at 8th

Kuala Lumpur is ranked at number eighth in the list of best cities to live in 2023, an annual ranking by InterNation, a global community of expatriates.

The list ranked 49 cities, based on how expats feel about living and working abroad in the last year. To come up with the list, InterNations surveyed more than 12,000 expats worldwide, representing 177 nationalities and living in 181 countries or territories. The report considered factors such as quality of life, ease of settling in, personal finance and more.

Malaga, a city in Spain claimed the top spot; making it the world’s best city to live and work. One of the oldest cities in the world, Malaga is located in Andalucia on the Costa del Sol. This Mediterranean city is known for its rich history, arts and culture scene, pleasant climate and great food.

The top 20 cities of the list is as the following:

  1. Malaga, Spain
  2. Alicante, Spain
  3. Valencia, Spain
  4. Ras Al Khaimah
  5. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  6. Madrid, Spain
  7. Mexico City, Mexico
  8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  9. Bangkok, Thailand
  10. Muscat, Oman
  11. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  12. Lisbon, Portugal
  13. Barcelona, Spain
  14. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  15. Nairobi, Kenya
  16. Zurich, Switzerland
  17. Athens, Greece
  18. Stockholm, Sweden
  19. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
  20. The Hague, the Netherlands

For more information, check out the report by InterNations.

Categories
Hungry

A New 2-Michelin Stars In The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024

Michelin Guide makes it way to Kuala Lumpur and Penang in its second edition this year with new awards including a Two Michelin Stars Restaurant.

Two Michelin Stars Restaurant

Dewakan
Platinum Park, Level 48, Skyviews, Naza Tower @, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

One Michelin Star Restaurants

Au Jardin
125, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town, Penang.

Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
1, Bishop Street, 10200 George Town, Penang.

DC. by Darren Chin
44, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.

Beta
Lot 163, 10, Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening of the Year Award

Chef Remash Thangaraj – Jwala

Service Award

Wan Mohd Zulkifeli – Gai by Darren Chin

Sommelier Award

Yap Cze Ying – Hide

Young Chef Award

Johnson Wong Jia Liang – Gen

Newly Awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand Establishments

Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng
Lebuh Clarke, George Town, 10050, Penang.

Bibik’s Kitchen
73, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang.

BM Cathay Pancake
8 Jalan Aston, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, 14000, Penang.

Ghee Lian
Lot No. 39, MBPP Kompleks Makanan Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama, 4 Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakhbah, George Town, 10200, Penang.

Hor Poh Cuisine
36 Jalan 6/38D, Taman Sri Sinar, Segambut, 52100 Kuala Lumpur.

Hot Bowl White Curry Mee
58C Jalan Rangoon, George Town, 10400, Penang.

Jalan Ipoh Claypot Chicken Rice
Lot 1224, 7 Jalan Batu Ambar, Taman Kok Lian, 51200 Kuala Lumpur.

My Own Cafe
2 Lebuh Cannon, George Town, 10200, Penang.

Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Koay Teow
Joo Hooi Cafe, 475 Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000, Penang.

Roti by d’Tandoor
82 Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Off Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.

Sek Yuen
313 Jalan Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Siam Road Char Koay Teow
82 Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400, Penang.

Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak
96 Lorong Macalister, George Town, 11400, Penang.

Sri Nirwana Maju

Michelin Selected

888 Hokkien Mee
67-A, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Penang.

Air Itam Duck Rice
Air Itam Market, Jalan Pasar, 11500 Air Itam, Penang.

Bol
15, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.

Cafe Cafe
175, Jalan Maharajalela, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.

Ceki
11-A, Jalan Sri Bahari, 10050 George Town, Penang.

Entier
Level 41 at, Alila Bangsar, 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.

Fook Cheow Cafe
122I, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Penang.

Frangipaani
The Republik, Lot No.M.03, Mezzanine Floor, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck Rice
246, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10450 George Town, Penang.

Jwala
E-2-02, Level 2, Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, 49, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Ling Long
L2-04, Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Malai
Ground Floor, Menara Ample West, 6, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.

Marini’s on 57
Petronas, Level 57, Menara 3, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

Nadodi
Level 7A, Four Seasons Hotel, Jalan Ampang, City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

Penang Famous Samosa
45, Queen Street, 10200 George Town, Penang.

Richard Rivalee
62 & 64, Lorong Macalister, 10400 George Town, Penang.

Sambal
300, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Penang.

Seed

Shanghai Restaurant

Sushi Masa
Lot 1-03 First Floor, Menara Hap Seng 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.

Tanglin Bukit Damansara

Tenmasa

TeoChew Lao Er
6, Jalan Brunei, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

The Pinn
58, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Penang.

Wagyu Kappo Yoshida
Unit 3-48, Level 48, 10, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

Categories
Events News

Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair 2023

The Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair (KLABF) is back with its third edition this coming December 2023, which features a sizeable line-up of independent publishers, artists, rare art books, exclusive collectibles and programmes for art lovers to browse through.

The art book event will be held at the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall from December 8th until 10th. Previously it was held at The Godown in Kuala Lumpur.

KLABF 2023 will showcase a combined of 112 international and local exhibitors from over 13 countries. 52 of the international exhibitors comes from China, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, the Netherlands and the United States.

Among some of the interesting line-up to look forward to are Ajim Juxta, an award-winning Malaysian visual artist and lyricist known for his creations exploring the topics of architecture, dystopia and mythology; and artist/designer Radio Woon, celebrated for his quirky character creations inspired by Malaysia’s multicultural context.

The youngest exhibitor, 10-year-old Enya Lim will feature her doodles that adorn a variety of canvases, including red packets, tote bags and T-shirts.

The event will also feature In Plain Words from Singapore, an editorial studio that examines everyday life through food and design; Grafis Nusantara, an Indonesian collective which is committed to the preservation and reproduction of vintage label stickers across the archipelago.

The programme during the three-day event will also cover a series of book launches and talks, sharing sessions, hands-on workshops, exhibitions and more.

Check out KLABF’s official website for more information.
Instagram | Facebook

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News

You Will See Vehicles by Apple With Camera Going Around. Find Out What They’re Up To

Apple will be conducting a survey in Malaysia beginning 10 November, implying that the Look Around feature on the Maps app may soon be available in the country.

What is it about?

The Look Around feature is Apple’s version of Google Street View, which function to help users explore and identify specific areas on a map with a 360-degree panoramic view.

The feature was initially introduced as part of the Apple Maps rebuild, and was rolled out in the US and Europe in 2020. However, it has yet to come to Malaysia, until the recent announcement by Apple.

Coming up in the next few months, you may notice vehicles with Apple-labels installed with 360-degree cameras going around the town. There also might be individuals with large white backpacks and cameras walking around.

The on-ground survey will capture both imagery and LiDAR data for the Look Around feature on Apple Maps.

Apple announced a rebuild of Apple Maps back in 2018 in an attempt to compete with Google Maps, which unfortunately did not do so well back then. So far, the company has updated its maps in cities across Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Singapore, New Zealand, with new countries being added every year.

When is Apple doing this?

The on-ground survey will be conducted in Malaysia until mid-2024. Check out the schedule for the deployment of its vehicles and ground staff:

Selangor: 10 November 2023 – 29 February 2024
Kuala Lumpur: 10 November 2023 – 29 February 2024
Putrajaya: 1 December 2023 – 9 December 2023
Negeri Sembilan: 1 March 2024 – 19 March 2024
Melaka: 21 March 2024 – 4 April 2024
Johor: 10 April 2024 – 6 June 2024
Pahang: 11 June 2024 – 24 June 2024
Terengganu: 27 June 2024 – 8 July 2024
Kelantan: 16 July 2024 – 22 July 2024
Perak: 1 March 2024 – 4 April 2024
Pulau Pinang: 8 April 2024 – 27 April 2024
Kedah: 30 April 2024 – 30 May 2024
Perlis: 1 June 2024 – 5 June 2024
Sabah: 2 January 2024 – 22 March 2024
Labuan: 27 March 2024 – 5 April 2024
Sarawak: 6 April 2024 – 25 July 2024

The survey will focus on places reachable by road, while on-foot staff equipped with iPads, iPhones, or other devices will collect data in pedestrian areas to improve Apple Maps.

Will Apple protect our privacy?

Apple has assured Malaysians that it will do its part in protecting their privacy.

They made it clear that they will protect the public’s privacy by blurring faces, license plates, and sensitive details in all Look Around images.

If users wish to delete or remove specific objects for privacy reasons, they can do so by contacting Apple via email.

Apple is conducting ground surveys with vehicles around the world to collect data to improve Apple Maps and to support the Look Around feature. Vehicle surveys may use equipment mounted on the outside of vehicles as well as iPhones, iPads, or other devices inside of vehicles. We may periodically revisit and re-collect data in some of those locations in an effort to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date map. 

We are committed to protecting your privacy while conducting these surveys. For example, we will censor faces and license plates on images that are published in Look Around.

– Apple
Categories
Best Of Hungry

Delicious Ayam Penyet In Klang Valley To Taste

Ayam Penyet is traditionally a type of Indonesian food, and due to its proximity with Malaysia, there are quite a number of ayam penyet restaurants as well.

Whether it is an Indonesian restaurant opening up its branch in the city or the locals cooking their own version of ayam penyet, here’s some that you might want to try.

Wong Solo

25&27, Jalan Dwitasik 1,
Dataran Dwitasik, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.

C-01-3A Starparc Point,
Jalan Taman Ibu Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur.

G18 & G19, Jalan Dagan B/3A,
Taman Dagang, 68000 Selangor.

Instagram

Warung Bu Lis

1/2, Jalan Gombak,
Gombak Utara, 53300 Selangor.

Ayam Penyet Braga

15, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang Lama, U 5,
47200 Subang, Selangor.

Instagram

Restoran Ayam Penyet Ria

LG 40 & 41, Berjaya Times Square,
Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

33G, Jalan Wangsa Delima 12,
Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur.

Wak Nuar Ayam Penyet

65, Jalan Raja Uda,
Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur.

D’Laman Restaurant

43, Jalan Seri Setia, Gombak Setia,
53100 Kuala Lumpur.

Jun Corner Ayam Penyet Melawati

Medan Selera Anjung Melawati,
Jalan Melawati 1, Taman Melawati,
53100 Kuala Lumpur.

Facebook

Ayam Penyet Mak Maya

51, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru,
50300 Kuala Lumpur.

Ayam Penyet Surabaya Sri Gombak

27, Jalan SG 3/19, Taman Sri Gombak,
68100 Batu Caves, Selangor.

Facebook

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Best Of Hungry

Cooling Cendol To Chill From The Heat In Kuala Lumpur

Cendol is one of the most popular Malaysian dessert which consists of green rice flour jelly served with palm sugar syrup and coconut milk. Some might add additional toppings such as diced jackfruit, sweetened red azuki beans, or durian.

Here’s some of the cendol stalls that is worth searching for in Kuala Lumpur.

Madras Lane Hawkers

Jalan 2, Kampung Cheras Baru,
56100 Kuala Lumpur.

Cendol Durian Runtuh

Starparc Point, Danau Kota,
53100 Kuala Lumpur.

Instagram | Facebook

Rojak & Cendol Mustaffa

Jalan 17/41, Seksyen 17,
46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Ah Keong’s ABC & Ice Cendol Stall

21A, Jalan Padang Belia,
Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.

Gerai Minum Weng Kee (Auntie Peggy’s Ice Kacang & Cendol)

Medan Selera, Jalan Othman,
PJ Old Town, 46050
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Nyonya Cendol @ Summit USJ

LGX25, Lower Ground Floor,
The Summit Subang USJ,
Persiaran Kewajipan, USJ 1,
47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Facebook

Kwong Wah Ice Kacang

627, Jalan 17/8, Seksyen 17,
46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Instagram | Facebook

Sulaiman’s Famous Cendol

13, Jalan Pasar Baharu, Pudu,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Cendol SS15

Jalan SS 15/4G, Ss 15,
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor.