Snackin’ away in Lotte Mart

Thanks to the rise of the Hallyu Wave worldwide, South Korea’s tourism industry has experienced a surge in popularity. And Korean snacks are starting to an international following due to its unique and delicious variety, and tourists to this country always face requests to bring back lots of them! Japan’s no longer the only country known for cute and yummy snacks now! Here’s some of the most mouthwatering snacks that you can only buy in South Korea 😋:

 

Buy Marshmallow Bunny Hot Chocolate Korea Malaysia Grabean

Marshmallow Bunny Hot Chocolate

Isn’t that just adorable? 🐰 Hot chocolate is super uplifting and delectable, and popping soft marshmallows on it just makes it even yummier. All you have to do is mix the chocolate powder in hot water and pop the bunny marshmallow on top! Request here, starting price from RM 40 per box!

Buy Kanu Coffee Korea Malaysia Grabean

Kanu Coffee

The secret behind Kanu Coffee’s uniqueness is its premium quality and its appeal towards adults who like their coffee to be pure, rich, and dark. And it’s even promoted by Gong Yoo, the Coffee Prince himself! ☕ Request here, starting price from RM 60 per box!

Buy Prime Chocolate Potato Chips Korea Malaysia Grabean

Prime Chocolate Potato Chips

You’re probably thinking “Uhhhh, what?” or “That’s gross!” right now, but hear me out! Prime’s chocolate potato chips is the perfect combination of the chocolate’s sweet taste and the addictive saltiness from the potato chips. The best of both snack worlds in one tasty package! Request here, starting price from RM 32 per box!

Buy Lotte Blueberry Chocolate Pie Korea Malaysia Grabean

Lotte Blueberry Chocolate Pie

These limited edition chocolate pies with blueberry fillings will definitely be the favourite of anyone who loves chocolatey and fruity flavours. Lotte’s choco pies are popular and easily found anywhere, but these are only sold in Korea! Request here, starting price from RM 24 per box!

Buy Lotte Blueberry Chocolate Pie Korea Malaysia Grabean

NongShim Shin Ramyun Premium Udon

Every noodle connoisseur must have heard of NongShim, as their Shin Ramyun is one of the best noodle brands in the world! Their udon has the perfect thickness that’s good for soups and gravy, and udon is super healthy too! Request here, starting price from RM 22 per packet!

 

Buy Pringles Butter Caramel Korea Malaysia Grabean

Pringles Butter Caramel

These are exclusive to Korean stores only! It’s sweet and a little salty, and that makes it perfect for all your snacking needs. Request here, starting price from RM 15 per can!

Buy Tom's Farm Churros Almond Korea Malaysia Grabean

Tom’s Farm Churros Almond

If you prefer something nutty instead, Tom’s Farm is the right snack for you! Flavoured with churros, you’ll find these almonds addictive and want for more! Request here, starting price from RM 34 per packet!

Buy Lotte Mart Snacks Korea Malaysia Grabean

Which snacks are you most interested in? With Lotte Mart’s enormous variety in so many types of food, it’s really hard to decide on just a few favourites! If you didn’t see the item you want, just post a request and Grabean’s helpful travellers will be more than happy to help you out! 😘

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Are you lucky enough to head to South Korea soon? Post a trip on Grabean now and enjoy the rewards of being a travelling shopper! 💖

https://www.grabean.com.my/post-request

Going bananas for Tokyo Banana!

There’s zero doubt that Japan is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to all things innovation – technology, food, fashion, you name it all! The motherland of all things kawaii even makes their food and packaging super eye-catching, making them the perfect gifts for anyone. ❤

Have you heard of Tokyo Banana? Frequent visitors to the Japanese city will always remember to buy back a few boxes of these popular sponge cakes. But these aren’t your typical sponge cakes, just look at how cute they are! 💖

Buy Tokyo Banana Japan Malaysia Grabean

Buy Tokyo Banana Japan Malaysia Grabean

Tempting, right? Consisting of a soft and fluffy sponge cake with a mixture of fruity banana and custard cream on the inside, these adorable banana-shaped dessert will make you go bananas for them! (Sorry, we couldn’t resist! 🍌)

Tokyo Banana comes in many flavours for you to choose from, ranging from their original bestseller that really looks like a banana, to banana maple, almond milk cream, banana chocolate, banana caramel custard, and honey flavour!

Aren’t these super adorable? Each flavour has its own unique pattern that will definitely make every girl go “Squee!” Tempted to buy these cute banana-shaped cakes? Request for Grabean’s travellers to buy them for you! Starting price from ¥1,619 a box of 8 pieces of the original flavour including tax (around RM60 as of November 7th).

Tokyo Banana is so popular that it has a special version that’s only sold at Tokyo Disney Resort’s Tokyo Banana branch. Just look at the Mickey Mouse patterns on the cake! Every loyal Disney fan are bound to keep an eye on this unique delicacy. Want a box for a Disney fan you know, request via Grabean today! ✨ Starting price from ¥1,700 a box of 8 pieces including tax (around RM63 as of November 7th).

If you’re not a fan of anything banana, don’t worry! Tokyo Banana sells various other sweets that doesn’t contain banana as well. The Ginza branch sells cookies and cakes in other flavours like matcha and strawberry, so there’s something for everyone. 😉 Click “I want this too” on Grabean to request these cute sweets for yourself! Starting price from ¥2,024 a box of 12 pieces for Ginza matcha cake including tax (around RM75 as of November 7th).

Buy Tokyo Banana Japan Malaysia Grabean

We’re totally sure that the beloved minions will go crazy over these Tokyo Banana cakes too! 😉

Buy Tokyo Banana Japan Malaysia Grabean

So what are you waiting for? Head on to Grabean and post your dream items for travellers to help you buy!

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And if you’re heading to Japan soon, don’t forget to post a trip on Grabean and accept requests to get paid for your shopping trips! 💖

https://www.grabean.com.my/post-request

 

Immerse yourself in Okinawa’s Shuri Castle Festival

Grabean Travel Okinawa Japan. Credit: Worldnation

Okinawa has so much more to offer than its pristine beaches and sunny climate. The subtropical islands is also known as Ryukyu Islands has its own unique culture that’s vastly different from the rest of Japan.

A brief history on Okinawa

Grabean Travel Okinawa Japan. Credit: http://oki-park.jp

Surrounded by the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea, Okinawa was a tributary state to China until Japan’s Satsuma Domain invaded the southern islands in 1609. Then came the 1800s when Okinawa is turned into a domain to be part of Japan. The Americans then invaded Okinawa after the events of World War II until 1972.

Same country, different culture

Grabean Travel Okinawa Japan. Credit: World Curious Traveler

The climate isn’t the only unique feature that makes Okinawa so different from the Japanese prefectures. To foreigners, the Okinawan language might seem similar to Japanese language, but in reality the Okinawan language is actually rather unintelligible to most Japanese. Other distinctively different cultural elements in Okinawa includes the Shishi-mai lion dance, the Ryukyu-buyo dance, and Bingata cloth. The annual Shuri Castle Festival held in Naha, Okinawa is the most interesting and fun way to experience authentic culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Grabean Travel Okinawa Japan

If you’re a history buff interested in the culturally rich region in Japan, the UN World Heritage Site Shuri Castle Festival is the best way to experience the ancient history of Okinawa through dances, castle visits, and lively parade. The unique blend of Chinese and Japanese culture will definitely pull you in!

Unique Japanese snacks

Aside from culture and history, Japan is also the home to many quirky, special, and weird inventions that includes snacks and food.

Grabean Travel Buy Japan Tokyo Banana

Do you go bananas for bananas? You’ll definitely love Tokyo Banana’s cute and yummy sweets! Packaged in a totally kawaii boxes, these are the perfect gifts for anyone you know who has a sweet tooth! 🍬🤤  Want one of these kawaii sweets? Just request for Grabean’s travellers to help you get as many boxes as you want! Starting price from ¥1,080 a box of 8 pieces including tax (around RM40 as of November 3rd).

Grabean Travel Buy Japan Graphico

“But I don’t wanna get fat!” Don’t worry, we know what’s perfect for the more health-conscious among you! Sweet yet totally beneficial to your health, these diet support candies come in various popular fruity flavours such as kiwi, strawberry, and grape. Packed with basil seeds that are guaranteed to reduce your appetite, these candies are perfect for those hunger pangs before or after any meals. Want one for your diet plans? Our Grabean travellers are more than happy to fulfill your requests! Starting price from ¥3,132 a box of 10 packets including tax (around RM116 as of November 3rd).

Grabean Travel Buy Japan Ichiran Ramen

Japan is the birthplace of instant ramen, and the best is undoubtedly Ichiran Ramen. Naysayers might complain that ramen is bad for your health, but these are real ramen made with mouthwatering broth with a special spicy red sauce made from secret ingredients. Paired with half boiled eggs, assorted vegetables, and meat of your choice, and voila! A perfect bowl of ramen. Is your tummy rumbling yet? Request for these scrumptious ramen via Grabean today! Starting price from ¥2,000 a pack of 5 packets including tax (around RM74 as of November 3rd).

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Eyeing on that special item that’s only sold overseas? Grabean’s got you covered! It’s that easy to just post requests for our many active travellers to buy. Shop the world with Grabean today!

https://www.grabean.com.my/post-request

So what’s the deal with Burberry’s Blue and Black Labels?

The famous British luxury brand might be well known in the West for their trademark monogrammed checked patterns. But in Japan, Burberry is also popular for their Black & Blue labels sold under the Crestbridge brand. So what are they? Why did Burberry changed its name to Crestbridge in Japan?

Grabean Burberry | Japan | Post Request

To start off, Burberry ‘s Crestbridge Black & Blue are an exclusive fashion line that’s only available in Japan. Both labels are targeted towards the younger and trendy Millennial crowd who want to look classy and posh without paying the ludicrous price tag commonly found in similar luxury brands. The Black label is aimed at young men while the Blue label is designed for women, both labels carry a wide range of attire and accessories, ranging from outerwear (of course including the signature trench coats!), dresses, scarfs, bags, wallets, and even phone cases.

Grabean Blue Label Post Request Japan

One of the trench coats selling at Blue label stores in Japan. Retailing at ¥129,600 (or roughly RM4809 as of November 2nd), it’s far more affordable than the other trench coats selling at main Burberry stores as those are usually priced at least RM7,900 in Malaysian Burberry outlets.

In an effort to rebrand itself in Japan, Burberry decided to relaunch itself as Crestbridge after the British company has ended its 35 years old contract with Sanyo Shokai in 2015. As a result, the new label Crestbridge is a combination of the classic preppy British fashion style with the cute and modern Japanese fashion style.

 

 

 

 

Located in many renowned and affluent shopping districts in Japan like Shibuya and Ginza, Crestbridge is a popular shopping spot for locals and foreigners alike for its air of sophistication, exclusivity, and sharp contemporary style.

 

 

 

 

The Black label is for the modern man who always aim for the finest quality in anything he’s after; a perfectionist with a contemporary and sleep style who will never allow any single mistake to ruin his look.

 

 

 

 

While “cute” usually isn’t the adjective you’ll use on the main Burberry brand, the Blue label managed to do that while revolutionising the progressive and classy look the British brand is always known for.

Burberry Crestbridge Blue Label Clear Vinyl Tote Post Request Japan

What’s even better, there’s a totally chic transparent vinyl tote that’s limited edition and only sold in physical stores in Japan! Retailing at ¥23,760 including tax (which is around RM881 as of November 2nd), it’s a really cute and trendy accessory to bring along wherever you go 😍

Want one of that super exclusive tote bags but unable to travel all the way to Japan?

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Fret not! Just click the image above and you’ll be able to click “I want this too!” on the vinyl tote or other Crestbridge products. Didn’t see the item you want? You can post your own request too! Grabean has many active travellers going to Japan, and they are happy to help you buy the Burberry Crestbridge product you’re eyeing on!

https://www.grabean.com.my/post-request

Ohana Mahaalo – Aromatic and affordable fragrance from Japan

First impressions are always important as we tend to easily judge someone based on the very moment we laid our eyes upon them. The way you dress, smile, stand, walk, talk and even smell will leave lasting impression on the people you meet. With Ohana Mahaalo perfume, you don’t need to fork out a fortune to smell your best.

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Ohana Mahaalo is the perfect gift for those who want something thoughtful and conveys the giver’s gratitude and love . To those of us growing up watching Lilo & Stitch, we know that ohana means “family”, and mahalo is Hawaiian for “thank you”. What better way to show that special someone how much you cherish and thank them with a box of lovingly designed perfume named “Family” and “Thank you”?

Each of the Ohana Mahaalo eau de cologne comes in adorable and beautifully designed 30ml bottles, making it easy for any woman to carry around in her bag. Each variety has its own unique design that’s easy on the eyes and are bound to make your vanity stand look pretty.

Just in time for Christmas, Ohana Mahaalo has just released a new Winter-themed eau de cologne with a magnolia, musk, and woody blend aptly named Haunani pepe, which means “beautiful snow” and “baby” respectively.

For those who prefers a more floral fragrance, Laule‘a puae’s hyacinth, jasmine, and musk blend is perfect for you.

If you love the beach, you’ll definitely love the breezy fragrance of Moani Ke’ala as it will remind you of the ocean with its leaf green, apple, and white floral blend.

The romantic at heart will fall for the Pama wela’s mandarin, lilac, and dry woody blend as this eau de cologne is inspired by the gentle sounds of waves and swaying palm trees on a sunset beach.

Just like its name which means “Budding butterflies” in Hawaiian, the Liko Pulelehua will remind you of blossoming flowers and fluttering butterflies with its rose, lilac, and jasmine blend.

So which of these lovely fragrances suit you the most? Each bottle costs around 1,700 yen including tax, which as of November 1st is around RM63. While there are online retailers in Malaysia selling these perfume bottles, they cost from RM120-150 each.

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With Grabean, you can save so much more by just requesting for our travellers to buy these perfume for you! Tempted yet? We have many travellers heading to Japan soon, so grab this chance to stock up on fragrances for your collection! 💖

Useful travel apps

Gone were the days where tourists have to clutch a map and a Lonely Planet guidebook while journeying in foreign countries. Sure, those might come in handy if one is travelling to a remote place lacking in internet access, but many of the info might easily be outdated or heavily biased. Having travel apps makes it simpler and easier to organise all of the useful help you need in one single device, and it’s always a good idea to get some offline and online guidance to make the most out of your trips. Here’s some of the most handy mobile apps you can use the next time you’re travelling overseas:

 

1. Google Translate

iOS | Android

Grabean Travel Google Translate

No company revolutionise digital translation like Google does. Despite the numerous competition, the tech giant still comes out on top when it comes to the handiest translation service. Not only does it translate typed words, this app is also capable of visual translation via the smartphone’s camera and voice translation via the smartphone’s recorder. This is highly useful for translating languages you can’t type.

2. AccuWeather

iOS | Android

Grabean Travel AccuWeather

Every traveller knows that the weather can easily make or break one’s day. Knowing whether to pack for sunscreen or an umbrella on your trip to Thailand is crucial as nothing ruins your perfect getaway (and clothing) more than a crappy weather. AccuWeather has a highly useful minute by minute weather forecast that accurately predicts weather in painstaking detail – which is good news for meticulous perfectionists who will not allow sudden weather changes to alter their travel plans.

3. Maps.Me

iOS | Android

Grabean Travel Maps.M

As far as as maps go, digital ones are always better than traditional printed maps due to the former’s accuracy and usefulness in denoting landmarks. While Google Maps is useful in its own way, it’s reliability on constant Internet connection can be quite a hassle if one is travelling in the outskirts where connectivity might be scarce. Maps.Me includes tourist attractions, useful stops like pharmacies, and public transit routes. Even shops are included in the map too, making it super convenient for Grabean travellers to fulfill requests! What’s even better is the fact that all these features are available offline, making Maps.Me a practical choice for backpackers who want to save on overseas data.

4. XE Currency

iOS | Android

Grabean Travel XE Currency

XE has been the most trusted currency converter service for years and it’s not hard to see why. Although its service is a lot more geared towards business corporations, travellers find XE’s simplicity and up-to-the-minute conversion rates to be highly reliable. Every currency in the world are included in XE, including Bitcoin. There’s also an offline function for those without connectivity.

5. Rome2Rio

iOS | Android

Grabean Travel Rome2Rio

It’s hard to keep track of transit routes in different countries, but Rome2Rio has solved this issue by combining the major transit routes in most countries in the world in a single app. It also covers all of the common travelling options, so whether you plan to take a walk, cycle, drive, or take any public transport, Rome2Rio has your back.

6. Halal Buddy

iOS | Android

Grabean Travel Halal Buddy

If you live in a Muslim country, it’s easy to look for products that are certified halal. But what if you’re travelling to a country where information for halal ingredients and products are scarce, if not worse, nonexistent? Not everyone can remember the long list of ingredients and it’s a huge hassle to have to Google for every single ingredient. With Halal Buddy, one simply has to enter the ingredient in question and the app will immediately tell you if it is halal, haram, or mushbooh.

7. Uber

iOS | Android

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Hardly anyone with Internet access has never heard or used this widely popular e-hailing app. So it’s no surprise to have Uber in this list for the safest and most reliable private transport, thanks to the app showing its driver’s profile and ratings. Uber’s digital payment system is also handy for those who do not wish to carry large amounts of cash on hand, and its comparatively fair pricing system is a godsend to passengers.

If you’re heading overseas soon, feel free to try out some of this apps. And don’t forget to post your trip on Grabean and get paid to shop the world as well!

The 5 best visa-free countries for Malaysians

Believe it or not, the Malaysian passport is rated as one of the most powerful passports in the world! According to a 2017 ranking compiled by Henley & Partners, a renowned residence and citizenship planning firm, the Malaysian passport is placed as the 13th most powerful in the world, alongside Estonia. With 164 countries Malaysians are lucky enough to be able to visit visa-free, there’s plenty of travelling choices for the next big holiday! Here’s our pick for the top 5 countries you can consider visiting on your next trip:

  1. New Zealand

Visa-free validity: 3 months

Grabean New Zealand

The name of New Zealand immediately elicits an image of an idyllic and peaceful place where its vast stretches of green pastures, gorgeously clear lakes, and breathtakingly towering mountains seem a scene out of a fairytale. From the spectacular Milford Sound to the chilling peaks of  the Southern Alps, New Zealand is a perfect place for those who love nature.

2. Bahamas

Visa-free validity: 3 months

Grabean Bahamas

If a quiet and chilly place isn’t your thing, the lively and warm beaches of Bahamas might be up in your valley instead. There’s a wide variety of marine adventures you can get into, from sun tanning at Nassau to snorkelling at the Thunderball Grotto (which was made famous in the 1965 James Bond movie!), Bahamas is a paradise for those who love the seaside.

3. Finland

Visa-free validity: 90 days within any 180 day period in the Schengen Area

Grabean Finland

 

Finland has so much more to offer aside from being the alleged hometown of Santa Claus and the famous Northern lights. The Northern European country is also well-known for its thermal spas and national parks. Art lovers can also check out Helsinki, where lovers of contemporary art are known to gather to display their latest showcases.

4. South Africa

Visa-free validity: 30 days

Grabean South Africa

 

Do you know there are penguins in South Africa? You don’t have to brave the Antarctic ice to frolic with these flipper friends when you can do it at Boulders Beach! If you are a history buff, you will definitely love Johannesburg as the African city has many renowned museums, from the Apartheid Museum to the Origins Centre Museum.

5. Japan

Grabean Japan

Visa-free validity: 90 days

There’s something for everyone in Japan. Beachgoers will love Okinawa for its sunny beaches, those who prefer something more cultural and historical will fall in love with the antiquated castles in Kyoto, and shopaholics will be drawn to the streets of Tokyo.

So which countries piqued your wanderlust? There’s so much more to explore outside of Malaysia, and a wide variety of adventures awaits you! And don’t forget to sign up to be a traveller with Grabean today to get paid for your travels as well!