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Piknik@Senja, Sky Lounge offer dining and leisure with concepts that blend community, culture and sustainability 

by AKMAR ANNUAR 

LANGKAWI is gaining two new reasons for travellers and locals alike to linger a little longer. 

Ombak Villa Langkawi (OVL), under MK Land Holdings Bhd, has introduced Piknik@ Senja and Sky Lounge | Rooftop Bistro@Kuala Melaka Inn, expanding its dining and leisure portfolio with concepts that blend community, culture and sustainability. 

The move reflects OVL’s long-term ambition to transform Langkawi into more than just a holiday destination. 

It seeks to position the island instead as a hub of experiences — where every cup of coffee savoured at sunset, or rooftop evening enjoyed under the stars, tells a story of place and people. 

This writer could not help but recall how moments in Langkawi often remain etched long after departure: The taste of sea salt in the breeze, the silhouette of Gunung Machinchang, and now, perhaps, the memory of artisanal coffee on the sand or a rooftop toast to P Ramlee’s golden age. 

Slow Sips by the Sea 

For those who lean towards slower rhythms, Piknik@Senja promises an atmosphere of ease. Designed around artisanal brews and a seaside picnic spirit, the pop-up invites guests to unwind as the horizon melts into gold.

Its collaboration with Halaman.1295, a local favourite, showcases Langkawi’s coffee craftsmanship while supporting homegrown talent and community spirit.

Every detail has been crafted to create moments that feel both intimate and inclusive. Guests may find themselves watching the light shift across the Andaman Sea, with Gunung Machinchang anchoring the view. 

Open Fridays through Sundays from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, Piknik transforms evenings into a canvas of quiet joys. 

In a world increasingly rushing past, the idea of sitting on a mat, sipping hand-poured coffee while the sea hums nearby, speaks to something essential. 

Piknik is less about consumption and more about communion — with nature, community and oneself. 

Dining with a View 

If Piknik is about stillness, Sky Lounge | Roof-top Bistro is about uplift. Perched on the sixth floor of Kuala Melaka Inn, the rooftop venue offers sweeping views of Padang Mat Sirat, the Andaman Sea and surrounding greenery. 

The launch was marked by “Malam Pesta Muda Mudi”, a celebration of Malaysia’s golden entertainment era. 

Echoes of P Ramlee and his contemporaries infused the night, linking nostalgia with new beginnings. 

It was a reminder that dining experiences are as much about memory as they are about menus. 

Sky Lounge opens daily (except Wednesdays) from 6pm to 11pm, blending curated dishes with affordable drinks in a relaxed, youthful setting. 

Themed nights — including a Merdeka Countdown Rooftop Party — are set to build its reputation as a social hub for both travellers and locals. 

This writer imagines how the rooftop might feel on such an evening: Laughter carried on the wind, glasses raised against fireworks and the sea stretching out like a stage beneath the stars. 

A Vision for Langkawi 

MK Land deputy COO Nazri Tumin highlighted that both outlets are part of a wider vision. 

“These new offerings reflect OVL’s dedication to enhancing guest experiences while strengthening Langkawi’s tourism appeal. Ultimately, they are about reimagining how people experience the island,” he said in a press release. 

The statement reflects a broader understanding — that tourism today must evolve. It is no longer enough to offer sun, sand and sea destinations must weave culture, community and sustainability into every encounter. 

By working with local businesses, OVL ensures its concepts are not isolated ventures but part of Langkawi’s living fabric. 

This alignment with the Langkawi Development Authority’s (LADA) goals means the benefits ripple outward — to families, small enterprises and the wider state economy. 

The setting of Piknik@Senja within Senja — Langkawi’s first sea-facing event space — adds another dimension. 

Certified Bronze by GreenRE, Senja incorporates solar panels, rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation and sustainable materials, showcasing how leisure can align with environmental responsibility. 

With capacity for up to 700 guests indoors and outdoors, Senja is positioned as a versatile choice for gatherings that carry both meaning and memory. 

Meanwhile, Kuala Melaka Inn offers budget-friendly accommodation, with rooms starting from RM80. For groups, families, or cost-conscious travellers, this balance of affordability and comfort further reinforces Langkawi’s reputation as a destination that welcomes all. 

Growing Canvas of Experiences 

The dual launch of Piknik@Senja and Sky Lounge signals a fresh chapter in Langkawi’s story. For locals, they bring new spaces of leisure close to home; for visitors, they offer richer encounters beyond duty-free shops and island tours. 

Together, they add new layers of flavour, memory and meaning to the island’s evolving appeal.

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

The post Brew and view at Langkawi’s new spots appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

by RAYMOND SCHILLINGER 

A CHARMING addition has arrived on Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road. Don’t be fooled by its industrial name though. The Lasagna Factory, sister restaurant to Flat Iron Steak and Picanhas’, is what Italian-Americans like myself would affectionately call a red-sauce joint: A hearty, family-style dining experience born in immigrant neighbourhoods in New York and Chicago. But does the food live up to that cherished standard? A colleague and I came here for lunch a few weeks after its opening to find out. 

As we stepped inside, greeted by iconic red-and-white checkered tablecloths and the savoury aroma of baked pasta, I suddenly sensed: I don’t think we’re in Sheung Wan anymore. 

Per our server’s recommendation, we selected the HK$128 (RM69.40) weekday lunch set that, of course, features its namesake dish. We chose the beef and crab lasagna, though mushroom is available as a vegetarian choice. I preferred the crab, a somewhat unusual yet rich concoction of carbs with a subtle seafood flavour, while my companion enjoyed the beef, with pulled slices of tender meat layered throughout the tower of pasta.

Both lasagnas, each served atop a layer of fresh tomato sauce, were packed with traditional flavour — not quite at my grandmother’s level, but close enough to be sentimental. The breaded cheese crust added a lovely bit of contrast to the soft layers of noodles beneath. 

The lunch set includes a few unique perks: Unlimited salad featuring oil-tossed mixed greens and garlic bread that was tasty albeit a bit dry (no matter, it was an excellent tool for cleaning up the sauce). We added the delicious tiramisu (HK$28), which, like the other dishes, is served from a family-style casserole and were offered complimentary limoncello, a refreshing antidote to the unavoidably heavy meal. Our total bill came to HK$327, an incredible value given how stuffed we left the factory. 

The Vibe 

On the Italian spectrum, think more Goodfellas than Gucci, down to the tablecloths that could have been imported straight from New York City’s Little Italy. A bright, spacious layout and friendly, attentive wait-staff contribute further to the unpretentious, cozy atmosphere. 

Can You Conduct a Meeting Here?

It’s a perfect venue for catching up with a colleague or for a fun team outing, but it may be a bit too casual for a first-time client or source meeting. Its back room can accommodate larger gatherings, and a private dining space is available upstairs as well. 

Who’s Next to You 

You can expect your typical Hollywood Road scene with a mix of local residents and tourists, though probably not trans- plants from Italy. With its large bar and fun vibe, it also looks like a nice casual date-night spot. 

What We’d Order Again 

The lasagna, of course. Come hungry and prepare for the inevitable food coma afterward. 

Need to Know 

The Lasagna Factory is located at 208 Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan and is open every day from noon to 11:30pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made online. — Bloomberg

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

The post Hearty slice of Italian-American tradition in Hong Kong appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

Food, music, arts and culture took over Putrajaya in a 30-hour festival 

by AZALEA AZUAR 

PUTRAJAYA, the administrative capital of Malaysia boasting of striking architecture and iconic landmarks, returned as a hub for the 68th Merdeka Day celebrations this year. 

Riuh Merdeka was a 30-hour event where Malaysians from all walks of life celebrated the nation’s independence through food, music, arts and culture. 

Organised by the Ministry of Communications via its agency MyCreative Ventures (MyCV), the event provided a platform for creative professionals and local entrepreneurs to highlight their talents, explore business opportunities and establish stronger connections within the community. 

Over 80 vendors sold a variety of food and apparels. There were also free creative workshops and family-friendly activities for visitors. 

During the event, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching noted that Riuh Merdeka went beyond entertainment as it served as a platform to foster unity and patriotism among Malaysians. 

The ministry aimed to attract at least 30,000 visitors to the two-day event. 

“With 30 continuous hours of activities, we are confident this number can be achieved,” she told reporters after the Merdeka Eve fireworks. 

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said visitor response to Riuh Merdeka was very encouraging. 

“I hope they can enjoy themselves with their families and friends in a peaceful and relaxed environment by the lake and have a different experience as we celebrate National Day. 

“As you can see, we have fireworks and all sorts of food from all over the country including Sarawak, as well as performances. I feel this Riuh Merdeka programme really lives up to its name,” he told reporters after his visit. 

The event featured a lineup of famous artists such as Yuna, Misha Omar, Pop Shuvit, Aliff Satar & The Locos, IamNeeta, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Priscilla Abby and Balan Kash. 

A Spirited Gathering 

Road closures around Putrajaya Core Island due to the Merdeka Day parade preparations did not stop people from attending the event. 

To ease visitors’ movements, MRT and LRT services ran for 24 hours during the period as well as a free shuttle bus service. 

Online tutor Nurin Athilah Azhar, 24, visited Riuh Merdeka to support her friend who was part of the organising team and described the event as “very happening” and “vibrant.” 

She mostly looked forward to Yuna’s performance, who took the stage at 11pm but knowing that there was so much she could do, Nurin Athilah came earlier. 

“I think the most exciting part about Riuh Merdeka is that there are so many activities here,” she said, sharing with The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) that she had already played games, tried portrait drawing and had a massage. 

Nurin Athilah also appreciated the ample seating areas provided by the organisers, which not only allowed visitors to rest between activities but also created a very relaxing atmosphere. 

“The crowd here is also friendly and I am able to strike up a conversation with anyone,” she said, noting the Merdeka spirit among her fellow Malaysians. 

Having thoroughly enjoyed Riuh Merdeka, Nurin Athilah said she would definitely return for Riuh’s future events. 

“I think it is just a good way to come together as a community,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Sharmila Raja, 28, shared that it was her first time attending the event. 

“I want to experience the Merdeka fireworks and see how many people are joining the memorable countdown. 

“I believe everybody here just wants to be in the moment. We just want to celebrate,” she told TMR. 

Sharmila also shared her view that although all races get along regardless of day or celebration, it is during Merdeka Day that the spirit of unity is really felt. 

And Malaysia, being a melting pot of different backgrounds, races, ethnic groups and religions, nothing unites the people more than its food. 

Making an appearance at Riuh Merdeka was Nasi lemak Mambau, a popular delicacy named after the town of Mambau in Negri Sembilan for being a popular breakfast spot since 1986. 

It was brought by vendor Silomak Mambau all the way from Seremban. Other popular dishes include its nasi lemak ayam goreng, nasi lemak sotong and nasi lemak paru. 

Furthermore, vendor Muruking sold muruku, which is an Indian deep-fried savoury snack. It is typically made from a semi-solid dough mixture comprising rice flour, salt and spices.
Traditionally served in spicy flavour, 

Muruking added a twist to the traditional finger food with prawn and tom yum flavours. Meanwhile, Klang-based vendor Walaoweh Dumpling offered homemade halal premium chicken, prawn, beef and samyang dumplings.

To make these snacks more filling, customers paired the dumplings with pan mee noodles. Additionally, vendor Kampung Cameron brought its fresh produce from Cameron Highlands, Pahang, to Riuh Merdeka. Its bestseller was the fresh and crunchy grilled corn.

To fuel visitors throughout the 30-hour celebration, Kupi Ging Cafe served its specialty Borneo Latte, made with gula apong (nipah palm sugar) sourced directly from Sarawak. 

Kupi Ging Cafe owner Rosyati Julali shared about the challenges and preparations in running the stall for 30 hours non-stop. 

“The challenges were logistical. We have the original gula apong from Sarawak. So, we had to ship it in before the event started. 

“We also have to make sure the milk stays fresh so we cannot leave it outside in the heat,” she told TMR. 

Rosyati hoped that by participating in the event, more people would know about Kupi Ging Cafe as they are still a small brand. 

“For me, the most important thing is to support local businesses and give us more opportunities to grow,” she said. 

Aiskrim Goreng Purnama sold fried ice cream from RM5 to RM6. Choosing pink as its theme colour to attract customers, the stall also added eye-catching visuals in order to stand out. 

Staff Nur Dania Syafikha explained that fried ice cream used to be more trendy and commonly found but now it is quite rare, which was why the team decided to participate in the event, hoping that Malaysians who loved this dessert can enjoy it again. 

Besides the opportunity to try delicacies from across the nation, Nur Dania felt it was worthwhile to attend Riuh Merdeka as both a vendor and visitor because of the strong sense of patriotism. 

She also hoped that Malaysians would support local businesses as they would grow and create franchises as well as job opportunities for Malaysians. 

Celebrating Local Craftsmanship 

School children are often taught to express their national pride creatively in arts class and that is carried on into their adulthood, as people of all ages are seen to appreciate artistic crafts that reflect patriotism. 

At Riuh Merdeka, talented local craftsmen were celebrated, where they were given the platform to showcase masterpieces from calligraphy to bags and jewelleries. 

One of them was le.lunaire jewellery designer Firdaus Abdul Rahman who started his business during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The brand specialises in natural gemstones including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and occasionally anklets which are often made as custom pieces. 

“It started just as a hobby. I was inspired by crafters on YouTube from whom I learned to fix up accessories for my own daily wear,” he shared with TMR. 

During lockdown, he had more time to work on his craft and began selling his jewellery pieces on the online platform, Shopee. “It turned out to be a good business as people liked my work, so I just kept going,” he added.

Firdaus said joining Riuh Merdeka allowed him to connect with customers face-to-face, explain his products and get immediate feedback. On top of that, he could expand his brand to a wider market. 

“I don’t really have a big customer base in Putrajaya, they probably had not heard of my brand yet. So, coming here and taking part in a physical market lets me expose my business and hopefully gain new customers,” he added. 

Firdaus also commended Riuh Merdeka’s organising committee for their practical sense in making everything comfortable and convenient for participants. 

He shared that booth sizes were good and that the organisers responded quickly to their needs and feedback. 

It was Firdaus’ first time joining a 30-hour event like Riuh Merdeka and he was initially concerned about handling the large volume crowd over the period. 

To prepare for the event, he had set up shifts with a partner to manage the stall and kept some extra inventory in his car for easy restocking when needed. 

Additionally, Firdaus had set a sales target in advance and kept his expectations realistic. He reminded himself and fellow vendors, to not get discouraged if their products did not resonate with a particular crowd, as sometimes it might work better in certain markets. 

Therefore, he stressed the importance of being niche and unique to stand out in crowded markets. 

Also a Riuh Merdeka was bag brand Rawtas from Johor Bahru. Only established in November last year, it is already known for its minimal yet functional designs. 

Rawtas owner Muhammad Harizal Borhan said he had been following Riuh for years and wanted to be a part of it since the first day he started the brand. 

“Being in a Riuh event is an achievement because we know that they always feature and expose local products to the crowd,” he shared with TMR.
Being a long-time follower, Muhammad 

Harizal noticed that Riuh organisers always brought different and new vendors to their events. 

This, he said, shows Riuh is open to giving new local players like them a chance. 

Besides meeting new customers face-to-face, he also hoped that Riuh would give them more exposure on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

Waiting for Yuna

A huge crowd gathered an hour before the clock struck midnight.

They were not just eagerly awaiting and choosing the best spot to watch the fireworks but also to catch Malaysia’s beloved songstress Yunalis Mat Zara’ai — better known as Yuna — perform live. 

Cladded in a bright-red cropped leather jacket, high-waisted black trousers and her signature turban-style hijab, the 38-year-old Kedah-born singer put up a memorable show. 

She sang a total of five songs during her 30-minute show and began with one of her earliest hits Dan Sebenarnya. Its chill tone brought a sense of nostalgia to the crowd. 

Her English song Forevermore was the perfect song for Merdeka as it was written as a love letter to Malaysia. 

The song explains Yuna’s personal experience growing up in a small town and rising to fame from a little country. 

The performance featured a backdrop of the music video, which was filmed in several locations in Malaysia. 

Masih Sunyi brought a mellow atmosphere, yet brought out her soothing airy humming while during Terukir di Bintang, she invited the crowd to sing along. 

Finally, Yuna performed Crush, her most popular song which was originally a duet with American singer Usher. This also had the audience singing along loudly. 

Yuna spent years in the US growing her career and putting Malaysia on the world map of pop music. 

“I lived abroad for a long time and never really got to be at home for Merdeka. So it is definitely a special experience being able to perform for Malaysians and celebrating a very important day,” she told TMR. 

Yuna hoped that her fellow Malaysians will continue to appreciate the peace enjoyed here and never take it for granted. 

She advised them to always remain kind and cherish the friendships and bonds we share. 

“I travel a lot and whenever I come home, it’s always just amazing to see Malaysians coming together, eating nasi lemak and hanging out at the mamak. 

“I hope we continue to stay together, respect, love and protect one another,” she added. 

Counting Down Together 

At 12am on Aug 31, the Merdeka Day fireworks display lit the sky in different shapes, sizes and colours and lasted for five minutes. Towards the end, the Malaysia Madani, Rakyat Disantuni song was played and concluded with the cheering crowd.

As the event drew to a close, Riuh Merdeka had proven to be more than just a festival, it became a symbol of how Malaysians celebrate independence not only with parades and fireworks, but through shared experiences of food, music, art and culture.

The energy was vibrant, yet it was the sense of togetherness that left the deepest impression on all in attendance. As thousands stood side by side under the Putrajaya sky, the moment reflected what Merdeka truly meant — a nation strengthened by its differences, bound by unity and moving forward together.

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

The post Riuh Merdeka shines light on Malaysia’s creative spirit appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.