HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm
Hong Long International Group Sdn Bhd (HL Group) is a company that is involved in modernising traditional agriculture through innovative approaches. In 2014, HL Group established the HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm as part of its strategy to transform agriculture into an eco-tourism destination. This goal additionally includes becoming a Muslim-friendly destination.
The farm offers a one-stop tourism destination where visitors can engage in activities such as packing dragon fruits, planting, and farm tours.
Situated in Sepang, the farm has a unique architectural feat. In 2021, its structure was honoured by the Malaysia Book of Records as the ‘Largest Dragon Fruit Shaped Structure’ in Malaysia. It also holds the Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Building Shaped as a Dragon Fruit’ in 2023.
The farm’s efforts led to the establishment of Malaysia’s first dragon-fruit-themed restaurant in 2016. The restaurant embraces a ‘Farm-to-Table’ concept, where it proudly serves dishes made from locally grown dragon fruits. In addition to this, the restaurant is certified halal, providing a worry-free dining experience for Muslim customers.
The innovative use of dragon fruit in their menu has received praise for its unique and delicious taste. The restaurant is famous for its Dragon Fruit Jumbo Curry Bun, which everyone can enjoy thanks to its halal status.
Apart from its halal certification, the farm has also obtained certification from Malaysia Good Agricultural Practices (MyGAP). This accreditation indicates that the farm follows good agricultural practices. It also implements Muslim-friendly practices in its plantations and operations to ensure high-quality and safe production.
HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm provides prayer spaces and guides who are knowledgeable about Muslim culture. By having guides who are culturally aware, the farm ensures that the experiences offered are suitable and respectful of the customs and preferences of its Muslim visitors.
“We plan to have more activities that combine agrotourism with local culture here in the future,” said Lydia Goh, Founder, Director and CEO of HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm.
“Participating in ITM 2024 will definitely boost confidence among Muslim customers to visit our farm more. The platform provided by ITM 2024 will also help us to populate our name even more in the Muslim-friendly tourism sector in Malaysia.”
Special offers:
- Discount up to 20 per cent on tours of the Sepang History Museum, housed within the iconic dragon fruit-shaped landmark.
- A special promotional price of RM550 for the signature dragon fruit set, originally priced at RM800.
- Visitors with farm entry tickets are eligible for a 10 per cent discount on the famous Dragon Fruit Jumbo Curry Bun and local dragon fruit juice.
To redeem discounts, customers must screenshot the promotion poster from the ITM website and present it upon arrival. For more information, visit https://hlinternationalgroup.com.my/ or go to Instagram at
@hldragonfruitecofarm or Facebook at HL Dragon Fruit Eco Farm.
Entopia
Entopia offers a unique and educational experience about biodiversity, mainly focusing on butterflies and insects. It is a popular tourist destination in Teluk Bahang, Penang. Initially established in 1986 as Penang Butterfly Farm, it underwent a rebranding in 2016 and emerged as Entopia.At Entopia, visitors can enjoy two distinct yet interconnected experiences: The Natureland Living Outdoor Gardens and The Cocoon Indoor Discovery Centre.
The Natureland is a living garden that serves as a recreated natural habitat. It has approximately 15,000 free-flying butterflies of up to 60 different species, surrounded by over 200 plant species.
Meanwhile, The Cocoon is an indoor discovery centre with two floors dedicated to educational exhibitions and interactive activities. It enables visitors to explore the world of invertebrates through various interactive stations and hands-on learning experiences. Visitors of all ages can enjoy nature learning activities at scheduled hours daily, completely free of charge.
Likewise, Entopia prioritises inclusivity by providing a designated prayer room for its Muslim guests to perform their obligations. Entopia also features an on-site cafe that aims to provide halal food options. Although the cafe’s halal certification was temporarily affected by the Covid-19 lockdown, the renewal process is underway. This will ensure that Muslim visitors have access to halal-certified food during their visit.
“At the same time, we would want to work closely with ITC to see how they can actually help us enhance our position of being a Muslim-friendly attraction in Malaysia. So we would want to make use of social media, key opinion leaders (KOLs) or influencers, and also work with ITC for that matter,” said May Ang, sales and marketing consultant of Entopia.
“We want to showcase Entopia as a welcoming and educational destination that respects and appreciates cultural diversity. Apart from that, we also want to enhance our brand visibility and reputation by providing memorable and meaningful experiences for all visitors, I would say, and simultaneously promote the values of sustainability, education, and cultural harmony.”
Special offer:
- Visitors can purchase Entopia tickets online with a 20 per cent discount using the promo code ITC20NC upon checkout.
Learn more about Entopia at https://www.entopia.com/ or find Entopia on Instagram and TikTok at @myentopia, as well as on Facebook as Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm. – R&R
Halaluxe
Halaluxe is a travel platform that focuses on halal luxury travel. “We work with luxury hospitality brands eager to welcome the discerning international luxury Muslim traveller by helping them understand that the halal ecosystem goes beyond food and beverages,” explained Anis Ramli, founder and editor of Halaluxe.
Halaluxe assists these brands and curates Muslim-friendly retreats. One guest called it: “A retreat that understands my needs as a Muslim without compromising on fun or faith.”
The retreat hosts activities that promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Among them are guided journaling to learn the art of muhasabah (reflection) and sessions on nutrition and well-being.
“This year, our retreat will be at Gaya Island Resort in Kota Kinabalu, where they have a Marine Centre. InsyaAllah (God willing), after a visit there, we will help release a rehabilitated sea turtle back to the ocean,” announced Anis.
For RM5,999 per person, the Halaluxe Retreat at Gaya Island Resort, from 26 to 30 August 2024, provides a variety of enriching activities to promote relaxation and personal growth.
Special Offers:
- Early Bird Discount: Bookings confirmed on the launch date, 16 August 2024, receive a 25% discount off the published rates.
- Bonus Offer: For bookings made after August 16, guests will enjoy a complimentary picnic for two at the stunning Tavajun Bay of Gaya Island Resort.
For more information, visit https://www.halaluxe.com/ or follow Halaluxe on Instagram at @halaluxe and on Facebook at halaluxe.com
