01/05/2026

FRIDAY | MAY 1, 2026

23

LYFE

A FTER countless “let’s circle back” and “quick syncs”, it is time to take things offline – literally. Today is Labour Day, making it a long weekend. Shift from work mode to travel mode, and reward yourself with a well-deserved escape. With more Malaysians opting for simpler, closer-to-home getaways, there has never been a better time to rediscover hidden gems across the country. If your idea of a break goes beyond crowded hotspots, here are five destinations worth adding to your next out of office plan. Deep dive into Pulau Kapas If your mind feels like it has been running on back-to-back meetings, this is your ultimate reset button. Located off the coast of Terengganu, Pulau Kapas offers crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches and a slower pace of life, making your Friday afternoon feel like a breeze. Think snorkelling, sunset views and zero notifications. Getting to the coast might sound like a lot, but with the right platform, planning your journey from bus to ferry can be surprisingly seamless. Exploring Port Dickson on a sunset cruise You may have visited Port Dickson more times than you have attended your work training sessions, but let us share a secret: You have not truly seen it until you have traded the shore for the sea. Level up your weekend with a sunset cruise. Feel the sea breeze as you sail along the coastline, cocktail in hand, watching the sky turn into a palette of fiery oranges and purples. Some cruises even offer a “saltwater jacuzzi” net – the ultimate out-of-office (OOO) flex. Not sure which cruise you should take? Do not let the choice-paralysis become another task on your to-do list. Book your Dickson Dragon Cruise experience and enjoy the “all in-one” solution for a stress-free boarding process. All hands on deck at Pulau Redang and Setiu Wetlands If you are looking for a destination that offers a high “return on

Ditch work for pristine blue waters, lush forests A beach holiday on Pulau Redang is just the reset you need as you soak up sound vitamin ‘sea’.

o Liberate yourself, recharge by visiting five charming destinations, from Port Dickson to Kota Bharu, this long Labour Day weekend

the spot to swap your corporate KPIs for some “key peace indicators” in one of Malaysia’s most traditional cities. Explore the bustling Siti Khadijah Market for a riot of colours and local flavours, or visit the Min Fireflies Garden for a magical boat trip under the stars. For a bit of history, wander through Istana Jahar to see stunning Kelantanese wood craftsmanship. Do not leave without trying the local nasi kerabu or visiting the Cultural Centre for a demonstration of silat and batik drawing. With dozens of daily bus options available, getting to this northern gem is easier than schedulling a Zoom call. Log off and go If there is ever a time to move your OOO from email to reality, it is now. With Malaysian hotels currently pivoting to offer experiences tailored for local and Asian-market travellers, there has never been a better time to rediscover our own backyard. Whether it is a well-planned escape or a last minute decision, taking that first step can be simpler than expected – especially when everything you need to get there and explore is in one place. After all, sometimes the best way to boost productivity… is to stop working altogether. You have earned the break, let someone else handle the road. Ready to switch to travel mode? This article is contributed by RedBus.

investment” for your leave days, Pulau Redang is the gold standard. It is popular for a reason: The sand is whiter and the marine life is busier than a Monday morning. Take a day trip to explore the nearby Setiu Wetlands too! It is a stunning ecosystem where you can reconnect with nature in its purest form – a total “system reboot” for the soul. March to October is the best time to visit Redang, so do not miss out this long weekend! Small heads-up: Prepare enough cash before you board the ferry, as there are no ATMs on the island to handle your “emergency funds”. Scaling perspective in Sandakan Sandakan will be a destination that takes you out of your email loop and into the wild. It is the gateway to Borneo’s wildlife encounters. Start your day at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre to watch feeding time, then walk the canopy bridges at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. For a full “deep dive”, head to Gomantong Cave before ending with a Kinabatangan River Safari. Watching pygmy elephants at dusk is the ultimate way to overwrite your work stress. Worried about navigating transport in East Malaysia? Book a Sandakan tour, including transfers. Let the experts handle the rugged roads, you can focus entirely on the wildlife experience. Final takeaway in Kota Bharu For a true cultural deep-dive, head north to Kota Bharu, Kelantan. It is

Peep borneo pygmy elephants in Sandakan. – ALL PICS FROM 123RF