First Time Joined Japanese Language Class at Dreams Language Academy!

"Konnichiwa! Watashi Wa Aqalili Desu~ Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu." ↑🙇 If I translate it, basically it means Hello, my name is Aqalili. Please be kind to me. Oh gosh! I wish I learned these greetings before I went to Japan trip and I could fit in as local, but it's okay, there is always next time. Before I plan another trip, let's read my experiences when I joined sneak peek class at Dreams Language Academy (DLA)  last Saturday.

Beautiful decoration at DLA.

I realised that having a second language is really important these days, especially when you are looking for a job, it will benefit you. I was thinking for the longest time to grab at least Mandarin, Japanese or Korean language, but the owner of DLA, Kayla Ramli approached me on Instagram, and that's how I start to get in the Japanese language. 

But, before I decided to get full on board, I joined the sneak peek class first! I like they ran the course so students can get a preview of how's the class is running. 

When I drove to the place, I was surprised that the class is near to Wangsa Walk and I can imagine myself eating A&W after class ended every single time. I think since it's my lucky day, there is a parking spot in front of the building. By the way, take note that you have to climb the stairs to reach the space! 

1. HOMEY 

The moment I step foot at the centre, I felt like I'm home! Well, it's actually easy for me to get comfortable, especially when someone said: "Make yourself at home." They have everything here, water refill station, toilet, surau and a photo/rest space. For me, this is a very convenient place because everything you need is here - like a home. 

Surau in the centre!  

Rest space! 

2. GETTING PRACTICAL

There are eight staffs at DLA, and each of them is experiences in the language and teaching (one of them is Nihonjin). In the sneak peek class, there are four sensei and each of them either teaching about Introduction to Japanese characters, self-introduction, how to buy and sell, greetings and numbers. 

Besides learning how to converse properly, it's time to make use of the theory part. The teachers prepared situation practices. For me, it's nervewracking and exciting at the same time because I'm afraid to say wrong things and because we spoke a new language baby! But, the best part, we can still refer to the booklet that they prepared.

It's good that the sensei taught us accurately, efficiently and fun because it is quite natural for me to capture the language. 

3. INVOLVE THE CULTURE! 

At the end of the two-hour class, Kayla hands us a piece of paper with a string, and she explained that it's for Tanabata Matsuri. So, we wrote our wishes and hang it on the tree that they owned in the centre. Mine was kind of cheesy so... I won't tell you what it is. 😆

Other than that, I also joined their Raya open house, which is really fun! We have food and games. The most fun is during the Whisper Challenge in the Japanese language! For me, every student is Sugoi because they can detect Nihongo just by saw the lips and body movement.

Nihongo Whisper Challenge.

The students and teachers at DLA Raya.

Everyone experiences at the centre, but, let's talk a little bit about the owner, Kayla Ramli. She is a former engineer that worked in Japan, then she came back to Malaysia working as a translator at the same time opened her language centre, which is DLA. This September will be the third anniversary of the centre, and she had a strong belief that everyone should learn the third language. 

There are so many things that I learned from talking to her, and I can see that she had a passion for teaching. She quit from her job to be in DLA 100% (I think it would be more) and hold on dreams to open the best centre that consists of other languages as well. 

The owner of DLA, Kayla Ramli.

Sensei!

If you are looking for the Japanese language centre just for fun or for JLPT Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), put DLA into your consideration because it's going to be worth it! 

You can choose either to join Wednesday - 8PM or Saturday morning. It's intimate classes, and the sensei would give everyone a fair amount of attention. If you want to know about the prices,  DOWNLOAD PDF HERE! 

For more information, visit or contact DLA through:

INSTAGRAM | WHATSAPP 

It was a fun Saturday! 

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Steps to Apply for a Marriage in Selangor for the Ladies!

As a Muslim living in Malaysia, this is the process that I'm going through to get married. Girl, I can understand that it tends to be a bit complicated (I lied, it is really confusing at first) but, here I am sharing things that you need to prepare to have a really smooth journey in terms of marriage documents for a local 

Our engagement day 

It is really possible to settle 'the documents' part in a day, I did it and what I can suggest to you is to know your district first. Why? So you would know where the office that you need to go three months before marriage! I have a friend that couldn't be able to settle everything in a day because he went to a different office. From his story, it just clicks in my mind that I need to know where to go.

Since I live in Gombak district (Selayang), the process is smooth because the mosque that I will be performing the Nikah and the Pejabat Agama Islam Daerah Gombak (PAID Gombak) is near my house. But, before you submit all the essential documents, you need to do these things first! 

1. PRE-MARRIAGE COURSES (KURSUS PRA-PERKAHWINAN)

Even when I lived in Gombak district, it's okay to join in pre-marriage courses outside of the town! So, no worries your certificate will be valid as long as it is your first marriage. If you are planning to do polygamy (which I don't encourage if you are not responsible enough), you need to attend another one.  

My fiancee and I attended the courses last year in February, we paid RM100 and need to sacrifice our weekend because it took our full Saturday and half of the Sunday. But, it will be a breath of fresh air once you get the certificates at the end of the courses.

There are two tips that I want to give you while attending the courses - be patient and came early. If you missed your classes, prepared to be moved to another week. 

👉 Check this link here to know more about the courses scheduled. 

2. HIV TEST 

Since I went UTC Pudu Sentral in the early morning, we don't have to wait a long time to do the test. For Selangor, I didn't have to bring any forms, but for Kuala Lumpur, you need to print the form online. 

What you need to know is the test is valid for six months, and you need to do it at any government health clinic. RM1.00 is all you need to get the results on the same day! Make sure to bring the forms back for the documents process. 

 

Negative HIV test.

3. REGISTER AT NCR 

What is NCR? It stands for JAIS Online Marriage, Divorce and Consultation System. Take note that all of the forms that I mentioned (Borang 1, 2C and 2D) below need to be printed from this website. It's crucial for you to register first, don't forget your password and fill in the forms.

Before heading to PAID Gombak make sure you already get the bridegroom consent form along with other documents. It's better to refer to this checklist here. 

4. BORANG 1: AKUAN PENGESAHAN PEMASTAUTINAN 

This is the beginning of the process of getting marriage consent. Once you are done with registering and printing, it's time to get all the forms signed! 

For this part, it may not be a crucial thing for some people. Unless your current address is different from your identification card (MyKad) or like my situation, address in Selangor but my state code on the MyKad stated as 14 (Kuala Lumpur). 

The process is easy, take the Borang 1 (Form 1) and a witness to either Penghulu / Ketua Kampung / Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung / Nazir / Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Penduduk / Pengerusi Taman Perumahan – get the signature and let's move on to the next thing! 

Extra information: Some people said that you don't need to bring along a witness for clarification. But, different places may have a different way, so it's better you call for confirmation first! 

5. CONFIRMATION FROM PENOLONG PENDAFTAR PERKAHWINAN (PPP) OR IMAM JURUNIKAH

I don't remember how many times I checked all the documents before going to all of these places – countless! So, here's the checklist for the materials that I need to acquire, there may vary to a situation like if your Wali passed away, you need to bring the death certificate. Make sure to double or triple check everything here.

After you get the signed for Borang 1, go to your Mosque, or if you have contact directly the Imam Jurunikah, that would be much easier to get the signed for Borang 2C and 2D. But, make sure he is from the mosque or area that you will Nikah. 

I brought two witnesses (have to) for the Borang 2C – the criteria would be 18 years and above men and responsible enough to come and signed the form in front of the PPP or Imam Jurunikah.  My two brother is my witnesses so it would be a smooth Nikah, insyaAllah! 

Here is the checklist based on my situation.

6. GET THE MARRIAGE PERMISSION AT PAID

This is the real deal! If you have all your documents ready, it will be an easy process! Make sure to take your queue number and wait for your turn. There is only one form that I missed which is the Persetujuan Wali dan Wakalah Wali and the person in charge was kind enough to print it for me so it will be easier for the office to process for the permission. 

After the staff has checked your complete documents, get RM10 ready to pay for the process documents. The final game is to wait and be patient! 

I notice that PAID Gombak have all the computer and printer, in case you forgot to print the whole thing, as for me, make sure to prepare everything before so you don't waste your time.

7. GIVE THE DOCUMENTS BACK TO PENOLONG PENDAFTAR NIKAH KARIAH

This is the last process, and you or your representative send it to the person that will be responsible for the Akad Nikah (Pendaftar Nikah Kariah). If the person in charge is available in the office on the same day you settle everything, send all the forms straight to them. 

Since my jurunikah isn't available on the same day, I get the help from my father to send it to him the day after. By the way, when you received this form, my jurunikah told me that I shouldn't fill in anything. So, just send the empty documents with others.

Let this form be empty - Sijil Perakuan Nikah Sementara

Let this form be empty - Rekod Catatan Akad Nikah

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There you go! I admit there is a lot of preparation to do for your big day but know the priorities first. Personally, this procedure is crucial because it's the determination of whether or not we could get married on the plan dates. Hope this post will help you in any other ways if you want to add more info or questions, leave a comment down below! 

There will be a lot of people on Monday!

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5 Things to Do for an Epic Road Trip to the Great South West Edge of Western Australia!

One of my favourite country to visit, Australia! Been to Melbourne and self-drive in Perth but there are still so many things to discover. This time, let me offer a trip that fit for a nature lover, and it will be a relaxing road trip for families, friends or couples in Australia's Golden Outback!

Get ready for a nature road trip!

With Perth only being a five-hour flight away from Malaysia, your adventure begins the moment you passed the arrival at the airport and grab that rental car key! It's time to start the trip down to the Great South West Edge, and it's going to be an 11-day epic drive with these five top sights.

1. GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH FRIENDLY DOLPHINS AT BUNBURY 

Heyya Dolphin! 

It's a pretty rare occurrence for anyone living in Malaysia to spot a dolphin up close. Now, all you need to do is head to Bunbury, and you will be in luck!

Head do Dolphin Discovery Centre, and you can learn all about those playful mammals. There are also few activities that you can join in like heading to the shore of Koombana Bay, which an interpretive centre and interaction zone close with the bottlenose dolphins in the calm waters. Another way is to join a tour for viewing and swimming activities for an adventurous junkie! 

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Dolphin Discover Centre
📍 Lot 556 Koombana Dr, Bunbury WA 6230

🕰 Open Daily (8am - 5pm)
🚆 A two-hour drive away from Perth.

2. INDULGE IN THE BEST OF WHAT MARGARET RIVER HAS TO OFFER 

Margaret River is the producer of over 15% of Australia's premium wine.

The fun doesn't stop here because of Margarate River has evolved from a chilled-out surfer's town to a favourite spot that lets visitors enjoy the region's spectacular sights and flavours. 

There are 40 top spots along the coast of the river to catch the best big-wave surfing opportunity. From this, I remembered my favourite group, Winner surfed, at one of it. If you are just beginners, no worries because these spots offer waves suitable for all levels. 

Take a scenic 30-minute drive and surround yourself with the world's tallest hardwood trees at Boranup Karri Forrest. All I can think is a picnic as it is the perfect romantic spot under the canopy of majestic 60-metre timber giants! You can explore one of the many captivating caves with a guided tour to Jewel Cave. 

Keep the trip going with outdoor activities like rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, canoeing and whale watching tours. 

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Margaret River

🕰 May Vary to places
🚆 Over an hour away drive from Bunbury.

3. GO ON A TREE TOP WALK AT WALPOLE

A 400-year-old tingle trees! 

Calling for nature lovers to explore the expansive national parks, state forest, wide sandy bec\aches, pretty picnic spots and tranquil rivers that offers more than a day's worth of exciting activities. They have from white water rafting to four-wheel driving on the beach and let's give it a world! 

The real beauty of Walpole is when you take a 600-metre walk through the canopy of 400-year-old tingle trees on The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk in the Walpole-Nornalip National Park. 

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Walpole

🚆 A three-hour drive from Margaret River.

4. TAKE A REFRESHING DIP IN GREENS POOL

That clear water of Emerald!

You have your own swimming pool at your house? There's nothing that can beat this mother nature's pools, Greens Bay that located in William Bay National Park. Once you arrive, you'll be amazed by the emerald waters and pure white sand that perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. 

Once you're out of the water, take a short walk to Elephant Rocks, where you can find natural elephant-like sculptures bathing in the clear waters. This place is so peaceful where the stunning coastline owns breath-taking views of Madfish Bay, Waterfall Beach. No matter what season you are visiting, take a chance to come during spring as you can see an abundance of beautiful wildflowers. 

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ William Bay National Park

🕰 Open Daily
🚆 An hour drives away from Walpole.

5. ENJOY NATURE'S BEST AT PORONGURUP NATIONAL PARK

Have you spotted this place?

Flora and fauna heaven, that's the best description of Porongurup National Park! There are more than 100 species of birds, 750 varieties of plants and it's a fantastic home to Castle Rock Granite Skywalk.

With over 1,100 millions of years in the making, it features a unique granite range of 12 peaks. Not forgetting the adventure seeker as they also have a short rock climbing option to reach the summit! 

The park is also one of the best spots in the South West region to see wildflowers. If you come during spring or early summer, enjoy the colourful displays of Bluebells, Wattles, Hoveas, Banksia, Druandras, Hakeas, Hrevilleas and Orchids!

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ William Bay National Park

🕰 Open Daily
🚆 An hour drives away from Walpole.

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Sometimes we need that vitamin sea to keep moving forward in life and from this list, I can see how peaceful you will be. Let me know in the comment down below if you have visited this place, would love to know your thoughts! For a full itinerary of this self-drive trip, head over to Tourism Western Australia website here. 

Picture credit: Tourism Western Australia

Imagine running at the white sand and having the time of your life at the Greens Pool!

Thank you for spending your time reading my blog! It means so much to me. Before that, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my email list on the top of the page, to be the first one to receive updates from me!

Does Daily Skin One Step Oil Cleansing Stick is Suitable for Travel?

Travel and beauty, two favourite topics that surprisingly can be combined into one. I'm a skincare junkie everywhere I go, but I wanted to find something that multipurpose and more straightforward for travellers to use, especially when you're all dolled up on the journey. 

It comes with 50g of a stick and a box.

WHAT IS DAILY SKIN ONE STEP OIL CLEANSING STICK?

It's an easy-to-use twist-up product that melts away your makeup and gently foams up to remove traces of oil, impurities, and dirt. Formulated with a mixture of oils, it helps keep the skin nice and supple too, so you can rest easy at the end of the day. Source: Althea

LET'S BREAK INTO THE INGREDIENTS LIST...

Sunflower Seed Oil, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyethylene, Purified Water, Silica, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Mango Seed Butter, Meadow Foam Seed Oil, Drumstick Seed Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Lavender Oil, Basil Oil, Clary Oil, Scented Geranium Flower Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, False Daisy Extract, Neem Tree Leaf Extract, Kaolin, Illite, Glyceryl Caprylate

As you can see, there is a lot of ingredients, but Daily Skin said they put a minimal amount of chemical materials which is necessary for maintaining its function. To analyse it on SkinCarisma I type each of the ingredients one by one because they save the list as a picture! Obviously, it's a bit of hurdle, but worth it! 

Through that analysis, I can notice that this product is risky for sensitive skin although it's a Paraben, Sulfate, Alcohol and Silicone Free. When I first use the cleanser, I could also notice that it's a bit drying for my combination skin although it contains moisturising ingredient - 50% of sunflower seed oil. So, make sure to always check the ingredients and do a patch test before using any of the products! 

It got that balm texture when it's dry.

HOW TO USE

Since it's manufactured by combining the strength of cleansing balm, cleansing oil and foam cleansing, you only need this ONE stick to cleanse your face. 

01 - Apply the stick on the dry face and massage face gently. 
02 - Massage the face making circles from chin to ears. 
03 - Wet the hands and massage the face again until the bubbles are formed.
04 - When the bodily waste and makeup is melted down, rinse them off and proceed with your skincare routine. 

My only tip is to avoid your eye area! I faced a painful sore in that area, and I end up having a red eye. I check back on the website, they said because it contains natural herb essential oil, but either way, don't do it! If you encountered it, rinse it off quickly. To avoid that, get rid of your eye makeup with micellar water beforehand. Watch how to use video here.

But then it's become a milky texture when wet.

DO I LIKE IT? WOULD I REPURCHASE?

I have a 50/50 hate and love relationship with this stick. But, let's start with the texture, it's my first time to try out the balmy cleanser, usually, to get rid of makeup, I'll go for Althea Oil Cleanser and makeup wipes.

Because I encounter sore eye the first time, I was turned off and put this product on a pile stash. But then, I decided to give it a go again because I don't want to waste every product that I get or buy. After the second and third time, I started to like it as it began to suits my skin.

Plus, the storing is easy. You just need to put it upside down to not to make the water smeared to the stick or just remove the residue on top using clean hand or dry tissue.

The main question is, does it suitable for travel? Absolutely! Because it can act as a cleanser and makeup remover all at once (multi-purpose), a balm stick, portable size which not exceed 100ml and easy to clean it off. Would love to repurchase this kiddo again once I have finished this batch.  

So, what about you? Do you have any favourite makeup remover balm that you love? Share it on the comment down below!

You can see my eyes is sore, but all good after the second time.

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🛒 Daily Skin One Step Oil Cleansing Stick 50g - RM32

(Currently, 7 left at Althea)

Click here to get 20% off your first order at Althea

*Althea always backed by a 30-day full returns policy.

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DISCLAIMER:

I get Althea points as part of Althea Angels and purchase it as part of the review.
I personally trying it out, and the review is 100% my personal opinion. So, make sure to check the ingredients or consult before purchase to avoid any mishap. 😉 

Btw, this post contains affiliate links make sure to check DISCLOSURE for more info.

Would you try this product?

Thank you for spending your time reading my blog! It means so much to me. Before that, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my email list on the top of the page, to be the first one to receive updates from me!