Travelling through Western Australia will now be easier for Malaysians with the help of a new travel guide.

The guidebook, Panduan Kembara Muslim Western Australia: Walking On A Dream, focuses on halal experiences Muslim travellers in Western Australia. It provides comprehensive information that are tailored for Muslims, including travel itineraries and guidelines, halal eateries, mosque and prayer room locations, as well as driving and public transportation.

Of course, the guide is also a helpful resource for non-Muslim travellers who are looking to plan a trip to Australia’s largest state.

The guide begins with a short introduction on each of Western Australia’s five tourism regions: Perth, South West, Coral Coast, Golden Outback and Coral Coast. Domestic flight information from Perth to other tourism regions in the state is available too, as is flight information from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to Perth.

Western Australia is home to several Unesco-listed World Heritage Sites, including the Purnulu National Park, in which the Bungle Bungle Range is located. This is a spectacularly incised landscape of sculptured rocks containing beehive-shaped karst sandstone rising 250m above the surrounding grasslands.

Other national parks in the state includes Lake Ballard, Karijini National Park and the Nambung National Park or Pinnacles.

Of course, the state is also known for its beautiful beaches and islands, one of which is Rottnest Island, where you can find the happiest creature known to man, the quokka. Find out how you can get to the island, and what else you can do in the surrounding area, on the guide.

Tourism Western Australia’s country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, Ava Ang, said in a statement, “We hope the relaunch of our Muslim guide will ease travel planning for Malaysian Muslim travellers to visit the state, marvel at its natural wonders and experience its rich cultural heritage for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Malaysians hoping to visit Australia soon will be pleased to know that the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) application can be processed within a week or so. However, it is advisable that applications are submitted at least four weeks prior to departure to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

The Muslim travel guide and other helpful guides and itinerary suggestions, can be downloaded from the Western Australia website (westernaustralia.com).

Fonsi is now the ‘godfather’ of a cruise ship. — NCL

The godfather

Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced the “godfather” of its latest ship, the Norwegian Viva – five- time Latin Grammy Award winner, Luis Fonsi.

As the ship’s godfather, the Puerto Rico-born singer, songwriter and producer will fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the vessel on Nov 28 during a christening ceremony in Miami, Florida in the United States.

Fonsi, best known for the international mega hit Despacito, will also be performing at the event, alongside other Latin pop stars like Paulina Rubio and Pedro Capoo, and comedian Marcello Hernandez.

Norwegian Viva is the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Class range.

“Our Asia-Pacific markets are deeply influenced by diverse cultures, including Latin culture and music. As a native Puerto Rican, who is also based in Miami, Luis Fonsi brings people together from around the world with his energy, positivity and music, making him the perfect complement to the vibrant energy of Norwegian Viva,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

The christening event will see Fonsi joining in the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow to bid the vessel and her travellers good fortune on their voyage, a fundamental nautical tradition customary for any ship launch.

In mid-December, Norwegian Viva will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The ship will offer a variety of seven-day Caribbean voyages in 2024, with calls to destinations in the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, St Lucia and others.