Ceramic tiles must adhere to the MS ISO 13006:2014 standard. This standard is regulated by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia as stipulated under Schedule 4 of CIDB Act 520.

Tiles can also be made from materials such as granite, marble, limestone and glass. Thus, choosing the right floor tile can be intimidating and challenging.

Malaysia’s vernacular architecture is part of the nation’s cultural identity and Prof Dr Muhammad Pauzi Abdul Latif is hoping more can be done to help the younger generation appreciate and preserve the homes built by our forefathers.

Inspired by the experience he gained while working at an organic eco farm in Kahang, in Johor’s Kluang district, Tan Yong Yeow from Muar decided to create a sanctuary of treehouses where he could spread his message of love for Mother Nature.

For meals, guests will be served special Kelantanese fare such as nasi berlauk or nasi kerabu. A must-have here is the boiled bananas or bodo fried bananas.

Surrounded by flora and fauna, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, tired minds and souls are refreshed and rejuvenated.

Terrapuri, meaning Land of Palaces in Sanskrit — to reflect the houses’ heritage — is located in Kampung Mangkok, Setiu, Terengganu.

“The main activity here is jungle trekking to a waterfall with natural swimming pools or just a picnic by the stream. Many people from the city find the air calming, and that simply unwinds them into lounging mode.”

On the grounds, just steps away from the main building, are eight fully refurbished antique Malay kampung houses — rustic yet elegant in their simplicity, all offering a unique and comfortable stay.

Sheerin Zalani: At the time, no one had heard of baklava but we found that there was a market for this sweet pastry.