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De-stress while empowering the blind

About the host

About the host 

Paralympian Lee Seng Chow founded the centre after becoming well-versed in massage and acupuncture, and wanted to establish an entity for the blind to learn to do the same. 

Paralympian Lee Seng Chow
PB Blind Massage
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PB Blind Massage uses traditional Chinese massage to help customers unwind, performed by trained blind therapists. Photo from PB Blind Massage
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Founded by Paralympian Lee Seng Chow, the centre uses traditional Chinese massage to help customers unwind, performed by trained blind therapists.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Employment for people with disabilities continues to be a challenge for many. Your visit supports the work of the centre to provide empowering and dignified livelihoods for people with disabilities.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur for more travel tips and ideas.

Employment for people with disabilities continues to be a challenge for many. Your visit supports the work of the centre to provide empowering and dignified livelihoods for people with disabilities.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur for more travel tips and ideas.

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Article country
Malaysia
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Kuala Lumpur
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Founded by Paralympian Lee Seng Chow, the centre uses traditional Chinese massage to help customers unwind, performed by trained blind therapists.
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De-stress while empowering the blind
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Getting there
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PB Blind Massage is in the colourful Brickfields district, and is easily reached by monorail. Get off at either KL Sentral or Tun Sambanthan station. 

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Massage-Therapist/PB-BLIND-Massage-892503667616762/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Massage-Therapist/PB-BLIND-Massage-8925…
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Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Empowerment
Weekend of Good
Relax and Recharge
Do
Travel Inspiration
Weekend of Good
Traveller's Notes
Traveller's Notes
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Located in Brickfields, it's a great spot to unwind after exploring the neighbourhood.

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Its unassuming shopfront doesn't promise much, but reviews of this spot are glowing, so don't judge a book by its cover.

Cycle to see Kuala Lumpur's hidden gems

About the host

About the host

Elena is an avid cyclist who wants to make Kuala Lumpur a bike-friendly city. Passionate about her city's heritage, her tours reveals facets of the city often missed by visitors.

Meet Elena of Bike with Elena 

Elena
Bike with Elena
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Bike with Elena is an eco-friendly way to explore Kuala Lumpur, led by an avid cyclist who wants to make the city more bike-friendly. Photo by Victoria Ong
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Bike with Elena is an eco-friendly way to explore Kuala Lumpur, led by an avid cyclist who wants to make the city more bike-friendly.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

You explore Kuala Lumpur in a way that doesn't leave a large carbon footprint, while also helping to promote cycling as a means of transport.

Part of the tour proceeds goes towards the conservation of a 100-year-old Kampung Baru home.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur for more travel tips and ideas.  

You explore Kuala Lumpur in a way that doesn't leave a large carbon footprint, while also helping to promote cycling as a means of transport.

Part of the tour proceeds goes towards the conservation of a 100-year-old Kampung Baru home.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur for more travel tips and ideas.  

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Malaysia
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Kuala Lumpur
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Bike with Elena is an eco-friendly way to explore Kuala Lumpur, led by an acid cyclist who wants to make the city more bike-friendly.
Bike with Elena
Cycle to see Kuala Lumpur's hidden gems
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Starting points of each bike tour vary depending on the nature of the tour, so ask Elena before the tour. 

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http://www.bikewithelena.com/

http://www.bikewithelena.com/
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Malaysia
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Cycling Adventures
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Traveller's Notes
Traveller's Notes
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Tours with Elena can be booked through her website, or through LokaLocal. 

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Breaks are factored into the tours, so don't worry if you need a break.

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The tours often take you through small alleyways and neighbourhoods with friendly and curious locals. Don't miss the chance to interact with them!

Explore batik that weaves new livelihoods

About the host

About the host

Batik Boutique was founded by Amy Blair, an American living in Malaysia who became friends with Kak Ana, who was teaching her Bahasa Melayu. Discovering that Kak Ana, a single mum, had a gift for sewing, Amy hit upon the idea of setting up a social enterprise selling batik items made by women earning fair wages, giving them a chance to uplift themselves and their families. 

Batik Boutique
Batik Boutique
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At Batik Boutique, explore batik that weaves new livelihoods. Photo by Victoria Ong
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Batik Boutique sells beautiful batik items made by women from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with an equitable, sustained livelihood.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Batik Boutique trains women to become seamstresses, and then hires them to create batik items for the boutique, providing a fair and sustainable income for women living in poor, urban conditions in Kuala Lumpur. 

The sewing centre, located where the women live, has childcare, which allows the women to work without worrying about their children or travel arrangements.

When you shop at Batik Boutique, or participate in one of their craft workshops, you not only learn about a craft with a rich heritage, you also empower their women workers and enable them to help more people.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur for more travel tips and ideas.

Watch our story on Batik Boutique to see how Batik Boutique changed the lives of women.

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Article country
Malaysia
Article sub country
Kuala Lumpur
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Batik Boutique sells beautiful batik items made by women from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with an equitable, sustained livelihood.
Batik Boutique
Explore batik that weaves new livelihoods
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Getting there
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Consider taking a taxi or ride share, as the area is limited in terms of access to public transport. 

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https://www.thebatikboutique.com/

https://www.thebatikboutique.com/
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https://g.page/thebatikboutique?share
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Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
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Shop
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Empowerment
Arts and Culture
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Weekend of Good
Traveller's Notes
Traveller's Notes
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Making batik making is time intensive, so choose a simpler project — like a journal, serviette, scarf or pareo – if you want to take it home on the same day. Larger items may need to be collected on a separate day.

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Also, inform the instructor beforehand so the studio can arrange for instant fabric dyes.

A disability arts workshop that empowers

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Stepping Stone Work Centre
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Good for kids

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Stepping Stone is a crafts workshop employing Penangites living with disabilities. Photo by Alexandra Wong
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Stepping Stone is a crafts workshop employing Penangites living with disabilities. Visit the workshop in Balik Pulau to check out the soaps, yummy baked goods and pottery made by trainees, who are taught skills ranging from hand-weaving, to baking to gardening. 

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Stepping Stone’s trainees would otherwise struggle to find work as they lack opportunities to develop their skills. Through its programmes, the non-profit hopes to help people with disabilities lead independent lives. Buying their products supports their cause, and also helps the trainees gain confidence.

The centre also has an artist residency programme, which artists can enroll in to work together with and mentor the trainees. 

Your visit will support these programmes and encourage greater inclusion of people who live with disabilities. 

Meet Shahell and Aina, the people of Stepping Stone 

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

Stepping Stone’s trainees would otherwise struggle to find work as they lack opportunities to develop their skills. Through its programmes, the non-profit hopes to help people with disabilities lead independent lives. Buying their products supports their cause, and also helps the trainees gain confidence.

The centre also has an artist residency programme, which artists can enroll in to work together with and mentor the trainees. 

Your visit will support these programmes and encourage greater inclusion of people who live with disabilities. 

Meet Shahell and Aina, the people of Stepping Stone 

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

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Article country
Malaysia
Article sub country
Penang
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Stepping Stone is a crafts workshop employing Penangites living with disabilities. Its store sells soaps, baked goods and pottery made by these employees.
Stepping Stone Work Centre
A disability arts workshop that empowers
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https://www.asiacommunityservice.org/index.php?page=SteppingStone

https://www.asiacommunityservice.org/index.php?page=SteppingStone
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Penang
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Arts and Culture
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Weekend of Good
Traveller's Notes
Traveller's Notes
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Stepping Stone’s centre in Balik Pulau is a charmingly rustic experience that is worth a visit. But if you can’t make it out of George Town, visit 41 Living Story to browse and buy their crafts. 

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Look out for workshops to pick up from craft skills of your own; conversely, ask about becoming a live-in artist-in-residence to guide staff in improving their skills.

A Chinese clan settlement that has survived modernity

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Clan Jetties
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Visit the Clan Jetties of Penang, a Chinese waterfront settlement that has survived modernity. Photo by Alexandra Wong
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These waterfront communities, home to Chinese clans that settled here in the late 19th century, are the last of an indelible part of Penang's multi-cultural heritage.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Visiting the jetties help preserve the history of the area, and infrastructure has improved as a result of interest from travellers. Local communities also earn some income from selling souvenirs to visitors. 

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

Visiting the jetties help preserve the history of the area, and infrastructure has improved as a result of interest from travellers. Local communities also earn some income from selling souvenirs to visitors. 

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

Article contributors
Article country
Malaysia
Article sub country
Penang
Article spotlight
These waterfront communities, home to Chinese clans that settled here in the late 19th century, are the last of an indelible part of Penang's heritage.
Clan Jetties
A Chinese clan settlement that has survived modernity
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Located near the ferry terminal, the Clan Jetties are an easy walk from or bicycle ride from George Town.

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You can also hop on a trishaw - it’s a fun way to see the city without breaking a sweat, plus you’ll support a fading industry – reportedly less than 80 of these vehicles survive in Penang. 

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Traveller's Notes
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The Chew Jetty is the most tourist friendly, with the longest walkway, pop-up stalls and a floating temple. But note that the jetties are still homes, so respect the residents’ privacy.

A beloved independent bookstore in Penang

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Gerakbudaya
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Gerakbudaya is a beloved independent bookstore in Penang. Photo by Alexandra Wong
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This independent bookshop boasts an excellent selection of titles by Southeast Asian authors, including books about Penang, current affairs and politics. 

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Gerakbudaya supports authors whose works are not often found in mainstream bookstores, and takes part in cultural festivals to promote the literary arts.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

Gerakbudaya supports authors whose works are not often found in mainstream bookstores, and takes part in cultural festivals to promote the literary arts.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

Article contributors
Article country
Malaysia
Article sub country
Penang
Article spotlight
This independent bookshop boasts an excellent selection of titles by Southeast Asian authors, including books about Penang, current affairs and politics.
Gerakbudaya
A beloved independent bookstore in Penang
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Getting there
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The Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling branch focuses on fiction and poetry, while the Lebuh Pantai branch focuses on non-fiction. Both branches are easily found by bicycle, car or on foot. The major transport hubs of the Jetty and Komtar are also nearby.

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Take advantage of MBPP Rapid Penang CAT, a free shuttle that connects major attractions in George Town.

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https://gerakbudayapenang.com/

https://gerakbudayapenang.com/
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View Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling branch on map

https://goo.gl/maps/jcxtVXWgUgaDj2RB9
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View Lebuh Pantai branch on map

https://goo.gl/maps/9bPwmNBNsssNQUeKA
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Penang
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Do
Malaysia
Weekend of Good
Travel Inspiration
Weekend of Good
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Traveller's Notes
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Don’t miss special events like author signings, readings and discussions; check out their website for the latest happenings.

Wander through Bangalore's most bustling market

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Krishna Rajendra Market
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KR Market is Bangalore's most bustling market. Photo by Elita Almeida
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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Visiting the market is a glimpse into how small businesses in Bangalore make a living, and any purchase you make improves the income of the vendor.

 Read our Weekend of Good guide to Bangalore for more travel tips and ideas!

Renowned for its huge flower market, KR Market is a visual treat for those who enjoy observing a city’s underbelly. It sits on a site that was once the battleground for the Anglo-Mysore wars, and now occupies several floors selling anything from produce to dried goods to electronics.  

Visiting the market is a glimpse into how small businesses in Bangalore make a living, and any purchase you make improves the income of the vendor.

 Read our Weekend of Good guide to Bangalore for more travel tips and ideas!

Article contributors
Article country
India
Article sub country
Bangalore
Article spotlight
Renowned for its huge flower market, KR Market is a visual treat for those who enjoy observing a city’s underbelly.
Wander through Bangalore's most bustling market
Wander through Bangalore's most bustling market
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Getting there
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Avoid driving and take the local metro. Alight at Chickpet, and walk to the market on foot.

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View location on map

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Krishna+Rajendra+Market/@12.9564454,77.573599…
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India
Bangalore
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Heritage
Weekend of Good
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Weekend of Good
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Traveller’s notes
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To experience the market awakening, it’s best to go in the early part of the morning. Bring your camera - you’ll be in for a visual treat with the colourful flower market.

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Don't be afraid to get immersed in the hustle-bustle, and make sure you wear comfortable attire and shoes.

A communal dinner in a modern kampung

About the host

About the host

Mummy Soh is a retired-teacher-turned-entrepreneur who is more than happy to share her delightful culinary skills and recipes with guests.

Mummy Soh
One Kind House
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Wifi

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Good for kids

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Wheelchair-accessible

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At One Kind House, experience a home-cooked communal dinner in a modern kampung. Photo by Joanne Yip
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Rekindle community spirit with Mummy Soh, a retired teacher in her home. Learn her best recipes, and connect with your fellow diners.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Preserve a slice of Singapore’s culinary culture and experience communal living. To give back to the community, the Soh family conducts cooking classes for children of single parents and other activities for those with mental disabilities.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Singapore for more travel tips and ideas!

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Article country
Singapore
Article sub country
Singapore
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Rekindle community spirit with a retired teacher in her home. Learn her best recipes, and connect with your fellow diners.
A communal dinner in a modern kampung
A communal dinner in a modern kampung
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Getting there
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One Kind House is a 10-minute walk along the Siglap Park Connector from Kembangan MRT station on the East West Line. 

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https://www.facebook.com/pg/onekindhouse/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/onekindhouse/
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Singapore
Weekend of Good
Do
Eat
Heritage
Travel Inspiration
Weekend of Good
Traveller's Notes
Traveller's Notes
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Bookings are made through Airbnb. Find the link on their Facebook page. 

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Joo Chiat is a historic district in the east of Singapore steeped in Peranakan (Straits Chinese charm). Consider spending an afternoon there taking in the quaint shophouses with elaborate facades, the shops selling traditional spices and desserts, and the eclectic blend of Malay and Chinese culture. 

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Dress light and comfortable -- you’d be picking, chopping and grinding herbs!

Authentic tours of Mumbai that give back

About the host

About the host

Founded in August 2005 by Chris Way and Krishna Pujari, Reality Tours & Travel wants to use walking tours of Dharavi to raise awareness about life in the slums, while raising funds for the community.

Chris Way and Krishna Pujari
Reality Tours & Travel
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Reality Tours & Travel offer authentic tours of Mumbai that give back. Photo from Reality Tours & Travel
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Specialising in authentic street tours, RTT is best known for their tour of the Dharavi slum. Part of its profits go to projects that help the community.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Eighty per cent of the profits earned from the tours are channeled back into the community, to provide education and secure a better future for the children and their families.

The social enterprise also hires guides from the local communities they hold tours in, to empower them with the platform to share their perspective, as well as earn a sustainable livelihood. 

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Mumbai for more travel tips.

Meet Jitu, a RTT guide and learn about his dreams for Dharavi. 

Article contributors
Article country
India
Article sub country
Mumbai
Article spotlight
Specialising in authentic street tours, RTT is best known for their tour of the Dharavi slum. Part of its profits go to projects that help the community.
Reality Tours & Travel
Authentic tours of Mumbai that give back
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Getting there
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RTT's Dharavi tours either start at Churchgate Station or Mahim Station, depending on the time of the day. Be sure to confirm when booking, before making your way. 

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http://realitytoursandtravel.com/ 

http://realitytoursandtravel.com/ 
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India
Mumbai
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Weekend of Good
Meet
Empowerment
Travel Inspiration
Weekend of Good
Traveller's Notes
Traveler’s notes
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Be prepared for walking - comfortable clothes and shoes, and a positive attitude!

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Dharavi is one of the largest slums in the world, and one of the most densely-populated. Come with an open-mind and willing to understand and learn about the honest truth about living in a slum. If authentic and outdoor experiences make you uncomfortable, this may not be the right fit for you. 

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To respect the privacy and dignity of the residents, RTT has a strict “no photography” policy for its Dharavi tour.

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If Dharavi tours isn’t your cup of tea, try their street food tours and taste delectable delights and tingle your taste buds. All the guides are Mumbai natives who know the city like the back of their hand.

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Be sure to book in advance to ensure a spot.

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While Dharavi faces harsh reality, it also is a hidden gem when it comes to craftsmanship. You’ll get to see the home-based factories, artisans and their skills, and also be inspired to see households of all religions living together amicably.

A good foot massage, for good

About the host
Mettaa Reflexology
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 Good for kids

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At Mettaa Reflexology, get a good foot massage, for good. Photo from Mettaa Reflexology
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This no-frills spa employs the blind, empowering them with sustainable livelihoods, while giving you a foot massage you'll dream about

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

You support the efforts of employment and dignity to the visually impaired, and help them build a sustainable future.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Mumbai for more travel tips.

Meet Joanita, founder of Mettaa Reflexology, and find out how her staff inspire her. 

Article contributors
Article country
India
Article sub country
Mumbai
Article spotlight
This no-frills spa employs the blind, empowering them with sustainable livelihoods, while giving you a foot massage you'll dream about
This no-frills spa employs the blind, empowering them with sustainable livelihoods, while giving you a foot massage you'll dream about
A good foot massage, for good
Attach this experience to a story
No
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Getting there
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The centre is accessible by bus, in the district of Bandra. Take a taxi if you are unsure of the directions.

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https://mettaareflexology.org/

https://mettaareflexology.org/
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https://goo.gl/maps/GYr7v4JtL1xmPria8
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India
Mumbai
Meet
Do
Weekend of Good
Empowerment
Relax and Recharge
Travel Inspiration
Weekend of Good
Traveller's Notes
Traveller’s notes
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The reflexology services are more slightly expensive on the weekends by about 50 to 100 rupees (US$0.70 to US$1.40). If you’re looking to save, then go on the weekdays!

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Mettaa was set up to offer a simple, no-fuss spa experience, as well as provide employment to blind massage therapists who were being refused jobs despite their qualifications. Expect a great reflexology experience in a simple setting. 

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Call ahead to confirm availability.