This, dear reader, is a very reluctant post. A weekend in Kuching — yes that’s two days, or three if you have a flexible definition of “the weekend’” — really isn’t enough time but we can appreciate that often people will have time constraints when they’re travelling in Sarawak so let the following be a … read the full post

Hands down the most unique accommodation choice in Langkawi is Tubotel, whose catchphrase is, “Don’t be square!” Located just north of the entrance to Pantai Cenang at the end of Jetty Pelancongan Cenang, this colourful curiosity has a prime waterfront location offering rooms at guesthouse prices. The rooms are cocoon-like structures made from large diameter … read the full post

There is no shortage of accommodation in Penang but to be frank, many of Georgetown’s tired-looking budget hostels may not really cut it with today’s discerning backpacker. However, Ryokan on Lebuh Muntri is bucking the trend and has successfully bridged the gap between the drab hostels on nearby Lebuh Chulia and the clutch of high-end … read the full post

Christmas in Langkawi is usually marked by the annual Pondok Keladi Christmas Charity Bazaar, an event that initially emerged in the season of giving to become these days the local ringer-in of the holiday season. But other big signs of Christmas are usually isolated to hotels and the local malls. It may have been that … read the full post

As a country with one of the highest number of annual public holidays in the world, most Malaysians like an excuse to celebrate and what better reason than New Year’s Eve? While it is not traditionally known as a party island, Penang nevertheless buzzes at New Year and offers enough different options to make your … read the full post

Night markets are a regular occurrence across Langkawi, with these culinary venues being scheduled every night of the week in various parts of the island. They usually start hopping at 17:00 and continue late into the night or when vendors sell out. The vendors are consistent in their appearances, being in tune with what’s popular … read the full post

One of the perks of Sarawak is that it’s still relatively undeveloped for tourism, especially when compared to West Malaysia or the rest of Southeast Asia — you won’t bump into hordes of people trying to catch the same sunrise or sunset. However, the underdevelopment of tourist infrastructure does mean that getting around in Sarawak … read the full post

Penangites love a good festival, and Christmas is no exception. There are plenty of opportunities to catch some tropical Yuletide cheer in Penang; here are some of the best places to shop, worship, eat, drink and be merry over the festive season. It’s not just about the big day itself but also the build-up, so … read the full post

The island of Ko Lipe is open year round, but due to seasonal rains and currents, getting there directly from Langkawi is only possible from roughly October through April. The absolute quickest route is taking the high-speed boats from Telaga harbour for 128 ringgit one way. Two departure options are available daily from the Telaga … read the full post

Sarawak is really quite big. It’s the largest state in Malaysia but also the most sparsely populated. This poses the question: how long should you spend in Sarawak? The answer really depends on what you want to do in Sarawak and how much money you have. If you’re after a see-the-rainforest experience and only want … read the full post