Part of what makes Penang unique is its established mixture of cultures and faiths, but if you are only in Georgetown for a short time, how can you experience all of its varied customs and traditions? Conveniently enough, Penang’s 18th-century town planners have already solved the problem, and a short walk along Jalan Masjid Kapitan … read the full post

Although Langkawi is a relatively small island, hoofing it on foot will only work in certain areas and public transportation is not an option. So you’re left with getting around the island via taxis, rental cars, motorbikes and for the hearty souls, bicycles. Prices tend to vary throughout Langkawi as much as the weather, so … read the full post

If you’ve come to Penang to experience its fantastic local cuisine, a cafe serving Mexican and Mediterreanean specials may not necessarily be top of your must-visit list. However, like Georgetown itself, The Daily Dose Cafe is a heady fusion of cultural influences, and with its pan-continental menu, great stash of wines and some of the … read the full post

If you’re looking for a bit of Langkawi and Malaysian culture, Kompleks Kraf (Craft Complex) on the remote north side of Langkawi should fit the bill with its collection of small museums. The complex is a sprawling group of uniquely designed buildings set in well-landscaped grounds overlooking the Andaman Sea. Upon entering the main reception … read the full post

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