by Caleb | Mar 30, 2017 | Hotels & Accomodation, Travel
If you are planning a trip to Malaysia for your next excursion, you should definitely consider going to Penang. What makes this state unique is that half of it is an island off the coast, while the other half is on the mainland. This means you have a lot of activities that you can put on your itinerary. Below is a quick overview of some of the main reasons why Penang should be your next travel destination:
- The food scene is among the best in Southeast Asia
In fact, a lot of travelers visit the region simply to get a taste of its street food and diverse cuisine. What makes the region’s cuisine great is that it’s often a combination of recipes from the different ethnicities who live there. Keep in mind that Penang has Chinese, Indian, and Bumiputera populations.
- The region is rich with architectural marvels
If you are an enthusiast of design, architecture, and ancient engineering, you will be amazed by the buildings and other structures in the region. Penang has a lot of impressive structures like Chinese temples and colonial buildings.
- The place is perfect for cultural immersion
The good thing is that there are three common cultures in Penang: Indian culture, Chinese culture, and Bumiputera culture. It’s kind of interesting to see these different cultures thriving together in the same place.
- Access to hotels with premium services but very affordable prices, It’s really not that difficult to find a hotel in Penang
The place is a tourist magnet, so there are hotels, inns, and lodges in almost every corner. If you want to experience luxurious accommodation, you should check out Lexis Suites Penang.
- Penang has a fascinating art and music scene
Concerts and music festivals are a regular occurrence in the region, especially in George Town. The city is also known for its artists.
In conclusion, a trip to Penang is something you will truly enjoy. The region is perfect for both solo backpackers and family travelers. You will leave the state with memorable experiences that will have you craving to return.
by Caleb | Mar 19, 2017 | restaurant, Travel
Kota Kinabalu or KK is fast becoming one of the world’s exotic destinations for a romantic getaway, especially for Malaysian couples and even tourists. If you want to get the most out of your mini-vacation for you and your partner, follow these 6 simple tips for a romantic weekend getaway in the capital city of Sabah:
- Book a limo
Before you arrive in Kota Kinabalu, pre-book a limo that comes complete with a bottle of champagne or other signature drinks and some snacks to be enjoyed during the short journey from the airport to your hotel. A limo rental in KK may cost between RM100 to RM800, depending on limo type and hourly/daily rates.
- Spend some intimate time in the Jacuzzi
When you book a hotel, you can make an arrangement with the hotel’s management for some welcoming ceremony. This may include a mini band greeting you upon arrival at the lobby, a gift pack, a bed full of rose petals, and even swan-shaped towels. Book a room with a Jacuzzi to spend some intimate time together and order a room service.
- Enjoy a pampering day at the spa
If you’d rather skip the Jacuzzi, you can still enjoy a pampering good time as a couple at the hotel’s spa (or any other local spa). Book a complete couple’s package that includes a massage, sauna, and other beauty treatments like manicure and pedicure.
- Visit romantic tourist attractions
Create an itinerary or a list of romantic tourist attractions that you want to visit. Some of the places worth visiting include Manukan Island, Kokol Hill, Poring Hot Springs, Weston Wetland Park, and Signal Hill Observatory Platform. If you have time, take a train ride with the North Borneo Railway. The scenic view during the journey adds to the romantic atmosphere.
- Take a walk at the beach and watch the sunsets
In the evening, you can head on down to a beach near your hotel and take a good long walk. Collect seashells, build mini sandcastles, or simply goof around with your partner by taking photos while you both wait for the sun to set.
- Have a candlelight dinner
Once the sun has set, it’s time to have dinner. For extra romantic touch, have a candlelight dinner at and book a violinist or pianist to play as you enjoy your meal.
Planning a romantic weekend getaway should be a fun thing to do. When planning a trip, try to be flexible and leave some room for exploration. Spontaneity can also be a romantic thing!
by Caleb | Mar 14, 2017 | Food, restaurant, Travel
Kota Kinabalu or KK is one of the most popular destinations in east Malaysia. Not only is it known for its beautiful attractions like Mount Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah is also a favorite among foodies looking for unique and cheap eats (especially the sweets). Check out these top five cafés to visit in Kota Kinabalu if you’re a cake lover:
- Bits & Bites
For those who’d like to savor local baked goods, Bits & Bites offers plenty of traditional Malaysian kuih-muih (bite-sized desserts or snacks) as well as classic cakes like sponge cakes and moist chocolate cakes. Must-tries include onde-onde, kuih pelita, and lepat. Find them at Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center.
- Omma’s Oven
If you’re a vegan, head on down to this family-friendly bakery/café. They make fresh bread and pastries on a daily basis and cakes in different flavors, in addition to noodles and rice dishes. Must-tries include banana cakes and any of their vegan lunch menu of the day. Find them at Lot 19-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3.
- Kak Kiah Cake House
Diehard fans of cheesecakes and homemade cakes should pay this family-run café a visit. The quaint cake house offers affordable sliced cakes in 11 different flavors, with the most popular one being their juicy cheesecakes. Try the cheesecakes with the café’s signature banana milk. Find them at Lot 41, Jalan Chan Fook.
- Strawberry Cake House
Another café worth visiting if you love cheesecakes, the lovely Strawberry Cake House offers a variety of desserts and cakes with regular deals and promotions. Must-tries include shaved cheese as topping with any sliced cake, paired with the café’s signature drink of the day. Find them at Lot 33, Block E, Damai Plaza III, Jalan Damai.
- Café de Vie
One of the only few cafés/bakeries in the city to offer mille crepe cakes on its menu, Café de Vie specializes in fruity-flavored mille crepes like mango (which is a must-try) as well as the traditional flavors like tiramisu. They also have a variety of desserts and hot food on the menu. Find them at Lot No.15-0, LLP No.4, Lintas Plaza Phase 2B.
Please note that all of the cafés mentioned are pork-free and wine-free, with the exception of Café de Vie. The typical opening hours for cafés in KK are from 9am to 10pm daily. There are plenty of other cafés worth visiting if you’re wondering .
4 Awesome Beach Resorts You Should Check Out In Penang, Malaysia
by Caleb | Mar 11, 2017 | Hotels & Accomodation, Travel
The state of Penang has some of the best beaches and resorts in Malaysia. So if you are craving for some fun in the beach and a bit of luxurious pampering from a salon or spa, you should definitely head over to Penang. If it’s your first time to visit the region and you have no idea where to go, here are some of the beach resorts in the area. Whatever itinerary you have planned, see to it that it includes one or two of these great beach resorts:
- Lexis Suites Penang
If you’re looking for a picturesque Penang resort at the southern end of the island, this is where you should go. This is a 5-star hotel and resort so you should expect premium and luxurious services. It has both indoor and outdoor facilities which you and your family or friends can enjoy.
- Hard Rock Hotel Penang
When it comes to amenities, only a few resorts can compete with what Hard Rock offers. The resort has restaurants, outdoor pools, nightclubs, spas, and health clubs. The place is also adjacent to popular establishments like art galleries, shopping centers, and water parks.
- Parkroyal Penang Resort
The views from this resort are amazing. The stretch of beach in front of it is also quiet and less crowded. They even have babysitting services for visiting families who have small children with them.
- Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort
The customer service in this resort is really something. They pick you up at the airport, provide free parking and free internet connection, possess an arcade room, and they even have a stacked library. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to relax and have some alone time.
These are just some of the many beach resorts that line the coasts of Penang. There are more if you prefer to explore on your own. Exploring the island and nearby Seberang Perai isn’t that difficult because of the availability of public transportation systems like buses, trains, and ferries.
by Caleb | Mar 7, 2017 | Finance, Travel
Backpacking is becoming popular for millennial Malaysians. Because Malaysia’s geographical locations are close to dozens of beautiful countries and airlines are providing affordable ways of flying, traveling has become accessible. Backpacking is the preferred way of travel as it is low-cost, independent and feeds your sense of wanderlust. However, there are dozens of pitfalls to backpacking because it allows you to be so mobile in a foreign destination. Thanks to technology, backpacking has become a lot safer and convenient. Before heading off, take a look at our Malaysian Backpacker’s checklist and start preparing.
- Bring a Powerbank and Adaptor
Every place you go may not have a suitable outlet so a powerbank can juice up your mobile phone. Not every country’s electric outlets have the same size so it would be wise to bring a transformable adaptor.
- Buy Travel Insurance
A must-do before getting on a plane is to . Travel insurance provides medical and liability coverage and protects you from any flight-related mishaps.
- Create Travel Soundtrack
No trip is complete with a suitable soundtrack to create a mood of wanderlust.
- Download Essential Applications
Technology has contributed to the popularity of backpacking. Download apps like Google Maps and Uber for navigation and transportation, as well as, language applications for communication.
- Handy a Padlock
Security is an essential when traveling. With no permanent home base, purchase a sturdy lock to keep your material belongings safe and secure while you slumber.
- Make Online Copies of Travel Documentation
Passports, credit cards, and visas are crucial documents when traveling. With all these items squished in your backpack, there’s a chance they could go missing. You should scan these documents and upload them to Google Drive or any Cloud service to assure you have them at all times.
- Make Yourself Traceable
It’s easy to get lost when exploring a foreign land. In case you go missing, have a loved one back home trace your mobile’s GPS signal, so you’ll always be on the map
- Pack Medicine
While sickness does not cross your mind when planning a trip, it’s important to be prepared for fever, stomach viruses among other illnesses in a foreign land.
- Pack a Foldable Rain Jacket and Bag Cover
Weather can make or break a vacation. Always pack a foldable and space-saving rain jacket and cover for your backpack for a rainy situation.
- Prepare Backup Service
Photos are an essential takeaway. Get a backup service for photos snapped on your phone or Wi-Fi-enabled camera like Dropbox where your photos are automatically stored.
Before heading on your backpacking excursion, make sure to accomplish these ten tasks to have a comfortable, safe and adventurous trip. Come back to Malaysia yearning to go backpacking once again.
by Caleb | Mar 4, 2017 | Hotels & Accomodation, Travel
Are you looking for a holiday destination for this summer? If your notion of summer fun is basking in the sun, cool breeze, food heaven, and a glorious sunset, then Penang in Malaysia is the likely place for you.
Seasoned travelers rate Penang as the top vacation spot in Southeast Asia. And they have plenty of good reasons. The diverse and exciting cultures of Malaysia are showcased in exotic Penang. It is an urban center yet rich in old-Asia ambiance. But because it’s summertime, regale in a complete and pleasurable escapade.
4 TRAVEL TIPS IN PENANG
Let’s cut to the chase and outline the perfect itinerary for you.
Your accommodation is the first item on the list. Although there are worthy choices, the Lexus Suites in Penang is highly recommended to kick-off your summer vacation. This is a Penang beach hotel on the island that is replete with indoor and outdoor facilities for couple or family enjoyment.
Your vacation will not be complete without a sightseeing schedule in your itinerary. The island offers various tourist attractions depending on your inclinations. For famous landmarks, Georgetown is where the Chinese shop houses are lined up. The Penang National Park is a nature lover’s delight with its wild rainforest, flora, and fauna as well as fantastic panoramic views of unspoiled beaches.
Food choices in the island are aplenty. Taste the best of Malaysia everywhere. Check out the food space starting from the popular stalls and street food to the more sophisticated and elegant dining experience. There’s a lot of fusion of Asian and Western culinary dishes will to your discriminating taste.
Shopping is the final agenda on your itinerary before ending your vacation. The island boasts of modern malls like the Gurney Paragon and the 1st Avenue Mall.
Bargain hunting is the name of the game. It has become a culture for the locals and tourists looking for the best buys in town.
Your vacation should be worth every penny. There are other engaging activities for you on the island. The capsulized itinerary presented here is intended to make the most of your stay. Pack your bags and head to the island of Penang. The welcome mat is ready for your arrival.
