Even though Penang is a small island, the diversity of experiences that it offers has always captivated tourists. As it promises everything from nature and culture to history and cuisine, it has earned it the title of Pearl of the Orient. This Malaysian city has something for everyone. Whether you are a beach lover, an adventurer, or a foodie, it is time to learn about the best things to do in Penang for a weekend getaway. 

There are only a few places in the world that combine as many exciting things and natural beauty in one place as Penang. From the densest and tropical rainforest to the most mesmerising tropical views, this city is a dream come true for nature lovers. But the city’s charm is not limited to these exceptional natural landscapes alone. You will find it everywhere, from its rich culture to the most mesmerising heritage and history. Whether you’re flying long-haul or planning Penang holidays from the UK, this destination guarantees a weekend full of endless and unique experiences.

Best Things to Do in Penang on the Weekend

We are here with the perfect two-day itinerary for your weekend getaway in Penang. Our goal is to ensure you have the most memorable experiences the city offers. 

Day 1: All About Exploring Culture and Heritage 

You can never go wrong with starting your first day in Penang, exploring its glorious heritage sites, and having the most immersive cultural retreat. There is so much to see in this historically rich area that will give you a unique experience on every turn. Let’s talk about some of the most incredible things to do to explore the culture and heritage of Penang on day one of your weekend getaway to this vibrant city. 

•  A Visit to George Town’s Street Art & Heritage Trails

Penang Georgetown

There is no better way to start your trip of exploring the culture and heritage of the city than a visit to George Town. You will feel like you have entered an open-air museum while you are here. The beautiful sight features vibrant colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, and exceptional street murals by renowned artists, such as Ernest Zacharevic. The best way to explore this ancient town is by renting a bike or by taking a morning walk across the town. 

• Explore Kek Lok Si Temple

Being one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, this temple surely has a charm that attracts tourists. This glorious complex is located on top of Air Itam. Some of the prominent features of this temple complex include the towering Goddess of Mercy statue and the beautiful pagodas. And let’s not forget about the most breathtaking and panoramic views of the beautiful city. 

• Stroll Through Penang Hill

Penang hill viewpoint

You can end your day with a more relaxing activity, like taking a funicular train to Penang Hill. This is the ultimate place to refresh your mind and unwind in the cool air and amidst the mesmerising, sweeping views of the island. Attractions include The Habitat, a rainforest canopy walk, and David Brown’s Restaurant, offering a delicious high tea with a beautiful view. 

Day 2: Indulge Your Taste Buds & Explore Nature

Your second day in Penang should be all about indulging in the flavoursome cuisine of Penang and exploring the natural beauty of this beautiful region. You will have endless things to do during this day too, because Penang has the most mesmerising landscapes and incredible food that never fails to amaze tourists. Let’s go through some activities that you can do if you want to make the most of this day in the city. 

• Feast at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre

Not many people know this, but Penang is referred to as the food capital of Malaysia. Therefore, you can expect some delicious meals during your time here. And a breakfast at the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre will surely give you one of the most favourite meals of your life. But for this, you will have to wake up early. Some of the most magical things that you can try here include Rojak, Char Kway Teow, Penang Laksa, and Cendol. 

• Relax at Batu Feringghi Beach

Batu Ferringhi beach

Who doesn’t love a relaxing beach day? Once you have treated yourself to a delicious breakfast, you must make a trip to this beautiful beach. This place is perfect to make your sun, sand, and sea dreams come true. Adventurous things that you can do while you are at this beach include jet-skiing and parasailing. If you stay until the evening, you can visit the evening market, where you can buy beautiful souvenirs, local crafts, and enjoy delicious street food.

• Discover Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

This butterfly farm is a haven for every nature lover. Also, if you are in the city with kids, they will surely love this beautiful tourist attraction. At this eco-park, you will witness thousands of vibrant butterflies, insects, and reptiles in stunning landscape gardens. 

Final Words

Spending a weekend in Penang can never be a bad idea. This beautiful city has its charm, which is unmatched, and promises countless vibrant experiences. From stunning landscapes to glorious history and a rich culture, everything here is worth exploring. You will also fall in love with the local cuisine that is popular in the whole country. 

The post Best Things to Do in Penang for a Weekend Getaway appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Having an unexpected three-day holiday around the Chinese New Year, and the travel bug still eating on me even after moving to my dream place, Thailand, I took the chance of a discounted return flight and traveled to Georgetown, Penang. Among the hundreds idyllic islands and cities spread between Thailand and Malaysia, why Georgetown?

Why Georgetown?

Cheong Fah Tze Mansion

Because the city (Malaysia’s second largest) boasts an incredible combination of art, business, colonial heritage and a delightful local cuisine. In reason of the different cultures that call Penang home, Georgetown’s architecture is incredibly varied, and temples stand just steps from mosques while traditional Peranakan houses are around the corner from grand colonial buildings. Coming from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok, it’s such a pleasure to walk in this pedestrian friendly city where time stands still. It’s China meets the British, meets Malay, meets India, meets the Dutch, meets Portugal, and for sure I’m forgetting someone else. So, why not? 

I had been in Penang in 2006 but at that time Georgetown hadn’t impressed me: all I remember was an old-fashioned and depressed city with dirty roads. However, I heard that things had changed for the better, and I wanted to give it a second try. 

It all started in 2008 when, after being listed as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO for its many original Chinese shophouses and historical architecture, the city council asked a team of artists to create art installations to tell its story. That first project paved the way for more artists to come and nowadays street art is displayed in many buildings downtown, while ongoing projects attract artists and artisans, and new galleries and boutiques open every month. 

Street Art

Little children on a bicycle by Zacharevich

Street art is the perfect excuse to go on a treasure hunt by foot, by bicycle or trishaw, and this is what I did. Both days I woke up early and started wondering around, phone in one hand, a map in the other, looking for Lithuanian artist Zacharevich’s series of murals called “Mirrors George Town”. The “Boy on a bike” and “Little boy with pet dinosaur” are two of the most famous and interesting paintings in the city. “Little children on a bicycle” is a variation of the former, with a real bike instead of a motorcycle. “Little girl in blue” is a 20-foot mural, again by Zacharevich, in Muntri street. Ah Quee street, Armenian street, Lebuh Leith and Weld Quai are some of the streets with worth-to-see murals, but keep your eyes open all around the city, or pick up a Penang street art map at the Tourist Information Centre, because Art is everywhere in Georgetown.

The Food

The second reason why I chose to go back to Penang is the food. Food in Georgetown reflects the mixed nationalities and cultures that call the city home, and restaurants (hole-in-the-wall restaurants as well as hipster coffee places and haute cuisine venues) are thriving. On my second day, after a full English breakfast near my hotel, I ventured out for a walk in Little India and couldn’t resist a second serve of freshly cooked samosa from a street stall. Then it was lunch time, and who could say no to a Malay spicy soup and curry? Certainly not me. At dinner I had jaozi (Chinese dumplings) and some steamed veggies in soya sauce, followed by Italian gelato.

Penang Hill cable car

Chinese New Year (known as Spring Festival in China) was approaching, and the city was embellished with red lanterns and decorations all around houses and temples. Most of the Malay Chinese that live in Penang come from Fujian province, or from Guangdong, and today 40% of the island’s population is of Chinese ethnicity, so no wonder that the Spring Festival in Georgetown involves large celebrations.

Among all the red and gold decorations displayed in the festive city, though, my new favourite colour are the Indigo blue walls of the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion. In an ideal life I would be eating samosa for breakfast, ride a boat to work every day, and live in this house with a monkey pet, ten cats and a guy who can cook like Tony Bourdain. This famous mansion was the creation and nest of one of the wealthiest Chinese industrials in Asia, and it has been turned into a boutique hotel by the present owners. It can be visited three times a day, and the one-hour tour is led by the lively landlord herself. Go check it out, and you’ll learn some interesting facts about the house and the man behind it. 

Penang Hill & Entopia

Besides eating and art hunting, in Penang I spent a day hiking the famous Penang Hill and visiting the incredibly beautiful butterfly garden of Entopia. The former is the most famous place in Penang for trekking as not only it offers fabulous views of Georgetown, but the fun part starts even before reaching the destination: a funicular train to Penang Hill leaves from the bottom of Bukit Bendera. The ticket is quite expensive for foreigners (around 30 Ringit), however this railway is the steepest tunnel track in the world, and Asia

Entopia park

’s longest funicular track. You will pass some picturesque century old colonial-style buildings before reaching the upper level station. At the top of the hill, there are several trails of different lengths and other attractions including shops and restaurants. I did a 2-hour trekking by myself (but free guided walks are available at fixed times) then ate a bite in a food court and descended just after noon in order to go visiting Entopia. 

This is a giant covered garden with a glass roof that lets the sun rays light up the whole area. And it houses two worlds: Natureland is the outdoor garden where around 15,000 free-flying butterflies, over 150 species of insects and reptiles and more than 200 species of plants live, and The Cocoon is the indoor discovery centre with some educational stations and indoor activities to self discover the insect world. All insects are interesting, but to experience butterflies like you do at Entopia is just fantastic: there are about 60 different species, some as little as a daisy’s petal, some as large as a hand, and they all fly freely around, sometimes landing on you, if you stay still long enough! 

Reaching Entopia takes about 45 minutes from the center of Georgetown, however it’s a very pleasant journey: buses are frequent and air-conditioned, and the routes quite easy to navigate; plus you’ll have the chance to get a glimpse of the island and some beaches. Another option is Grab, very useful if you don’t want to wait for the bus, and quite cheap compared to normal taxis. I used it a few times and both drivers not only spoke perfect English but were eager to provide tips and info. 

I only had two full days to spend in Penang, and that’s why I limited myself to the city of Georgetown and nearby destinations, however the island is a fantastic escape for travellers who want to experience a combination of nature, culture, food and even some beach life: don’t expect the turquoise waters of Samui and Koh Lipe, anyway the island has got plenty of long, white sandy beaches where you’ll have a chance to relax in between tours. Isn’t it great?

Travel Tips

The author in front of a mural art

Several airlines fly to Penang via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. 

The best way to go around the island is by bus or Grab: buses are frequent and air-conditioned and can be caught from several bus stops in and around Chulia street.

If you plan to go on a hunt for street-art, buy a Penang Street Art map at the Tourist Information Centre: besides the most famous spots, it also shows the less known.

Little India is where you should spend at least an evening while in Georgetown: the restaurants and food stalls are amazing, and more often than not you’ll find yourself in the middle of a wedding, a party or a religious ceremony worth a million photos.

Where to sleep: Georgetown is full of hotels, guesthouses and hostels for any wallet. If your is loaded, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is surely an outstanding experience. Mine wasn’t loaded but I was very pleased with Kim Haus Penang, a goldsmith/ jewelry shop turned into a café and hostel. 

The post Street Art Nature and Fine Cuisine in Penang appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

After a long hiatus, The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia is proud to announce its much-anticipated return to the rails in February 2024. Offering a reimagined adventure of Southeast Asia in motion, the train will launch two new seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and travelling through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes and vibrant cities: the Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October). The iconic train’s 15 dark green carriages will leave Singapore’s Woodlands station, taking in destinations like Penang, Langkawi and for the first time the Taman Negara National Park, before heading back to the garden city.

With restyled interiors, elevated on board experiences, and enthralling journeys encompassing culture, gastronomy, architecture and the arts, the Eastern & Oriental Express continues to take railway travel in the region to new heights, while setting a new standard of excellence in Southeast Asia.

ESSENCE OF MALAYSIA: A GATEWAY INTO MALAY CULTURE

The Essence of Malaysia is a three-night journey through the country’s western wonders, from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and finally to the colourful island of Penang. After a relaxing first day of on-board indulgence, guests will disembark the train in Alor Setar and join a private cruise to Langkawi. For the first time, the Eastern & Oriental Express will offer guests the chance to go on a snorkelling excursion and rub shoulders with the sprawling underwater life that populates the Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi’s prime snorkelling spot.

The third day is dedicated to discovering Penang, a multicultural island whose capital, George Town, boasts century-old UNESCO World Heritage sites, lively street art, and a thrilling food scene. Delving deep into the essence of Penang, guests can visit cultural highlights such as local art galleries and ancient temples in George Town’s Old Quarter; shop in the local markets and partake in an authentic Peranakan cooking class in a private hillside residence followed by a traditional tea ceremony; or soak up the views of George Town’s picturesque streets at their own pace, hopping on traditional tri-shaws and touring the surroundings in the company of local insiders, before rejoining the train and travelling south towards Singapore.

WILD MALAYSIA: EXPLORING SIGHTS UNSEEN

A brand new destination for the Eastern & Oriental Express, the Wild Malaysia itinerary covers the untouched areas surrounding the ‘Jungle Railway’, towards the Eastern side of the peninsula, and gives guests the unique opportunity to visit the Taman Negara National Park. Devised in collaboration with global tiger conservation organisation, Save Wild Tigers, the journey combines blissful moments of relaxation on the train with a dash of adventure. One of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world and a true explorer’s paradise, the Taman Negara National Park is home to hundreds of species such as tigers, leopards, and Sumatran rhinos. Here, guests can embark on a variety of excursions: from learning about the safeguarding of the Malayan Tiger, to a one-of-a-kind photography masterclass and a foraging experience in the jungle.

After an inspiring immersion in the rainforest, on day three guests will travel to the west side to visit Penang. With a choice of three different activities to explore Penang’s artistic, culinary and historic heritage, guests will immerse into local culture before getting back on the train for their last night on board.

LIFE ON BOARD: A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL CULTURE

As they step on board the Eastern & Oriental Express, guests are invited to live and breathe the captivating culture of Southeast Asia at every moment. Days are punctuated by exciting encounters with local characters and passionate artisans, who will unveil the secrets of the region as they teach ancient crafts and tell century-old tales, while the sound of Nanyang jazz and vintage Malay tunes will accompany guests throughout the evenings.

An elevated menu of contemporary dishes rooted in the Peranakan culture awaits guests of the Eastern & Oriental Express. A blend of Chinese, Malay, and other Southeast Asian culinary influences that originated in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore, Peranakan cuisine is known for its bold flavours, intricate preparation methods, and the sapient use of local ingredients. The train’s Executive Chef will celebrate this long established gastronomic tradition while adding a modern twist to ancient recipes turning every meal into a journey through Southeast Asia’s culinary suggestions.

RESTYLING OF AN ICON

The Eastern & Oriental will return to the rails with 15 restyled carriages including eight sleeping cars, two restaurant cars, a Piano Bar Car and the iconic open-air Observation Car. From ornate marquetry, to Malaysian embroidery and oriental silks, the train will sparkle with a sense of contemporary grandeur, bringing in a layered and vibrant experience of Southeast Asia through carefully curated design details and colour schemes.

Warm sanctuaries of cherry wood panelling, the three different cabin categories – Pullman, State and Presidential – are all complete with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. The Pullman cabins are inspired by the radiance of Kuala Lumpur, boasting red sofas juxtaposed with blue cushions, drapery and pelmets that reflect the city’s dramatic skies, while the State cabins reflect Penang’s marine locale with a bright blue and green colour palette. The Presidential cabins celebrate regional opulence, with hues of gold and embroidered décor elements. Further design highlights include the eye-catching green carpet with a Tiger Orchid blooming across the entire length of the Piano Bar Car, carpets infilled with traditional Malay batik in the Malay restaurant, and the Observation Car’s laid back interiors paired with natural wicker details, colourful cushions and hand-painted pots that add a playful layer to the train experience.

The post EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS RETURNS TO THE RAILS appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Sino-Portuguese houses are a unique architectural style found in Southeast Asia. These houses have an interesting history and a cultural significance, which makes them an important part of the region’s heritage.

The Sino-Portuguese house style began in the 16th century when Portuguese traders started trading in Southeast Asian countries. The prolonged contact between the two different cultures led the locals to be inspired by the construction techniques of their new visitors, incorporating many elements into their designs and creating a unique hybrid between Asian and European styles, which is still seen today .

Today these houses are highly sought-after for their historic value and aesthetic appeal; they often serve both residential purposes and commercial activities such as shops or restaurants within their premises, and in some cases they can be preserved through maintenance efforts which help to keep this distinctive aspect of regional culture alive for future generations to appreciate.

Sino-Portuguese houses are one of the icons of Southeast Asian cultural and historical heritage, with a significant presence in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. These houses are characterised by their unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences, as their name suggests, and represent a synthesis of the two cultures that have contributed to their design and development.

On the one hand we find the Chinese influence which is evident in the traditional elements of the southern Chinese style, such as the layout of the interior spaces and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. On the other hand, the Portuguese influence is visible in the use of Baroque elements, such as interior decorations, stained glass windows and carved wooden doors.

These houses are much more than just homes: they represent a bridge between two cultures and a testimony of the past, offering a unique experience to visitors who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this fusion of different cultural traditions and influences. With their charm and historical significance, these Sino-Portuguese houses have become real treasures for local communities, who continue to care for them and preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.

The origins of Sino-Portuguese architecture can be traced back to the 16th century, when merchants from East Asia and Europe began trading with each other along what was then known as the Spice Route. Over time, their interactions became more frequent and they began to incorporate aspects of each culture into their designs, thus creating an entirely new architectural style that combined features such as curved gables or decorative columns associated with European Baroque styles with ornate tiles similar to those used by southern Chinese buildings during that period.

Today Sino-Portuguese houses are very popular throughout Southeast Asia. This is not only because they represent a practical testimony of the encounter between East and West, an encounter that left something that is still worth admiring, but also because of the beauty, practicality and originality of the buildings that have left us, which highlight local craft traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation and enriched during the colonial era.

Although the style of Sino-Portuguese houses basically represents a unique architectural style, that is to say that concept of home and shop typical of that culture that is easy to find in predominantly Chinese cities such as Phuket or George Town, there may be differences from city to city.

In Singapore, for example, Sino-Portuguese style houses are predominantly found in Chinatown. They are typically two or three stories high and feature intricate details such as red brick walls, ornate window frames, ornate balconies, and colourful tile roofs. These features give these buildings a distinctive look from other types of housing in Singapore. Inside these homes one can find spacious living areas with large windows that allow natural light to enter the rooms, while offering spectacular views of the nearby streets or gardens below, depending on where they are located within the city.

In Malaysia, UNESCO has named Malacca and above all George Town, the latter being the capital of the island of Penang, as a World Heritage Site, also and perhaps above all thanks to the neighbourhoods where Sino-Portuguese architecture stands out.

In these cities the most obvious features of these houses are the large windows, often equipped with decorative grilles or shutters to keep out the sunlight and at the same time allow air to pass through; the large verandas that offer shade; the brightly coloured walls decorated with painted ceramic tiles; the wooden balconies adorned with intricate carvings; the high ceilings supported by intricately carved wooden posts or beams; the sloping roofs made of red clay tiles arranged in elaborate patterns reminiscent of those of temples throughout Southeast Asia. Inside these dwellings can be found large courtyards surrounded by galleries filled with antiques collected over the generations, as well as luxurious furniture made from local hardwoods such as teak and rosewood which further enhance the value of the dwelling.

The historic center of Malacca is a unique testimony to the history and culture of this region. Sino-Portuguese buildings with centuries of history are still standing, but they are threatened by urban development projects and it is precisely to preserve this cultural heritage that the government and UNESCO are working together to restore some of these structures and preserve the original ones. Restoration work has been carried out on some structures so that they can once again be appreciated in all their former glory, while others have remained intact, giving visitors an idea of what life was like when settlers arrived here centuries ago .

Sino-Portuguese style houses began to be built in Thailand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There too it was an architectural synthesis resulting from the meeting of the distinctive traditional styles of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, whose traders found their meeting point mainly in Phuket Town. Here they are still part of the local landscape, and you can walk in the shade of their arcades wandering back in time between Thalang road, Dibuk road, PhangNga road, Yaowarat road and Krabi road.

Sino-Portuguese buildings were designed to fit the tropical environment, but also to ensure comfort within their walls; features such as large shuttered verandahs allowed for ventilation, while keeping out heat and humidity. The structures themselves were typically two or three stories high, with ornate balconies on each level and decorative columns that could be viewed from outside the house itself. Inside these homes were large courtyards surrounded by rooms filled with intricate wood carvings and colourful paintings depicting scenes of daily life of the time, all for a one-of-a-kind architectural experience unlike any other in the world!

Today these houses remain popular tourist attractions in all South-East Asian countries where they are present, thanks to the contribution of two cultures that have let themselves go to a certain form of permeability, leaving us with the testimony of a unique architecture which, as far as I know, has no equal in the rest of the world.

Images by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)

The post Origin of Sino-Portuguese houses appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

If you are looking to go on a short holiday to somewhere affordable and fun, Penang is one of the best destinations. Just a 45-minute flight away, there is much to explore in this Malaysian state with it being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transport is very affordable in Penang and you can enjoy the comfort of travelling in a car using Grab services. They are also well-known for their delicious local food which is a big plus point. A 3 days 2 nights trip is sufficient in Penang, and here are some activities you must include in your itinerary.

1. Guided Tour at the Blue Mansion

Also known as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, this place is now a tourist attraction and hotel with a restaurant. We recommend that you opt for the guided tour as the well-informed staff will share about the interesting history of the mansion as well as the architecture of the mansion which was inspired by feng shui. Remember to take pictures of this beautiful blue building for your Instagram feed!

2. Explore and take photos of the street art

Street art or wall murals are arguably the most iconic feature of Penang. There are so many of them spread all over George Town, you will definitely come across them while exploring the city. Most of them can be found along Armenian Street; however, if you are interested in catching all of them, there are maps easily available online which will assist in your navigation.

3. Visit the Penang Floating Mosque

The reason behind the name of this mosque came from its appearance during high tide, which makes it look like it is floating on water when in fact it was built on silts. Make sure you plan your visit at the right time to catch the scene of the mosque “floating”.

4. Feast on local food

When it comes to delicious food, Penang is definitely of the places known for it. Skip the fancy restaurants and go for their local food! We find that they are generally served in smaller portions compared to what we usually have here in Singapore, but we are not complaining as they are undeniably delectable and cheap. Penang white curry noodles, Assam laksa and prawn noodles are some of the must-haves during your trip.

5. Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the main attractions in George Town, Penang, and also one of the biggest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Be prepared to spend an hour or two exploring the area and go all the way up via the inclined lift to witness the magnificent statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, as well as a great view of the city.

6. Have fun at the museums

While most of us are used to visiting the historical museums of places, but Penang offers much more than that. We recommend the Wonderfood Museum to learn about their local food culture and the Upside Down Museum for some fun photo-taking experience. For the brave-hearted, visit the dark Ghost Museum and learn about the legends behind the ghosts of each culture. There, you will get to meet Sadako, vampires and even Chinese zombies known as Jiang shi, and take photos with them!

7. Visit The Temple of the Azure Cloud

This attraction as more simply known as Snake Temple is one of the most unique Buddhist temples as it is home to many pit vipers. They are no longer poisonous as they had the venomous fangs extracted. They are also very passive and will not attack visitors, but for your own safety, refrain from provoking or attacking them.

The post Travel Guide to Penang appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Penang Hill was designated as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in September 2021, the result of years of concerted effort spearheaded by The Habitat Penang Hill and The Habitat Foundation.

Penang Hill biosphere reserve map

Penang is known for many things, but not much is known about the island’s rich natural biodiversity. This may change especially since the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of Unesco’s Man and the Biosphere Programme formally inducted the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve into the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. With this listing, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve joins a distinguished global network of 714 Biosphere Reserves in 129 countries including 21 transboundary sites.

A view of the Penang National Park and The Habitat Penang Hill from atop the Penang Hill Special Area Plan

The Habitat Penang Hill, an environmental discovery centre that opened in January 2016, and its NGO arm The Habitat Foundation were key in spearheading this historic initiative. A key figure behind this is Reza A. Cockrell, co-founder of both organisations, and director and chairman respectively. Cockrell and his family recognised how special it was to have Penang Hill‘s virgin primary rainforest so close to major human habitation. They were the first to introduce the idea of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for Penang at a symposium called The Launch: Canopy Science and Forest Conservation in Penang in October 2016.

117 researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia and from around the world gathered to document the biodiversity of Penang Hill

The Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) was then appointed by the Penang State Government to represent the state in the preparation of the dossier for submission to Unesco. The Penang Hill BioBlitz, a complete forest floor to forest tree-top survey of the biodiversity of the rainforest on Penang Hill, was implemented over a period of two weeks in October 2017. Then, 117 scientists and bio-sciences students from USM, the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco as well as Singapore, Brunei and Hong Kong recorded more than 2,500 species of flora and fauna including species believed to be new to science. That BioBlitz confirmed that Penang Island’s forests were indeed rich in biodiversity and the findings formed the baseline science that was included in the dossier for submission to Unesco for the UBR nomination.

The Geosesarma faustum or more affectionally referred to as the Vampire Crab is a newly discovered species in the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (2017)

This designation confirms Penang Hill‘s rich biodiversity and simply reaffirms that the island’s pristine natural heritage and cultural landscapes are truly world-class and should be protected and celebrated. The Unesco listing means that Penang has the opportunity to lead the way, at least in Peninsular Malaysia, to demonstrate that tangible socio-economic benefits can arise from protecting, valuing and celebrating nature rather than just exploiting it.

Penang and Malaysia as a whole, being one of a handful of mega diverse countries in the world, with amazing and bountiful biodiversity assets, have a bright future as far as ecotourism is concerned. In Penang, the Unesco MAB platform will give access to a global network of 714 Biosphere Reserves. Coupled with the already existing Unesco World Heritage Site status for George Town, Penang will be able to promote its rich heritage, culture and now, its rich natural heritage and biodiversity on the world stage.

The post Penang Hill designated as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The Libra ship from near

I have just returned from Phuket, yes, the popular destination in Thailand! Nothing new then, you may think. But this time I did not travel there by plane or bus: I joined Star Cruise Libra, a luxury cruise ships from Penang.

Before I go any further, let me briefly share with you my experience to Thailand so far, a country also famous for its… elephants!

In the past three years I have been to Thailand four times. In 2014 I traveled to Thailand by road twice from Penang, passing Danok and visiting Hat Yai and Krabi. Then, a few months ago, I went to Phuket by plane with my good friend Ah Wen. I love Thailand, not only because it is a valuable neighbour to my home country Malaysia, but also because I love its food, its attractions and its culture. Going to Thailand again and again is amazing as this country is blessed with beautiful nature, surroundings, food and culture.

Cato at Phuket Promthep Cape

My recent visit to Thailand, a few months ago, was slightly different as this time I went with one of the biggest and best-known travel cruise companies in the world. This is what made my fourth trip to Thailand special. I had never been on a cruise before. Also, I remember seeing Star Cruise Libra ship near Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang Port, back when I was in Penang, and my dream was to one day join one of their cruises. Finally, my dream has become true, and I feel totally blessed!

What about Star Cruise? 

Cato at the deck

Star Cruise is the biggest ship operator in Malaysia, with ships that function as a hotel and offer a wide range of services that entertain you along the journey.

SuperStar Libra was build in 1988 in Finland and was owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line as Seaward as Seaward. In 2005, Star Cruise company took over this ship and named it SuperStar Libra.  As SuperStar libra, this ship has sailed to several places namely the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Guatemalan gulf before ending in the East. In Asia, this ship deployed to Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore before berthing and serve in Malaysia.

Star Cruise ship upper deck

The ship tonnage is 42,275 GT, length 216 meter and beam 28 meter. SuperStar Libra can accommodate up to 1500 passengers and has 740 cabins with 6 types of room: Executive Suite, Junior Suite, Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom, Oceanview Stateroom with Porthole and Inside Stateroom.

SuperStar Libra facilities include 8 bars and restaurants, outdoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, a golf driving range, basketball court, fitness centre, karaoke lounge, show lounge with entertainment and duty free shops.

PACKAGES

Packages include a 1 night high seas cruise and a 3 nights cruise to Krabi and Phuket, Thailand, or vice-versa

For info and bookings visit http://www.starcruisepackagesmalaysia.com/ – http://www.starcruise.org/sslibra.htm

Prices depend on season and promotions.

Here are some tips for those interested in booking a SuperStar Libra cruise to Thailand:

1. Queuing start from 12.30 pm at the registration counter

2. Don’t forget your passport

3. Make sure you book your Thailand tours in Phuket or Krabi early (Krabi Guide is one of your best choice, contact them online ), and to rent a bike once there to move in complete freedom.

The team heading to the restaurant

4. Your room card will be like a credit card: once aboard the ship, just swipe the card and pay before you leave the cruise.

SCHEDULE

Day One-Sunday:

-Check in at Star Cruise 12.30pm

-Sailing between Penang and Phuket

The food on board

Day Two-Monday

-Afternoon arrival at Phuket Jetty

-Sightseeing in Phuket until midnight

Day Three-Tuesday

-Arrive at Krabi around 8.00am

-Sightseeing in Krabi

-Must be back at ship before sunset.

-Gala Dinner with Ship Captain

Selfie at Cruise

Day Four-Wednesday

-Arrive at Penang around noon

MY EXPERIENCE

I was totally happy to be onboard SuperStar Libra and in my opinion, taking a Star Cruise is one of best option. I fully enjoyed my overwhelming stay, the facilities, the food and the karaoke bar (I was singing there for 3 night non-stop).

The staff is friendly, and don’t be surprised if they address you as Madam or Sir. The sightseeing was awesome too and I’m lucky that I has a chance to meet my friend Pluto, also a writer for Asian Itinerary.

Passport and Cruise card

I have made sure I visited all the facilities including the casinos, the gym, the show area, bar and even buy some souvenir for your memory before I left the ship.

Overall, I hope to hop on another cruise in the future since I enjoyed the idea on being inside this big ship. It made me feel like being on the Titanic, and I did not miss posing like Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio, capturing those moments with a photograph.

The post Star Cruise Libra adventuring the Andaman Sea appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

It was during an Internet search on Penang cultural sites that I discovered the amazing Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the typical home of a rich Straits Born of a century ago, recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions.

The jewelery section

Straits Born (also known as the Peranakan) were the privileged elite on the Malay Archipelago for half a millennium, and descended from marriages between foreign traders and local women on the Malay Archipelago – Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand -, forming a unique race with a distinctive cultural identity of their own.

The Peranakan comprises the better-known Baba (men) and Nyonya (women) community in Malaysia and South East Asia, communities that mainly flourished in Melaka and Penang (Malaysia), Phuket (Thailand) and Singapore.

Main hall at Peranakan Mansion

Each of these communities, despite their relatively small size, have added to the diversity of the region, encompassing their own infusing unique blend of elaborate customs, traditions and speech, cuisine, attire, jewellery, and architecture – all showcasing various cross-cultural elements at their best. An extravagant complexity branded Peranakan Heritage that remains very much hidden within the communities.

One of the best ways to take a deeper look into the vestiges of this culture is a visit to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Owned by a non Baba who collects Peranakan items, this Penang’s heritage mansion shows eclectic design and architecture. Built at the end of the 19th century by one of local history’s famous personalities, this house had once served as the residence and office of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee.

Upstairs rooms

Peranakan Mansion is a Chinese courtyard house was much like a typical large Baba home of eclectic style, incorporating Chinese carved-wood panels and English floor tiles and Scottish ironworks. Having survived the many decades of neglect and decay, the mansion has now been restored to its former glory of a stately home and displays over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display.

A smiley Lillian at the Kapitan private temple

I was lucky to be assigned for my visit to Lillian Tong, the Museum Curator. Lillian has already published two books on Peranakan heritage and is working on one on Chinese jewellery from that era. She, as most Nyonya and Baba do, traces back her roots to five generations  and has discovered to be of Thai origins: her ancestors in fact worshipped Thai divinities and used to go into trance the way Chinese Thais do during Chinese new year.

She is a superb guide I must say, she puts so much passion on what she does and went the extra mile to tell me stories other visitors do not usually hear. She gleamed and shone while, in academic English – her father was British educated -, she explained about good and bad luck believes, about Peranakan weddings that would last 12 days and nights, described grooms and brides embroidered dresses, told about ghosts and zombies, explained curtains and embroideries particularities.

Small house temple

It was such a pleasure hearing about Nyonya and Baba who traveled to look for a prince who needed to be killed before he would inherit a throne, while using staircases with balusters of cast iron from Glasgow featuring hollowed out designs of fleur-de-lis, and entering amazing ambiences like the front hall, richly decorated with European-styled teak furniture, Victorian ceramic figures and glass epergnes, and the main hall, typically separated from the rest of the house by an ornately carved wooden screen in Straits and Chinese homes.

One of the house airy terraces

We walked on tiles from China, on rooms built over columns from Scotland. Peranakan people mixed all sort of traditions, dresses and ways of living, using objects and decorations from Europe and from anywhere available, mingling them with their own. Their dinner services include table covers from Ireland, and porcelain, glass and silverware, all imported from Europe.

Peranakan Mansion contains Queen’s Burmese vases, Chinese dynasties and Victorian era paraphernalia, and even some Arab influences, as the Peranakan people used items without feeling threatened by the Muslim influence. In fact, Straits Born mixed religions as well, mingling their taoism with Buddhism and Christianity.

Newly-wed bedroom

Peranakan Mansion previous name was Hai Kee Chan (Sea Remembrance Hall in Penang Hokkien) and its previous owner was Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, the richest man in Penang in the late 19th Century. Kapitan Chung was a powerful man who controlled all the dodgy businesses at the time: prostitution, gambling, tin mining, you name it. The house is believed to have been the first casino created by women, who would play cards and domino – there is a clear example of a domino table at the museum. They would of course get caught from time to time and sentenced to different levels of punishments by the local police.

Lillian at the domino table

Lillian went as far as taking me through a corridor to reach Kapitan Chung private temple, where his statue is exposed. This temple apparently was used as an entertainment area by Kapitan Chung, as shown by the ‘carved theater’ on the temple walls, and contained no deities but only ghosts, vampires and cheeky zombies who used to jump over the temple door’s threshold in small leaps, sneaking in and stealing the good luck from Kapitan. I loved these stories.

After decades of neglect, Peranakan Mansion was purchased in 2000 and extensively restored to its former glory by its new owner, who turned it into a museum that opened in 2004.

Peranakan Mansion gave me amazing feeling of how it would be to live in that era. For more detailed information about the Straits Born community, follow historian and anthropologist Julian Davison journeys to uncover their history.

Patio inside Kapitan private temple

Thanks again Peranakan Mansion to allow me to discover a heritage I was not so knowledgeable about, and a special thanks to Lillian Tong for the amazing insight into the Nyonya and Baba culture.

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is open daily between 09.30 am and 17.00 pm. Complimentary guided tours are only available with prior arrangements. Discounts are available for large groups, such as school groups. It is advisable to contact the museum for guided tour arrangements prior to entering the mansion. rmhbaba@gmail.com

Telephone : +60 4-2642929

Admission fees: Adults : RM20 – Children : Free

http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my

For the version in ITALIAN language of this article, click HERE!

The post Penang Peranakan Mansion appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

A beautiful specimen of cannonball tree

Penang Botanic Gardens are usually simply called the Botanic Gardens by Penang islanders. Also known as the Waterfalls Gardens – from the 122-metre high waterfall that sends its water down through the gardens -, Penang Botanic Gardens are located in a valley along Jalan Kebun Bunga and are one of the most visited places on the island with some 5,000 people making a beeline for the gardens on weekdays alone. On weekends, public and school holidays, the figure doubles to 10,000.

Set up by the British in 1884 by Charles Curtis of the Gardens & Forests Departments Straits Settlements, this used to be an old granite quarry site, located at the end of Waterfall Road, about 8 kilometres from Georgetown city centre.

The bridge crossing over the stream

Once open to the public, the waterfall has apparently been cordoned off for safety reasons. People visiting the gardens come to jog, exercise, breath the good hilly air or just sit on the lawn and picnic by the water stream.

The environment is beautiful: this well landscaped place contains a huge variety of indigenous and exotic plant species, including cannonball trees (with their unique flowers ‘the size of a cannon ball’), sengkuang trees, pinang palms, black lilies, slipper orchids and more. Some of these trees were imported by the British from other parts of the works, including South America. Some of the more interesting plants at the gardens are kept under lock and key, and are only open to visitors from 07:00 – 19:00. Most trees have signs with their names on it: tamarind, bamboo, pinang palm, mangosteen and lychee.

Green valleys

Penang Botanic Gardens is divided into 12 open sections: the Formal Garden, Lily Pond, Perdana Plant House, Tropical Rainforest Jungle Track, Fern House, Fern Rockery, Aroid Walkaway, Cactus House, Orchidarium (with an amazing collection of specimen), Horticulture Centre, Nursery and Quarry Recreational Park. The path to the Lily Pond is covered in an amazing rainforest vegetation, the pond area is pleasant and serene, and the pond itself, fed by a small waterfall, is filled with aquatic plants.

A great variety of flowers

Walkways in the gardens are easy to walk and accessible to wheelchairs. During your walk it is not unusual to catch sight of fauna and wildlife including colourful birds, black giant squirrels, turtles, a myriad of insects and butterflies and even a resident monitor lizard. The surrounding hills are home to about 200 dusky leaf monkeys who are often seen in the gardens. They can become aggressive if they are fed, so as a rule, do not feed them. There are signs in the park reminding you of that – and of the RM500 fine if you do.

Giant cactuses and ferns around the gardens

I visited the gardens in about 2 hours, though it can take lot longer. There is a shuttle bus at the entrance that for 5 RM it takes you up the hill for a short visit and then back down. It is ok for those with limited mobility or totally unfit, but it is beyond the purpose as in this way you miss most of the sites. I visited the gardens at 5pm and enjoyed my time, though I am told the best time is obviously in the early morning.

At the main entrance you can see a small road going uphill to your left: it is the way to Penang Hill, which can be reached in about one hour walk. It is a steep but delightful and highly rewarding trek, but be very ware of the macaque monkeys along this path, that can be cheeky and frisky if you get too close to them.

The gardens headquarters

How to get there: Penang Botanic Gardens can be reached by buses 7 and 10 (check as routes may change) at the bust station Komtar building in Georgetown.

TransitLink bus 202 runs a route that goes past the Penang Botanical Gardens, on its way to Teluk Bahang.

If you fancy a walk, you can start from Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld) in Georgetown. Cross the weld by the pedestrian bridge, turn left and walk until you reach the junction with Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right and walk the distance until you arrive at Penang Botanic Gardens.

Gardens logos

Address: Pavilion Administrative Complex, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350, Penang

Opening Hours: Penang Botanic Gardens are open 5.00am to 8.00pm daily. Admission is free. Park officials run guided tours for the public and for organized groups. Call +604 226 4401 or +604 226 4405

The post Penang Botanic Gardens appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

LaBelle shop

I wasn’t on a dark desert highway (Penang roads are anything BUT a highway), neither had cool wind in my hair (Penang weather is hot hot hot, plus I was wearing a helmet!), but still: a Vespa tour of Penang is a great way to discover the island and to get to use one of the iconic symbols of my fatherland: Italy!

For this particular adventure I had planned in advance, contacting the one and only company in Penang (and please don’t quote me here, but I think they are the only ones in the whole of Malaysia) that does Vespa rentals, and we are not talking about vintage vespas here, but flashy, well-maintained new models of the most amazing colours.

In Georgetown

Fateha and husband Feroz welcomed me in their office at the end of Chulia Street in the tourist area of Penang capital Georgetown on a cloudy afternoon. They explained a few tricks on the vehicle: the way to behave in Penang traffic, how to park and avoid getting a ticket, the way to use the stand and the petrol refilling process. A map of the island, a raincoat, the right helmet and a pat on the back, and off they waved me!

I negotiated the busy traffic of Georgetown and as the sun was quickly setting behind the green mountains of Penang north, I sped off towards my destination where I would spend the night, the Hard Rock Hotel Penang, along the coastal road. The amazing lights of a reddish sunset accompanied me all the way to Batu Feringghi, a popular beach area spot for those who want to have picnic and spend time on a sandy beach, and home to the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. I had a great evening there, albeit an early one since the following day was going to be exploration time!

The view from my balcony at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

I woke up very early; from my Hard Rock Hotel Penang sea-front room balcony I marveled at the Andaman sea. The temperature was perfect at that time of the year, not hot nor cold, and I went down to fill the belly at Hard Rock Hotel Penang amazing breakfast buffet. I then started my white Vespa, wore my white helmet and drove off, proud as only a Vespa rider can be, crossing hip and chic Batu Feringghi and heading north-west with the intention of driving a ring route around the island. These were my stopovers:

1- First stop along the way was the Penang Tropical Spice Garden: set up 13 years ago by a British couple who transformed what was an abandoned rubber plantation into one of Malaysia’s award-winning eco-tourism destinations, Penang Tropical Spice Garden feels like a park: giant butterflies, dragonflies, birds, sounds of nature, cicadas, frogs… the kind of place you will not want to leave when the staff will finally announce it is closing time…

2- I then drove on to the nearby headquarters of Penang National Park. Gazetted in 1958, Taman Negara Pulau Penang is one of the few protected areas left in Penang Island, with 1,213 hectares of land facing the sea, an area that consists of forests and wetlands inhabited by a diverse habitat. I took advantage and drove the Vespa along the small roads of the fishermen traditional village that spans a block off the National Park, enjoying the activities of the local fishermen.

Overlooking Teluk Bahang Dam

3- Next destination was nearby Teluk Bahang Dam, the largest dam on Penang, created to provide an alternative source of water supply to the Ayer Itam Dam and the Botanic Gardens Waterfall. From its crest I enjoy a scenic view of the northern coast of Penang, but that was all, since Teluk Bahang Dam is not open to the public. Across the dam is Taman Rimba Forestry Park, starting point of numerous jungle trails which either circle the boundary of the park, pass through, or link up with Batu Feringghi.

4- The next 20km of road then took my two wheeled Vespa to an amazing village called Balik Pulao, which literally means ‘the back of the island’. With the island experiencing a development boom, locals say this part of Penang is disappearing quickly, but it is still lovely, with its views of the island’s west coast, the local farms, the rice fields and the communities of local fishermen. Visit it now before it changes.

Fisherman harbour

5- I drove up the hill and down to the east of Penang, and I decided to stop in Georgetown for a lunch of Indian food and teh tarik and a walk along the town’s Unesco-protected roads.

6- The stopover to Fort Cornwallis was followed by a one-hour guided visit to amazing Peranakan Mansion, the place to go to if you are interested on the history of the Babas and Nyonyas, a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world that adopted selected ways of the local Malays and later the colonial British. Get more information on http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my

At the Peranakan Mansion

7- I had just a little extra time left and I decided to get more into nature, heading to Penang Botanical Gardens. Known as ‘Taman Botanical’, this garden has a very well-managed landscape that consists of plenty of exotic plant species. It is well-worth a visit, as the trek along its roads is light and refreshing.

And finally, back I drove to Batu Feringghi, savouring local food along the way at the Gurney food market. In the evening I still had the energy to dance the night away at the Hard Rock Cafe: the live music was great and I could not resist the temptation, in spite of being extremely tired.

It proved to be en extremely interesting day full of sights. Sites visited apart, the Vespa was indeed a great surprise: hip and reliable, I enjoyed very special moments on the saddle of this amazing 150cc machine. Riding it I felt quality, when compared to other scooters. Plus, as there are not so many of these yet on Penang roads, many pointed at it and marveled it when I stopped at traffic lights.

The author with Michael Jackson statue at Hard Rock Cafe

Are you visiting Penang? Do you look for an alternative and classy way to move around for a day or three? Rent a Vespa. You will not regret it!

La Belle Vespa & Scooter Rental

This amazing shop has been renting out Vespas for 5 years. They charge  60 RM per day (this is the real going rate, despite you may read different from some inaccurate posts), which I considered fair as Vespa maintenance is expensive and they have full insurance on all mopeds.

In Georgetown

The service you receive is amazingly good, expect assistance 24 hours in case of problems, and you will indeed come as a customer and leave as a friend as Fateha and Feroz are so so friendly.

To rent a Vespa or another moped from them, you must carry an International Driving License as this is important for insurance purposes. This is just needed for identification and it is not held by the store.

Their address is 440-B Chulia Street, 10200 Penang, and you can contact Miss Fateha on WhatsApp +60164160617

Their FB page is fb.com/vespapenang

The post Vespa tour of Penang appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Come and join the annual Penang Island Jazz Festival, celebrating live jazz and percussions music from local and international artistes under one roof. Artistes from jazz and other genre bands will use this as platform to promote their talents.

The seed of an idea of a jazz festival on an island was planted and conceptualized in 1996 and 8 years later was realized with the birth of the 1st Penang Island Jazz Festival in 2004.

The Penang Island Jazz festival has grown through the years and established itself to be one of the more highly anticipated and important music festivals within the region.

Penang Island Jazz Festival could, of course, exist strictly as an event of appealing live performances from a variety of artists, but by carefully stretching the ears of its fan base, it’s doing more.

With the introduction of Creative Malaysia and Island Jazz Forum, Penang Island Jazz Festival is positioning itself as a more socially conscious festival, one that sees itself as a means to educate and promote at the all-important grass roots level. And that’s exactly as it should be. An independent festival fully owned and organized by The Capricorn Connection, the festival is a 2 day / 1 stage (Jazz By The Beach Stage)event with a number of workshops and a mini Jazz Gallery. With the intention of creating a festival experience, many other supporting activities such as Fringe Stages, “Jazz With A Heart” Charity, Island Jazz Forum, Community Drum Circle, After Hours Jazz Jam and others have been added on in subsequent years.

Held annually on the beautiful island of Penang, the festival – which has been built on a “foundation of friendship” through the support of family and friends – has through the years seen many local and foreign acts from USA, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Brazil, Hungary, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.

The festival is supported by the British Council, the Goethe-Institut Malaysia and the Danish Embassy. Penang Island Jazz Festival 2016 will be held at Batu Ferringhi, December 1st – 4th.

http://www.penangjazz.com

https://www.facebook.com/PenangIslandJazzFestival

The post 12th + 1 Penang Island Jazz Festival 2016 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Local intersection

What is the real feeling of being “a world away”? I discovered that when I followed Eddie on an adventurous morning out to the agricultural district of Balik Pulau. I had been on the island of Penang, in Malaysia, for over a week, hovering between the Komtar area, the Clan Jetties and the Unesco heritage area of Georgetown, walking amongst people, driving along traffic, breathing smog and hearing voices and noises. I needed a break.

Even at 7am, when Eddie picked me up from my hotel, Penang was business as usual: traffic jams, high rise buildings, people running towards somewhere… But then, after a scenic drive along a winding road, we crossed the hills, and what awaited me on Penang‘s west side was a different island to the one I had previously known. A ‘new’ dimension made of nature, peace, slow motion, one indeed that immediately felt more suitable, more humane.

Eddie preparing our bikes for the day

Once we finally arrived at the Audi Dream Farm, the Explore Balik Pulau docking station, I got to chose my bicycle. Do not expect a Merida or a Trek; their bikes have seen better times, but a weekly visit by a local mechanic ensures all essential features work: the brakes and the gears. Mind you, you mainly cycle along flat routes, so gears are not really needed.

Misty morning in Balik Pulau

At 8am, Balik Pulau was still very much asleep, as the sun had not yet appeared from behind the hills. We started our cycling along a canal; we met a few cows – whose meat is used to cook Malaysia popular dish Rendang – farmers on foot and no-one else, before reaching a jetty where two villages, one Chinese one Malay, border each other, their villagers living side by side in respect for each other’s different traditions and beliefs.

A couple of kilometers further, we visited a very neat and well-run goat farm that produces dairy products, its grounds filled with a number of fruit trees that include durian – the most famous produce of the area – jackfruit, starfruit, papaya and more. Behind, the towering hills are covered by fruit orchards all the way to their top. What an amazing area.

Goats at the goat dairy farm

I was really enjoying Eddie, this young laid-back chap of Hokkien Chinese origins who 5 years ago ditched a career as a chef and a job in the IT industry to live in close contact with local people, with animals and with nature. He is such a knowledgeable guy with a hearty laugh and he fed me with tons of information on several subjects.

Owner of the nutmeg farm

We stopped in the centre of the Chinese village to look at their traditional way of life, entered the local temple that hosts the Goddess of Sea and other deities, and browsed the local grocery store and a few local stalls. We then moved along a labyrinth of minor roads, pathways and alleys to discover traditional Malay houses with their well-manicured gardens in local Kampongs – villages in Malay language – where we were literally treated like pedestrians, before arriving at the nutmeg farm. There, the affable owner of third generation of nutmeg farmers gave me a full lecture on this spice that at some point was so precious it served as a currency.

Fishing village in Balik PUlau

Next was a quaint little fishing village surrounded by the fish market where one can buy the catch of the day and by the mangrove forest, where we enjoyed looking at mudskippers doing their things, at the local small boats coming and going, at fishermen sorting out their catch and their nets or simply dozing off on their hammocks. We even sighted a couple of medium-sized monitor lizards! Marvellous.

The 12 kilometre loop was closed when we finally reached back the starting point.

Farming with the heart at the Audi Dream Farm

We were lucky to pick a day that was cloudy, hence not so hot and not rainy either, the perfect day for cycling. The last thing left to do was to try their coffee and a delicious, home-made durian cake. Eddie was also so kind to take me on a guided visit of his Audi Dream Farm. What they are creating on a 2.5 hectares of land is simply amazing: they breed several of the world’s species of pigeons, they have huge aviaries full of what they call ‘love birds’, they keep ducks, chicken, deers (yes – all the way from India) and rabbits, they have huge ponds full of Tilapia fish, and they grow fully organic vegetables in a garden so neat it feels like paradise.

Penang weast coast

Could I have asked for more? Surely not, but Eddie was not done yet. While driving back to Georgetown, he took the time to stop at a south-west area by the sea where I could see the whole west of the island, including the complete hill range; he then drove to rice paddy fields, and even stopped on the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the charming area of Balik Pulau, before sinking back to the Penang eastern world made of cars and cement.

Balik Pulau literally means ‘the back of the island’. Well, after this tour with Eddie, to me it felt more like the front of the island. With the island experiencing a development boom, locals say this part of Penang is disappearing quickly. Visit it now before it changes.

Balik Pulau Countryside Cycling Tour

Enjoy a deserved break of coffee and durian cake

The cycling tour at Balik Pulau departs every afternoon, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and it is the best way to see the countryside of Penang up close and to be touched by the charm of country life at personal level. This tour is suitable to all, from 8 to 80 years old, with or without cycling experience, fit or unfit.

Penang can be mercilessly hot, so bring a hat, sunglasses sunblock, a small towel and a set of spare clothes (at least a spare t-shirt) in case the day is hot and sweaty. Eddie brings along raincoats and lots of information. Water can be bought in small grocery stores along the way, but bring a small bottle for the start.

Balik Pulau cycling tour leaflet

Helmet is not compulsory and it is your choice whether you wear it or not. The ride is along dirt paths and minor roads where hardly any car of bike circulate, so you can bicycle without it, but if you prefer to wear it, it is available for you at the centre.

Tours can be done either in the afternoon or in the early morning – if you opt for the early morning tour, make sure you have your breakfast before pick up. The tour is priced at RM30 per person for the guided cycling tour if you make your way to Balik Pulau, or RM60 per person if you prefer to be picked up from and sent back to your hotel. You can contact Eddie on aventleisure@gmail.com and visit their website on www.explorebalikpulau.com.my/tour for further information, contact and tour reservations.

FOR GREAT DEALS ON ACCOMMODATION IN BALIK PULAU, CLICK HERE !

The post Balik Pulau cycling tour Penang appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

On of the paths at the Tropical Spice Garden

During my years in Asia, I have trekked through national parks and rain forests, I have hiked to tea and coffee plantations, I have visited spice farms and factories, but I had never been to a place that had it all! If you are a nature lover, the Penang Tropical Spice Garden is the kind of place you will not want to leave when the staff will finally announce it is closing time…

Tropical Spice Garden water streams

Penang Tropical Spice Garden was set up 13 years ago by David and Rebecca Wilkinson, a British couple who transformed what was an abandoned rubber plantation into one of Malaysia’s award-winning eco-tourism destinations. Today you can still see the colonial house where David and Rebecca lived at the beginning of a long adventure, and from where they came up with this wonderful concept.

Paul by the Tropical Spice Garden map

I was shown around by Paul Lim, the young Assistant Marketing Manager, who shared with me some of the secrets behind spices, most of which he himself learned during his time working at the Tropical Spice Garden. “It is so nice here” – admitted Paul – “surrounded by all this green, this lush nature… I feel great and privileged, and I perform with a smile on my face”.

My great meal at Tree MOnkey

And while we walked through areas like the Spice Terraces, the Heart of the Garden and the Spice Globe, we stopped for a feet fish spa in a natural pond where guppy fish come and go with the stream, we tasted a healthy herbal tea of pandan, lemongrass and stevia in the tea kiosk area, and we breathed the fresh afternoon air coming from the sea, which is right below, always on sight from this amazing 8 acres property. Then, through the well-stocked souvenir shop at the end of the walk, where visitors can purchase teas and spices seen at the Tropical Spice Garden, we ended up at their signature restaurant, the Tree Monkey, where I parted from Paul and sat on a wood terrace overlooking the azure Andaman Sea and surrounded by giant trees, to enjoy a yummy and generous serving of Thai Massaman Curry. Life was great.

Fish spa

But this was not the end of my visit at the Tropical Spice Garden: it was just the beginning. Yes, because during the following 3 hours, I walked through all available paths, this time as slowly as I could, taking in the smells, filling my eyes with the well-maintained tropical garden that never stops amazing you with its secret corners, its myriad of different plants (I am told there are over 500 species in the garden!), its well-documented boards with lots of information about the marvels of nature creations.

Tropical Spice Garden informational area

My audio device was such a great help, easy to start and pause and flexible enough to give you freedom of choice, describing track by track most plants and trees at the Tropical Spice Garden. The device is available in different languages. So I learned about the aphrodisiac and stimulating qualities of the Tongkat Ali root and of the Kacip Fatimah, and about the incredibly ancient ferns, about the history of rubber and of the spice routes in colonial Asia, and much much more!

I felt like in a park; not a huge one, but one big enough to spend a day out in Penang. I was not alone though: giant butterflies, dragonflies, birds, sounds of nature, cicadas, frogs… I was told that dusky leaf monkeys come down at dusk from the rainforest neighbouring the Tropical Spice Garden to nibble on leaves and fruits, can you imagine? Amazing!

Tropical Spice Garden spices for sale

When I had looked at Tropical Spice Garden website, I had known this place would surprise me. I just did not know how much.

Experience all these at Tropical Spice Garden

• Explore the lush, landscaped award-winning gardens set out over 8 acres of secondary jungle.
• Get up close and personal with over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, some you’ve never seen before!
• Relax at a breezy, outdoor café overlooking the Straits of Malacca and the beautiful shoreline of Teluk Bahang.
• Shop for unique, Malaysian made gifts or premium spice therapy spa products at the gift shop.
• Cook tasty Malay, Nyonya and Indian cuisine with the help of our professional chefs.
• Organizing a tropical garden wedding? Hire the gardens for your special day!

Tropical Spice Garden spices array

Tropical Spice Garden

Jalan Teluk Bahang,
11050 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel: +604 – 881 1797, +6012 430 7795

Email: info@tropicalspicegarden.com

http://www.tropicalspicegarden.com 

The post Penang Tropical Spice Garden appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Penang is amongst my favourite vacation destinations in Malaysia, and this is probably because the lifestyle this city offers feels exactly like in my hometown: Kuching.

A street in Penang

Located in the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang, previously known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, has a population of about 1.6 million people, mainly Chinese, Malays and Indians.

Penang itself is divided into two parts: Georgetown on the island and Buttleworth on the mainland. According to local history, Penang got its name from the betel nut, known as Pinang in the local language. Malaysian people in fact call it Pulau (island) Pinang.

Usually, when we talk about Penang, two things come straight to mind: food and cultural heritage. Thus, I’m going to share with you notions about interesting places to visit in Penang, places that I have visited and recorded in my several visits to the island during the past 3 years.

Museum of glass

11. Museum of glass

Located at Jalan Mount Erskine, Museum of glass, officially called i-box, has been recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records. As the name says, this museum explains about the manufacturing process of glass. And before being a museum, it is a vibrant company established in 2002 with the aim to create fascinating glass designs, serving residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Among their products is fused glass, sandblasted glass, glass signage and glass souvenirs. For more information click on http://www.iboxglass.com

12. Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis walls

Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in the whole of Malaysia. Set close to Penang esplanade and just a few minutes walk from the clock tower in Georgetown, this fort was named after Marquis Charles Cornwallis. According to history, Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 as a defensive structure against enemies: pirates, Kedah forces and French colonialists. Inside this fort, over the entrance, you will find standing majestically a bronze statue of Captain Francis Light. There is also a cell room that has been converted into gallery, old British canopy models and a cannon.

Fort Cornwallis is open to public from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm daily and can be reached by car or by trishaw. It is located not far from Padang Kota lama. Admission fee is RM3. For more information click http://www.penang-vacations.com/fort-cornwallis.html 

13. Penang Bridges

Penang longest bridge in the distance

As a Malaysian citizen, one of the first things that come to mind when talking about Penang is the Penang Bridge, perhaps one of its most famous landmarks. This suspended bridge, with its 13.5 kilometres length, used to be the longest bridge in Malaysia and its design is similar to the London Bridge. This record was beaten

when Penang second bridge – Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge – was built, with its 24 kilometres of length. Apart from being recognized as the longest bridge in the country, this second bridge is also recorded as the longest bridges in Southeast Asia. It connects Batu Maung, location near Penang International Airport, to Bandar Cassia in Seberang Perai on the mainland.

14. Penang National Park

Penang National Park

Known as Taman Negara Penang in Bahasa Malaysia, Penang National Park was gazetted in 1958 and is one of the few protected areas left in Penang Island. The park spans 1,213 hectares of land facing the sea, an area that consists of forests and wetlands inhabited by a diverse habitat. Penang National Park is used by scientists, researchers and nature lovers who want to explore nature.

The park is located along the way to Monkey Beach, and is suitable for camping, hiking, swimming and observing wildlife. For more information click on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang_National_Park

15. Penang Street Art

Lithuanian-artist-Ernest-Zarharevic-wall-painting

Thanks to Lithuanian artist Ernest Zarharevic, Georgetown house walls are decorated with some amazing drawings, a perfect mask to this vibrant town. The awesome art created by this young talented artist portraits kids on bicycles, boys on bikes, mischievous children playing and more. Take a walk along Penang streets and find them, there are more than 20!!

16. Penang Batik Factory

Penang Batik Factory

Established in 1973, Penang Batik Factory is run by a people who produce traditional batik, and is one of the largest traditional batik manufacturers in the Northern region of Malaysia. The factory show visitors the batik making process and has plenty of beautiful batik design for sale to suit any taste. Penang Batik Factory is located in Teluk Bahang. For more informationclick on http://www.penangbatik.com.my 

17. Penang Bird Park

Penang Bird Park

Penang Bird Park is the first ever and largest bird park in the country, opened since 1988. With its area of 5 acres, this park contains more than 300 bird species from all over the world. If you love birds and want to know a range of world species, this is the place to visit. Penang Bird Park is located in Seberang Jaya, on Penang’s mainland. It is open to public daily from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. Bird shows has an entrance fee of Rm 38 for adults and Rm 20 for kids. For more information click on http://www.penangbirdpark.com.my

18. Jalan Raja Uda

Located at Butterworth on the mainland, Jalan Raja Uda is the best place to get food. This area offers plenty of delicious street food for all tastes. Reccommended dishes are bah ku tea, curry mee, fried kueh tiaw and wantan mee. Muslims should try nasi kandar.

19. Ferry

The Penang ferry

The Penang Ferry is one of the best experience when visit Penang. This ferry connects Penang Island to Butterworth, the alternative to the bridges. The ferry terminal on the mainland is nearby the bus terminal, facilitating the movement of visitors. It has two levels, the lower level for cars and motorbikes and the upper level for passengers. I personally prefer the ferry as I can relax and enjoy the views, and I do not need to negotiate traffic jams. Cars pay RM 7.70, whereas motorbikes pay RM 2.00.

20. Penang State Museum and Art Gallery

Penang State Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1964. Built with the donation given by the East India Company, it was a school accommodating 150 pupils, and was called Penang Free School, occupying the building from 1897 to 1927. It later as taken over by another school untli turned into a museum on reccommendation of Malaysia’s first prime minister. Penang State Museum building is recognized as a heritage building.

Penang State Museum

The museum consists of artifact, street stones, old transportation and historical paintings. Penang State Museum and Art Gallery is located at Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown. For more information check http://www.penangmuseum.gov.my 

READ PART 1 AT http://asianitinerary.com/20-best-spots-in-penang-part-1/ 

STREET FOOD PENANG: http://asianitinerary.com/penang-street-food-chulia-street/

PENANG ARTICLE: http://asianitinerary.com/surprising-and-inviting-penang/

The post 20 best spots in Penang – Part 2 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Penang is amongst my favourite vacation destinations in Malaysia, and this is probably because the lifestyle this city offers feels exactly like in my hometown: Kuching.

Located in the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang, previously known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, has a population of about 1.6 million people, mainly Chinese, Malays and Indians.

Penang itself is divided into two parts: Georgetown on the island and Buttleworth on the mainland. According to local history, Penang got its name from the betel nut, known as Pinang in the local language. Malaysian people in fact call it Pulau (island) Pinang.

Usually, when we talk about Penang, two things come straight to mind: food and cultural heritage. Thus, I’m going to share with you notions about interesting places to visit in Penang, places that I have visited and recorded in my several visits to the island during the past 3 years.

1. Penang Hill

The way up to the hill

Penang Hill, in local language called ‘Bukit Bendera’, has been the first colonial hill-station built in Peninsular Malaysia. Standing at the top of a hill and facing the sea, Penang Hill is about 6 kilometer from Georgetown. Reaching a height of 812 meters above the sea, Penang Hill is one of the coldest areas of Penang, reaching as low as 5 degree-temperature. However, these temperatures cannot defeat those of Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Kundasang, Borneo Highland and Fraser Hill, known as the coldest in Malaysia.

Back to history, Penang Hill was ‘discovered’ by Francis Light, the founder of Penang as a British Colony as a British weapon storage for the Eastern trade. Indeed an iconic British figure who played a major role in making Penang what it is today; and since he missed so much his favourite fruit, strawberries, for they could not grow in the tropical heat, he brought with him some strawberry seedlings which he planted near his house on the hill. From that day hence, the ridge on top of Penang Hill has been known as Strawberry Hill.

As for today, Penang HIll functions both as a strawberry farm and as a tourist attraction, since the height gives tourists a better view over Georgetown. I must tell you that view over the town is indeed mesmerizing.

Chinese temple on top of Penang Hill

To get to the top of Penang Hill, you can either:

• hop on the Penang Hill Railway. Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest funicular systems, with a 2km long track and a climbing time of 30 minutes bottom to top.
• drive up with a private road with entry from Penang Botanical Gardens.

Penang Hill can be visited daily from 6,30 am to 11 pm. For more click on http://www.penanghill.gov.my

2. Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is only a few minutes drive from Penang Hill. Located in the Air Itam area, this temple was originally built in 1891 and is the biggest Buddhist temple ever built in Malaysia. Thanks to its size, its location on a hilly area and an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, I can guarantee you won’t miss it since it can be easily spotted from the road.

I visited this place only once, back in 2013; my friend and I drove up the hill via the road provided. I found Kek Lok Si Temple to be really huge, commanding impressive views. The compound includes the entrance, shops, gardens, temples and a prayer hall. For more information click on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kek_Lok_Si

3. Penang Botanical Gardens

At the Botanical Garden Penang

The only gate to Penang Hill is the Penang Botanical Gardens, known as ‘Taman Botanical’. It is situated in a valley along Jalan Kebun Bunga. The whole gardens area has a very well-managed landscape that consists of plenty of exotic plant species. This garden was set up in 1884 by Englishman Charles Curtis, appointed Assistant Superintendent by the gardens Superintendent, Nathaniel Cantley. Penang Botanical Gardens has 12 sections; amongst the most interesting are the Formal Garden, the Lily Pond, the Perdana Plant and the Cactus House.

If you plan a visit here, do know that there are monkeys surrounding the area. You are reminded not to touch monkeys for safety reason. For more information click on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang_Botanic_Gardens

4. Gurney Drive

Gurney Drive is a seaside boulevard home to boats, shopping malls, hotels and restaurant. Hence, if you are keen to try the famous Penang Laksa and various other signature dishes, Gurney Drive is the place you are looking for.

5. Snake Temple

Kek Lok Si, the snake temple

I am definitely not a snake fan or any kind of snake lover. If you talk about snakes, I can feel my body ticklish, even by listening to the word. If there is a snake around, I am the first to run! It was my love for writing and documenting that made me turn the page, win the fear, make myself brave and visit the snake temple! I can now tell you it was not such a bad experience at all, the place is indeed worth seen.

Built by a Buddhist monk and healer, Chor Soo Kong, in 1850, the place is called, in the Hokkien language, Ban Ka Lan or Temple of the Azure Clouds, since it almost reaches the fluffy white clouds in the azure sky.

The snake temple is, you can guess, filled with various types of snake on display, some that was totally unknown to me, and with the smoke of burning incense. Devotees firmly believe the snakes have come to this temple on their own accord…

If you are daring enough, perhaps you too should visit it. Bear in mind that pit vipers are found everywhere, even on the altar. Though the vipers are believed to be rendered harmless by the sacred smoke, they have been de-venomed for safety reasons. Visitors are warned are warned against picking up the reptiles (most do so for picture takings) since they still have their fangs intact and could bite. There is of course a tourist service in place for taking pics with the snakes, and it costs RM30 for a set of 2 pictures…

The snake temple is located at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas. It is open to public daily from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm – entry tickets are RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.

6. Komtar Tower

Chinese temple with Komtar at the far end

Komtar is the acronym for Kompleks Tunku Abdul Rahman (Tunku Abdul Rahman Complex), an important landmark of Penang. With its 65 storey, this building can be seen from any part of Georgetown, as well as from Butterworth on the mainland. One unique feature of this building is its cylinder shape. Komtar is home to the state government. I recommend a visit to those who want to snap a great view of Penang. Komtar is open to public from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm.

7. Queensbay Mall

This place is a paradise for shoppers as it consists of a wide range of stores selling anything from clothing to food. The Mall is open daily from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm.

8. Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi – translated as Foreigner’s Rock – is a beach area, one popular spot for those who want to have picnic and spend time on a sandy beach. The iconic feature of Batu Ferringhi is The Ship, a restaurant on the seafront shaped like a large wooden vessel. This award-winning restaurant features a maritime theme complete with captains and crews in charming uniforms, and serves delicious cuisine.

The Batu Ferringhi area offers a wide range of activities, and especially sport activities such as banana boats,windsurfing and jet sky. The area has plenty of great hotels and restaurants, and a night market too. It is indeed a most recommended place for those who want to spend a weekend with families and friends.

9. Butterfly Farm – Entopia

Butterflies at Entopia

Butterfly Farm founder David Goh, who started this passion from a simple hobby in his backyard, opened it in 1986 with the main objective to protect and conserve the various types of butterflies on the island. Butterfly Farm is the first tropical butterfly exhibition in the world; it was set up in an area of 8 hectares that houses 4,000 butterflies from as many as 120 butterfly groups, and has played host to over 4 million visitors. Apart from butterflies, this farm also displays other insect and reptiles. I loved visiting Butterflies Farm, the area is great, the gardens lush and the explanation on the various butterflies is comprehensive.

At the butterfly farm

Penang Butterfly Farm is now being reinvented into Entopia (Entomological Utopia). This rebirth comes from David Goh’s desire to help people live in better harmony with nature. In the new discovery hub, butterflies and insects are free to come out to play.

Entopia is located at Jalan Teluk Pahang, past the Batu Feringgi area, and it is opened from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Check www.entopia.com

10. Monkey Beach

On the way to Monkey Beach

Known as Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach is a popular tourist destination in Penang, a great place to visit during weekends and public holidays, with locals coming to enjoy picnics and camping. There is plenty of sport activities like jet sky on offer, and there are walks and jungle trekking available for the adventurous types. Monkey Beach is also ideal for those who want privacy and a quite time away from the busy city life.

At Monkey Beach, I enjoyed cooking Ayam Pansuh (a chicken meat dish prepared in a bamboo stuffed with water) for my friends, swimming and playing volleyball with Japanese tourists. I loved my time there,quite soothing.

To access this beach, there are two route available. You can take a boat for the 20-minutes trip which costs RM50 for the whole boat, or you can take a 3 kilometres vigorous hike, which should take about 2 hours. Both start at the entrance of the National Park at Teluk Bahang.

READ PART 2 AT http://asianitinerary.com/20-best-spots-in-penang-part-2/

STREET FOOD PENANG: http://asianitinerary.com/penang-street-food-chulia-street/

PENANG ARTICLE: http://asianitinerary.com/surprising-and-inviting-penang/

The post 20 best spots in Penang – Part 1 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

VIDEO POST: Culture Shot, also known as La La Li La Tam Pong, performing at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015!

The post Culture Shot at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015 appeared first on Asian Itinerary.