Penang, a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait; its heterogeneous population is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language and religion. Aside from the three main races, the Malays, Chinese, and Indians, Penang is also home to significant Eurasian, Peranakan (Strait Chinese), Siamese, and expatriate communities.
With George Town being inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, here, heritage isn’t just confined to museums, but can also be found thriving along the city’s five-foot ways and on the streets.
Wall Murals
Over the years, Penang has earned a reputation for its street art; particularly in 2012, when George Town Festival commissioned Ernest Zacharevic to paint six murals. “Kungfu Girl” is one of the original six and the larger of Zacharevic’s works. Other popular and well-known murals include “Kids on a Bicycle”, “Almost There” and “Boy on Motorcycle”.
Little Children on a Bicycle mural @ Armenian Street
Kungfu Girl @ Muntri Street
Almost there! On Cannon Street
This artistic boom has opened many doors for local and international artists, inspiring many others to unleash their creativity on the walls of Penang’s buildings.
Walk around George Town and spot these slightly cheeky, comic-style wire sculptures. In 2009, the Penang State Government commissioned 52 uniquely designed wire sculptures to be placed around the city. They each tell interesting historical titbits.
Kopi O’ Kau! @ Lebuh Kimberly
Rotan @ Lebuh Chulia
Too narrow @ Lorong Soo Hong
Some other more well-known sculpture art pieces are:-
Cheating Husband @ Love Lane
Jimmy Choo @ Lebuh Letih
The four artists who contributed to “Marking George Town”, the series of 52 wire sculptures are Tang Mun Kian, Baba Chuah, Lefty, and Reggie Lee.
The aim of the project is to deepen people’s perception of public art; to show that art is no longer confined within the spaces of art galleries and exhibition halls.
These quirky murals and street art in Penang have made international headlines, walk around the lanes with a map in hand, and stroll at your own pace along the streets to explore the artwork. There are many corners filled with works of art waiting to be discovered here in George Town.
You’ve visited Penang and you are done with exploring George Town, checking out street art, visiting its heritage sites, and gorging yourself silly on Penang food, what next? One of the best things you have to experience when in Penang is nature. Located in the north-western part of Penang Island is Taman Negara Teluk Bahang – more commonly known as Penang National Park – Malaysia’s smallest nature reserve.
With an area of 1,213 hectares, Penang National Park is a coastal-forested area with wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, turtle nesting beaches, and even the only Meromictic Lake in Peninsular Malaysia, giving you the diversity of flora and fauna to explore. Set aside a day and experience nature in Penang!
Entry & Opening Hours
Penang National Park is free for all visitors to enter, you do need to register your information at the entrance. However, if you are planning to go on the canopy walk, then there is a fee of RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.
The park opens daily from 8 am to 5 pm, so plan your trip in advance and remember to allocate sufficient time to avoid rushing through your day.
Hiking Trails to Explore
From the entrance of the National Park, there are several trails that you can choose from to start your trek.
The easiest trail is to take the right fork from the entrance and head towards Monkey Beach and Muka Head Lighthouse. This route is considered the easiest as the terrain is mostly flat and follows the coastline, with some trekking in the jungle. It takes about 1 to 2 hours (one way, depending on your pace) to walk to Monkey Beach. Take a breather here or continue on the extended trail to Muka Head Lighthouse – Malaysia’s second-oldest lighthouse that was built in 1883 – for another 30 minutes (one way) and climb the spiral staircase up for views of Penang and the canopy.
Credit: @i_m_victor / Instagram
View from atop the Muka Head Lighthouse. Credit: @jonleewalker / Instagram
Alternatively, start from the entrance but take a left and head into the jungle towards Turtle Beach (Pantai Kerachut). This trail is a similar distance but has steeper uphill climbs, which makes it a little more challenging with the elevation change. The trek to Turtle Beach will take you about an hour, and from there, make your way to Teluk Kampi, a lovely secluded beach that would be worth the effort of a grueling 15-minute (of a 45-minute trail) uphill climb.
Quiet and serene Turtle Beach. Note that swimming is not allowed. Credit: Capture the Atlas
If your plan is to hike through Penang National Park, there are other trails including an 11km trail loop, but be sure to do your research and go on one that is suitable to your fitness level!
Hiking the jungle trail will bring you through dense forestation in Penang National Park. Credit: Mind of a Hitchhiker
If you are travelling with young kids or the elderly, or just prefer to avoid a hike but would still like to visit some of the beaches within the national park, the best way is to hire a boat transfer from the park’s office. Prices differ depending on the beach you plan to head to so make sure you discuss with the boatmen in advance.
Sights to see in Penang National Park
Bird watchers and photography enthusiasts can spot migratory birds at the national park from the months of September to April like the Fork-tailed Swift and Arctic Warbler. Year-round, you’ll also be able to find the largest concentration of White-bellied Sea eagle in the world here, alongside other resident birds like the Stork-billed Kingfisher.
Two species of marine turtles come by Pantai Kerachut to lay their eggs and the Turtle Conservation Center has a hatchery and rehabilitation center that helps in the protection and conservation of these turtles. From April to August, green turtles will come by to nest, while Olive-Ridley turtles will come by from September to February. The conservation center is open to the public daily for visits where you can learn more about the local conservation activities.
Turtle hatchery where baby turtles are hatched and eventually released back to the sea. Credit: @_miyumochan_ / Instagram
Another place within the National Park you should visit is the Meromictic Lake, a rare natural phenomenon where seawater and freshwater are collected but not mixed, because of their different densities. This unique lake is one of 5 found in Asia. It’s important to note that the lake might not be filled and visible due to the wet and dry seasons in Penang.
Meromictic Lake in Penang National Park. The lake may not fill up during the dry seasons. Credit: Mind of a Hitchhiker
Penang is one of Malaysia’s most popular family vacation spots, due to its stunning beaches, popular family resorts, and mouth-watering cuisines.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Penang with your family depending on your children’s age, from museum hopping to outdoor activities, that’ll make the trip worthwhile.
TeddyVille Museum
Experience the history and culture of Penang and have some Beary awesome fun in Malaysia’s first and largest collection of Teddy Bears.
📷: @elleonni/Instagram
Get cuddly with the bears while learning about the cultural history of Penang, and the origins and evolution of the classic teddy bear. You will be greeted by fluffy Teddy Bears from various nations, and eras – dating as far back as the 1900s.
📷: @roadtrippers.asia / Instagram
At the TeddyVille Museum, you’ll also find Mini Penang, a collection of miniature bears dressed up and displayed in small settings to depict the different sights and sounds of Penang. It’s a cute and cuddly compilation of the must-see things to do in Penang.
📷: @teddyvillemuseumpenang / Instagram
Tip:
Don’t forget to build your teddy bear to take home as a unique souvenir of your adventure.
TeddyVille Museum
Open Daily 9:00am to 6:00pm Website
Wonderfood Museum
📷: @n.hanidhania / Instagram
Is your tween or teen more of a foodie? Wonderfood Museum Penang is the world’s first creative museum dedicated to food concepts. Kids will learn about Malaysian cuisine’s history and food culture drawn from the nation’s rich multi-racial diversity.
📷: @jiezhen / Instagram
The museum showcases oversized replicas of traditional Malaysian dishes. The replicas are exquisitely detailed, and if you weren’t already hungry upon entering, you will be by the time you leave. The museum is divided into three sections: the Info Zone, Wow Zone, and Educational Zone, with over 100 different varieties of popular street food and local dishes on display.
There’s a map and recommendations for the best locations to eat Penang foods like nasi kandar, Asam laksa, char koey teow, banana leaf rice and more.
📷: @wonderfoodmuseum / Instagram
Tip:
Get ready for your picture-perfect food adventure. Along with the oversized replicas of cuisine, the museum includes many posing props that are excellent for creating the best Instagram shoot.
Wonderful Museum Penang
Address: 49, Lebuh Pantai Georgetown 10300 Penang, Malaysia Website
If you like traditional Nyonya dessert, do visit Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay as best known for their homemade Nyonya kueh.
Serene and Scenic Jogging Trails at Air Itam Dam
While Air Itam Dam is famed for its Assam Laksa, but not known to many, Air Itam offers one of the best spots for a scenic walking trail.
📷: @i.love.penang / Instagram
While a dam might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a relaxing running trail, the Air Itam Dam will convince you otherwise. Surrounded by hills of greenery, this 2.8 km trail offers a beautiful setting for a leisurely stroll with the whole family.
📷: @engclau /Instagram
If your kids are feeling adventurous, they can hike up to Penang Hill via the forest reserve trail, which should take about 3 hours. Your family will be treated to a breathtaking panorama of George Town.
📷: @jilltlh / Instagram
Tip: You can park your car at the top of the hill (on the same level as the Dam) and walk to the inner forest reserve through the dam’s gate. The hilltop parking area has a capacity of around 20 cars.
As an alternative, you can park at the base of the hill or at the private car park near the Kek Lok Si temple and walk-up.
Air Itam Dam
Address: Jln Balik Pulau, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
If you enjoy the outdoor, you and your family may enjoy a day at The Habitat Penang Hill, a rainforest adventure for all ages
*Main image from Wonderfood Musuem Penang Facebook.
Public Holidays are a nice break for a short recharge, but nothing beats spending a workday away from the office and work. Taking an additional one or two days off coinciding with public holidays is a great way for us to enjoy that long public holiday weekend and the well-deserved break.
We’ve lined up some ideas for quick getaways be it alone, with your partner, friends, or family!
Langkawi, Malaysia
Beach getaways are aplenty in Southeast Asia and Langkawi is one that is easily accessible in the region. Indulge in a relaxing weekend chilling by the beach and take it slow. For calm waters and soft white sand, Pantai Cenang is the choice beach to be with restaurants and bars aplenty for a quick bite. Stay right at the heart of it all at beachfront boutique hotel Casa del Mar Langkawi, wake up, take no more than 50 steps and you’re on the beach. For a slightly quieter alternative, opt for Tanjung Rhu and immerse yourself in picturesque limestone crags.
If chilling all day is not for the active person in you, get close to nature and explore its stunning geological features with a visit to the mangrove wetlands or into the woods at Darulaman Sanctuary. You may also want to go on a snorkelling trip out to one of the 99 islands that make up Langkawi or partake in adrenaline-pumping activities like the SkyTrex adventure obstacle course or water sports like parasailing.
Bali is a popular destination for many but this island offers so much more than its beaches. A popular tourist destination known for its beaches and surfing spots, you can simply spend the long weekend chilling away, catch a surf break or learn to surf!
Catch the waves at one of Bali’s famous beaches.
This island is deep-set in its Balinese culture, there is more to explore where tradition meets modernity. Spend your time discovering the best traditional crafts and food, visit its many majestic temples and scenic lakes, and perhaps partake in a Melukat – a purification experience to neutralise any negative energies within you.
Traditional craftsmen like this silversmith are a gem to find. Make your own jewellery as you learn this basic craftsmanship from the best.
For a more adventurous getaway, explore the wild, open side of North Bali and spend your time catching the sunrise at the many treks you can take up the island’s central mountains. Bali makes a nice quick getaway but you can end up spending weeks on end here and still find new places to explore.
Hike up to views like this at Mount Catur, North of Bali. Image: @sarah__travels__ / Instagram
Cameron Highlands has long been known to be a chill respite from the equatorial heat and humidity. Home to ancient forests, lush valleys, rolling hills of tea plantations, and many organic farms, this hillside retreat situated in the state of Pahang makes a great getaway for you if you’re looking to reconnect with nature.
Rolling hills of tea plantation all around Cameron Highlands.
Spend a day in the beautiful and lush nature of Cameron Highlands making visits to a tea plantation, farms, and gardens like the Cameron Flora Park and Sheep Sanctuary. If you’re looking for a more active way to be one with nature, take one of the 14 hiking routes in Tanah Rata and Brinchang of varying levels of difficulty and explore its forests. One popular trek is to the top of Gunung Jasar, where you can walk through tea plantations as a nice end to your hike.
Walk through pretty flowers at the Cameron Highlands Flora Park. Credit: @ch_flora_park / Instagram
Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Gunung Jasar. Credit: @maria_outandabout / Instagram
Complete your full Cameron Highlands experience with a stay in a Tudor-style country house at The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands. Chill in this charming 19-room hotel overlooks the Ringlet Lake flanked by lush woodlands in its backyard.
Enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace (a working one that’s lighted up every evening!) at The Lakehouse as you wind down the evening.
Probably one of the more popular getaway destinations in Southeast Asia, Phuket’s got it all for you. From beaches to spend a day soaking in the sun, island hopping, to adrenaline-pumping activities and food haunts to satisfy the foodie in you, you’ll be able to experience it all in Phuket.
Fulfill all your thrills with outdoor activities that will bring out the adventure in you. Go rafting down rapids, or bungy down 15 storeys. Bring out your best “George of the Jungle” self as you zipline through the forest and abseil down high elements. During the low seasons of Phuket, you may want to consider visiting during long weekends to learn to surf and ride the waves.
Ride the waves from April to October and catch the annual surfing competition in action at Kata Beach.
If the food lover in you cannot go without enjoying your meals, Phuket will make your heart skip a beat with its variety (think beyond Thai food). It has to live up to its name as a City of Gastronomy – the first Asian city to be named by UNESCO – after all. For a start, you can eat your way through Phuket Town. You definitely don’t want to miss knowing what the local dishes to try either are.
Boon Rat Dim Sum in Phuket Town serves up a huge variety of dim sum daily.
Drive 2 hours from Bangkok and you arrive at a beachside town of Pattaya, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Pattaya has its own charm, as this beach resort town transforms itself from day to night.
There are plenty of things to do in Pattaya. Soak in beautiful views from Khao Laem Pu Chao Viewpoint, learn about winemaking, or explore these family-friendly activities that kids will enjoy. If you don’t want to steer too far away from where everything happens, keep close to Pattaya Beach Road and there are plenty of things to do too.
Hunt down different wall art found along Pattaya Beach Road.
Pattaya has numerous beaches are pockets of tranquillity waiting to be uncovered, with many island day trips that you can take, to enjoy pristine sandy beaches and clear waters. The nearest island Koh Larn, is only 15 minutes away by speedboat and you can just chill on one of the six white-sand beaches on the island. You can opt for an island hopping tour to visit other smaller islands near Koh Larn for some snorkelling.
Take a day trip to Koh Larn for some sun, sand and sea.
Mention Kuala Selangor and you will most likely be met with blank looks when asked about places of interests in this town. Located about 63 km from Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, and 70 km from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Selangor is a coastal town that sits at the mouth of the Selangor River.
Most local travellers visit Kuala Selangor for the fresh seafood that it’s known for, but there’s more to explore in this small town than meets the eye. It was the old royal capital of Selangor and with its historical background dating back to the Dutch settlement era in the 1780s, you can visit historical sites that still exist, and get in touch with nature, and even engage in some adventurous activities.
Bukit Melawati
A tranquil peak in the heart of Kuala Selangor, Bukit Melawati is a historical site that tells of this town’s interesting history. Within its compound, visit the fort’s ruins with cannons from colonial days. See the landmark of Bukit Melawati – the Altingburg Lighthouse – a lighthouse built in 1907 to replace the original constructed by the Dutch in the 1780s. It is a working lighthouse to this day, as its beacon continues to shine and guide vessels navigating the Straits of Malacca. Step into the Kuala Selangor Historical Museum and explore the displays of relics, artifacts, old weapons, specimens of old currencies that showed its colonial past.
Views from the fort at Bukit Melawati. 📷 Stratman2 / FlickrAltingburg Lighthouse built in 1907, still working to this day.
Sasaran Beach (Sky Mirror)
Sasaran Beach is one of the known attractions in Kuala Selangor, but also a unique one because it’s only accessible during the new moon and full moon periods where the waves roll back to reveal a secret sandbank. The perfect reflection on the water makes a picture-perfect Instagram post, which explains why the tours are very popular, so be sure to book in advance for a spot to visit!
A great spot for some fun photography. 📷 @sutann___ / InstagramPerfectly mirrored images on the still calm water. 📷 @findingmichaelcimino / InstagramUnleash your creativity in all ways! 📷 @diniead_ / Instagram
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
Nature-loving visitors will enjoy spending time at Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Stretching over 800 acres of land space, it is more than a swamp with mangroves. You will find inland secondary forests, mudflats, and a man-made brackish lake in the middle of the park where many wetland animals inhibit. It also provides an ideal roosting and feeding site for more than 150 species of resident and migratory birds from as far away as Siberia. Bird lovers will enjoy spending time here bird watching, especially during the migratory seasons.
Bird-watching lovers will enjoy spotting many species of birds at this nature park. 📷 @cc.liew60 / Instagram
Walk along the four trails at Kuala Selangor Nature Park and explore the flora, fauna, and wildlife along the way. Choose from the easy Egret Trail that is only 550 metres long, to the Coastal Bund that spans 1.7km. You can easily spend an entire day soaking in nature. If you like, you can seek out the park’s nature guides who will take you around the park on a guided walk, explaining to you the sights you see in the park.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along one of the 4 trails. 📷 @sheunny_ / Instagram
Fireflies in Kuala Selangor
Kuala Selangor is said to be where one of the biggest firefly colonies in the world live, and during the night, you can find them illuminating the mangrove trees lining Selangor River’s riverbanks. You step onto the boat donning your life jacket, and head out into nothing but pitch-black darkness and the sound of cicadas surrounding you. Soon, you will find both sides of the riverbanks filled with thousands of fireflies twinkling like stars in the night. It is a breath-taking experience as you stare in amazement and wonder how these tiny creatures are able to create such a magical sight. It is definitely an experience you won’t want to miss.
Set off at sunset into the mangroves. 📷 aussirose / FlickrFireflies twinkling like the stars in the universe, a magical sight to behold. 📷 @svweb / Instagram
White Water Rafting
White water rafting technically does not happen in Kuala Selangor but is something you can look forward to doing in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor where the Selangor River flows, all the way down to Kuala Selangor.
Enjoy the adrenaline rush of water rafting. 📷 @projekoutdoor / Instagram
Being the source of water for Kuala Lumpur, enjoy its crystal clear waters and scenic unspoilt beauty as you raft down the river, which takes an estimated 2 hours from start to end. Enjoy the ride down the 8km long course as you navigate class 2 to 4 rapids. Be sure to call and book in advance, and check the rapids’ status before heading over!
Despite being a small town, Kuala Selangor sure has some fun to offer for that short trip away from home. Don’t forget to indulge in a seafood feast there before you head back!
Living in a fast-paced city like Kuala Lumpur – or KL as locals call it – can be hectic and a short break outside the city is always welcomed, even if there’s no overnight stay involved. With so many great places to explore within 2 hours’ drive from KL, here are some of our favourites!
Some of these may be regular day trip destinations, but we’ve got you covered whether you’re game for a day of adventure, food, or just simply want to chill and relax.
Broga Hills
One of the more popular hiking trails frequented by casual hikers, Broga Hill (better known as ‘Bukit Lalang’ by the locals as grass grows in abundance on the hilltop hence its name) is a 50-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Lalang with grass abundant on the hilltop. 📷: @bon_heur0 / InstagramTop of the hill with a view to enjoy. 📷: @doseofros / Instagram
It is an easy hike that most can do without any hiking gear, and you can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour to hit the highest peak. The initial climb is gentle but its incline becomes steeper up. You can always hold on to ropes tied to trees to help you up along the way and be rewarded with a view of the plains that is a mix of oil palm plantations, rainforest, local villages, and the distant mountain range.
A view of the trail that starts off gentle and gradually steeps up. 📷: @yana.ustovitskaya / Instagram
Kuala Selangor
A day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor takes only an hour and is a must for people who enjoy the outdoors and nature. Spend the morning at Taman Alam Kuala Selangor Nature Park where you can enjoy leisurely walks on four trails and immerse yourself in the wildlife and engage in some bird watching.
Embrace nature as you walk along one of the 4 trails. 📷: @fatin.mardhiyah / Instagram
If you’re feeling the need for adrenaline, then pack your wet gear and go whitewater rafting down Kuala Kubu Bahru River with grade 1 to grade 4 rapids.
There’s definitely more to do in Kuala Selangor than a day trip so it’ll be even better to spend a weekend there.
Bentong
Foodies will enjoy a day trip to Bentong, just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur. Known as a foodie getaway famous for its durian and local ginger, you should definitely bring that empty stomach out to fill it with all the yummy goodness this small town can offer.
A foodie trip to Bentong with the famous Lemang To’Ki. 📷 @chocochix / Instagram
Start your morning with a plate of famous Wanton Noodles at Yuen Kee Kopitiam, then stop for some sweet frozen treats at TAK Ice Cream Corner. Lunch at Lemang To’Ki for some glutinous coconut rice cooked in a bamboo stick with rending and of course, you cannot miss stopping by one of the many roadside stalls selling the famed ‘Musang King’ durian (sorry non-durian lovers, you don’t know what you’re missing out!)
If you have more than a day to spare, we’ll definitely recommend spending 2 days 1 night in Bentong, pair your foodie trip with some education and fun!
Genting Highlands
How can one give this place a miss especially when you’re in need of a cool respite from the humid tropical weather! While the grand Resorts World complex is not exactly a place to relax (think casinos, shopping, theme park), you can still enjoy some time enjoying a cable car ride up the mountains.
Enjoy views of the highlands as you ascend up in the cable car. 📷 @sabi.dxb / Instagram
Regardless, just a quick 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, you can enjoy a cooler, greener day up at the highlands.
Which other places are your favourite day trip destinations from Kuala Lumpur?
Weekend trips to discover small towns are a fun a nice way to explore lesser-known places. Bentong, a district in Western Pahang, Malaysia, is a short one-hour drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
This small town is home to different food specialties, specifically Bentong ginger, ‘musang king’ durian but beyond that, foodies will find themselves in yummy tummy heaven with non-stop local food. It’s not all food and no play at Bentong lest you think it’s just a foodie-focused trip. Pair your weekend trip with some adrenaline-pumping adventure, take some Instagram-worthy photos with street art, and learn how that essential bottle of soy sauce found in every Asian household is made!
Day 1
Set off from Kuala Lumpur and take a leisurely one hour drive to Bentong in the morning. If you’re heading out on a Sunday, then you should not miss visiting the Sunday morning market that operates from 7 am to 12 noon. Enjoy the lively vibes of a typical morning market that sells fresh produce. That’s where you can find the famous Bentong ginger (fresh, dried, ground powdered form), Bentong soy sauce that you can buy to stock up your pantry.
Fresh Bentong Ginger at the morning market. 📷: @mogan_selvakannu / Instagram
Missed the Sunday morning market? No problem! Arrive in Bentong in time to start your day with a hearty breakfast. Thong Kee Kopitiam is a place not to be missed for its coffee and kaya toast; indulge in a plate of old school wanton noodles if you’re up for something hearty.
Traditional breakfast at Thong Kee. 📷: @audfoodiary / Instagram
You cannot visit without tasting its famed produce – ginger. The best way to do so is to savour a nice bowl of tau fu fah (soy beancurd pudding) with a sugary syrup infused with Bentong ginger for that sweet ending with a mildly spicy kick.
Now energised, you can start exploring Bentong town. Walk around town along Jalan Chui Yin and search for beautifully painted street art. These interactive wall murals make great photo opportunities with many of the images featuring the things that Bentong is known for.
Wall Art in Bentong. 📷: @leileilei11 / InstagramWall Art in Bentong. 📷: @hong_liang_97 / InstagramWall Art in Bentong. 📷: @geekeetan / Instagram
Bentong Gallery is a place where you can learn about the history and culture of Bentong to how it came to be today. Apart from exhibits and information that existed, you can also grab some snacks and drinks at its café.
Lemang To’Ki is a popular and highly recommended restaurant among locals and domestic visitors and just a 6-minute drive from Benton town. They are known for their lemang (coconut glutinous rice cooked in a bamboo stick over charcoal fire). This dish goes well with their rendang (choose from chicken or beef) and ayam bakar (charcoal-grilled chicken). If you’re not keen on lemang, you can choose from other local delights like nasi lemak, lontong, nasi campur (mixed rice), and more.
Deliciousness in a plate of lemang and rendang. 📷: @chocochix / Instagram
Now that your bellies are filled, head to Chamang Waterfalls, an attraction that you cannot forgo. It is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike, and you can enjoy wading in the shallow waters at the base of the falls, or take a dip and swim if you’re up to it! Surrounded by trees and nature, it’s a nice respite from the city.
The falls look relatively flat but are actually quite dangerous and swimming should only be done at the foot of the falls. 📷: @thesabberz / Instagram📷: @bentayan.inc / Instagram
There is a small entrance fee to be paid, and there are plenty of car park lots as well public toilets and changing rooms for use so feel free to jump into the water for a refreshing time!
If you’re spending a night in Bentong, head to Bilut Hill, a boutique retreat overlooking greenery. It’s a peaceful and chill place to relax after a day’s activities and to soak in the calming views of the surrounding hills and rainforest, and you definitely won’t want to miss the picturesque sunset.
Serene views of oil palm plantations and neighboring hills from Bilue Hills. 📷: @tengloo_57 / Instagram
Indulge in a leisurely dinner; you can opt for a BBQ dinner on the terrace while enjoying the cool of the evening breeze.
Enjoy the cool breeze at the terrace as you have your breakfast or BBQ dinner. 📷: @paulinetls / Instagram
Day 2
Just a 10-minute drive from Bilut Hills, visit Melipoly Stingless Bee Farm, specialising in the production of pure, organic raw honey from the Malaysia rainforest. Learn about their beekeeping techniques and definitely grab a few bottles of organic honey home as gifts or for yourself.
Next up, it’s time to ramp up the adrenaline in you at Bilut Extreme Park. Go on an ATV tour to explore and test your driving skills – from crossing streams to revving uphill – you will be in for a fun and challenging ride! Test your aiming skills with a round of archery or paintball if riding on the ATV is not your thing.
Adrenaline pumping ride on the ATV. 📷: @joyceharn / InstagramGet a kick out of crossing streams on your ATV! 📷: @facadeat / Instagram
As you leave, drive along to roads back to Bentong town where it’s lined with durian plantations, make sure you stop by the roadside and indulge in their famed ‘Musang king’ durian. The aroma (or stench to some) of durian fills the air during the durian season as you drive along. Sorry, non-lovers of durian!
Have a late lunch back at Bentong town and don’t forget to continue your foodie indulgence with dessert at TAK Ice Cream or Kow Po Ice Cream Shop. Both shops are famous for their local ice treats like Chendol, shaved ice, while the latter prides itself in its homemade ice cream flavours like pandan and coconut. We’d recommend you try the ice treats at TAK and enjoy Kow Po’s ice creams.
Try the crowd pleaser TAK special with shaved ice and fruits. 📷: @joeycafe / InstagramGo for their homemade ice cream at Kow Po and you’ll not be disappointed. 📷: @critzspoteats / Instagram
No visit to Bentong is complete if you don’t buy a few bottles of soy sauce back. While you can grab them from the street stalls in town, why not visit the factory and see how the soy sauce is made? Head to Kicap Bentong Soy Sauce Factory and you can take a short tour to learn the soy sauce making from attentive staff. Be sure to check out their massive fermentation pots!
Pots and pots of soy beans fermenting to give you that bottle of delicious soy sauce. 📷 Tripadvisor
Now that’s a good 2 days 1 night spent with a mix of nature, adrenaline, and loads of food filled in your bellies don’t you agree?
Travelling is one of the best things you can do. Beyond exploring a different city or country that differs from the one you grew up or live in, travelling also brings about a range of emotions: from excitement to joy, and the fact that you are returning from your holiday with new memories for keeps.
Do a simple search and you’ll find results of different articles sharing “memorable travel experiences” that you should include on your bucket list. What exactly defines a memorable experience? Does it involve an adrenaline-pumping activity like skydiving or a 5-night train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway? Or can it simply be something that made you thoroughly enjoy the moment while you were on your well-deserved break?
We have put together 5 experiences that while not mind-blowingly unique, will still make you smile when you reminisce that holiday you took.
1. Sleep under the stars at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
At Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, their overwater villas extend up with a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the privacy of lying under the moon and night sky. Choose to sleep under the stars in full comfort, as you lay hand in hand spotting constellations and listening to the lapping waves before falling asleep under the moonlight. What a romantic way to spend time together on your holiday.
2. Sing and dance with the live band at Centerstage at Hard Rock Hotel Bali
📷: @hardrockbali / Instagram
Centerstage at Hard Rock Hotel Bali is the first thing that catches your attention. Lying at the heart of the hotel, it welcomes you the moment you step out of your transport. This multi-hyphenate venue doubles up as a lobby, a bar, a live music venue, and even includes a rock museum of memorabilia.
Join the band every night as they sing live, sing along with them as they belt out classics to the latest hits. The floor is yours if you are feeling up to it, dance away to the crowd favourites like “YMCA” as the entire Hard Rock crew joins in that iconic dance. It’s definitely an amazing way to charge up your holiday with some adrenaline-pumping vibes!
3. Go trekking at The Lakehouse Cameron Highland’s backyard
Nature lovers will enjoy this trek in the private hill forest behind The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands. Unlike the more popular Mossy Forest that has lined paths, this trek takes you off the beaten path Walk along narrow paths that were cut by retired head gardener Rajah and two men in 1994, where what started as a simple fifteen-minute trail became an hour-long one for adventurous guests.
With difficulty levels of 3 to 5 at different spots involving steep climbs and challenging steps, it is not a simple walk in the forest. What you will be rewarded with is an expanded knowledge of nature’s flora and fauna, and the occasional wildlife if you’re lucky! We know it because we walked this off the beaten path.
4. Enjoy a picnic and swim on a remote island in Langkawi
Imagine spending time alone with the one you love on a remote island, just the two of you. Turn that into reality with the Castaway Picnic at Casa del Mar Langkawi. Be picked up by a private boat and crew and cruise through views of dramatic limestone cliffs, a common sight of the many islands in Langkawi.
A tent with flowing nets and comfortable cushions will be set up for your luxurious picnic on the beach, making it an Instagram-worthy moment. Enjoy gourmet bites from your picnic basket accompanied by a minibar of your choice. Spend the day together swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and just enjoying each other’s company. Definitely a moment from your holiday to be etched in your memory for keeps!
5. Take part in an interactive dinner with the chef at The Boathouse Phuket
When on a holiday, it’s a pleasure to indulge your taste buds with a good meal and even better in a private setting. Consider levelling up it up with the Captain’s Table at The Boathouse Phuket.
Beyond a private dining experience overlooking a beautiful view of Kata Beach, you can expect to be entertained by their chef as he prepares your dishes live, and explains them as they are served. Pair it with recommended wines from their wine cellar, carefully selected and suggested by their sommelier. Enjoy this truly interactive session, a memorable experience any foodie would love!
Langkawi makes a great weekend staycation when you are looking for a getaway from city life. The island is known for its beaches, islets, nature and duty-free status, which makes it a great holiday destination in Malaysia for all sorts of holiday-makers from sun loungers to adventurous nature lovers.
To make sure you enjoy the best of the island during your staycation, picking a hotel in a strategic location is important to minimise your travelling times. Casa del Mar Langkawi, at Pantai Cenang is a boutique hotel in Langkawi to station yourselves, with its proximity to the airport and key areas to visit.
Casa del Mar Langkawi
If you are looking to spend 48 hours in Langkawi, here’s how you can discover and experience it in two days.
Day 1
After checking in at Casa del Mar Langkawi, take a 30 minute car ride to the Langkawi Cable Car where you can see the most of Langkawi in the shortest time. The 2.2 kilometre-long ride will carry you to the top of Mount Mat Cinchang.
Views from the top.
While at the peak, take a walk along the 125-metre-long Langkawi Sky Bridge where you get a bird’s eye view of an unobstructed view of the many islands of Langkawi on one side, and islands of Thailand on the other.
📷: @hayatveseyahat / Instagram
If you’re feeling up for a little adventure, head on towards the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls (Seven Wells Waterfalls) made up of a series of seven connected natural pools fed by seven separate waterfalls. Expect to hike 45 minutes to an hour along a trail with more than 600 steps, but you will be rewarded with the views of Burau Bay and Pantai Kok at the top of the falls.
📷: @allexclarke / Instagram
Return to Pantai Cenang in the evening and unwind on the beanbags at one of the beach bars with a drink and lounge to live music until late.
Day 2
Wake up to a delectable breakfast at Casa del Mar Langkawi to fuel your day before heading out to the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Join a guided tour that will take you on a river cruise down the mangrove swamp, limestone caves, and formations millions of years old. The adventurous ones can opt to kayak instead, enjoy a different experience kayaking through the mangrove swamps. Just be sure to put on plenty of sunscreen!
Tranquility of the mangroves
Spot the White-Bellied Sea Eagle while at the Geoforest Park
After exploring nature, return to the hotel and relax by the pool or beach. In Casa del Mar Langkawi’s case, you get to enjoy the best of both since the hotel is located beachfront! You can also opt for a pampering session at Satkara Spa, and allow the masseur to knead your knots and stresses away.
Lounge by the beach at Casa del Mar Langkawi
Indulge in a pampering spa session a Satkara Spa
Wind down the evening with pre-dinner drinks by the bar and let the mixologist at Casa del Mar Langkawi shake up your favourite cocktail. Indulge in a beachfront dinner at La Sal and watch the sunset on the horizon as you end your 2-day staycation in Langkawi.
One of the best ways to get acquainted with local culture is through food, and what better way than to participate in a cooking class that brings you through learning about your ingredients, preparing and cooking them, down to enjoying it as a reward of your labour?
Malay Cuisine at Casa del Mar Langkawi
Malay food is known for its aromatics and bursts of flavours thanks to an array of fragrant spices used such as tamarind juice, cumin, coriander seeds, turmeric, fresh galangal… and the list goes on.
Learn how to make a three-course meal of satay ayam (chicken on skewers) with traditional peanut sauce, gulai ikan dengan bendi (Malay fish curry with okra) and butir nangka (jackfruit seeds in coconut milk) at Casa del Mar Langakawi. While this menu can sound a little daunting for “noob cooks”, it really isn’t that difficult once you have the right ingredients and the right sequence to adding them (that’s where your recipe notes come in handy!), and of course, you will be cooking up this feast with the help of Chef.
Learn to make Malay dishes in this beachfront setting at Casa del Mar Langkawi
Perks of this cooking class: learn to cook facing the beautiful view of Langkawi’s Cenang Beach.
Take part in an educational and enlightening class starting with a visit to the local fresh market with Chef. Here, you get to see an array of fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, and many of the spices and pastes that go into Thai cuisine. Chef shares his knowledge on the common herbs and spices that are unique and commonly used in Thai cooking – some you may not even have seen before in your home country!
Visit the local market in the morning with chef.
After marketing, it’s time for the real fun where you will prepare and cook your own three-course Thai meal, which you will of course, partake at the end of the class. Learn to make classic favourites like phad thai (stir-fried flat rice noodles), green curry chicken, tom yum soup, that you can easily recreate back home.
Local Thai favourites like pad thai and green curry chicken.
Bonus: enjoy the beautiful views of the Andaman Sea while cooking in our air-conditioned cooking studio!
Traditional Balinese Dishes at Hard Rock Hotel Bali
When asked to name food synonymous to Bali, most will think of babi guling (whole roast suckling pig) but another traditional Balinese dish is ayam betutu (roast chicken with Balinese spices wrapped in banana leaf) that is definitely an easier one to replicate at home.
Preparing the Balinese spices for the ayam betutu.
At Hard Rock Hotel Bali, you can enrol for their interactive Balinese Cooking Class where you will have a hand in making your own ayam betutu. Learn from Chef about the Balinese spices that go into their flavourful cuisine and 2 simple side dishes that go well with your chicken. Stir up a simple long bean salad and sambal matah (which translates to raw sambal), a refreshing sambal that packs a bomb of flavours that is sweet, tangy and spicy, and a great accompaniment to the ayam betutu.
The end result of your hard work during the class!
Enjoy the meal you prepared as a reward for your hard work in the kitchen!
Not a cooking class per se, discover the wonders of vegan dishes prepared by Executive Chef Hari. Go on a tour of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives’ Organic Garden and be introduced to a world of herbs and healthy greens that are mixed and matched into a refreshing salad.
Watch as each course of your vegan meal is prepared before your eyes, from vegan scallops to delectable desserts that will leave your taste buds in awe, and change your opinion towards vegan dishes – all these done in the middle of the Organic Garden.
A feast for your eyes and mouth in this interactive dinner experience with Chef Hari.
The next time you travel, make it a point to join a cooking class. If it’s truly not your cup of team, join a local food tour and learn about their culture through your tastebuds!
