Malaysia Archives - Page 7 of 12

Sekinchan: Simple Pleasures by the Sea

A suitable land for farming. That’s what Sekinchan means in Teo Chew, a Chinese dialect. Formerly a fishing village, Sekinchan is now known for picturesque paddy fields, boasting Malaysia’s highest rice yields per acre.

Inside Paddy Museum, traditional and high-tech tools show the evolution of rice cultivation.

Sorting, grading, packing. A view of rice processing from Malaysia’s first paddy gallery.

Head down to the Paddy Gallery by PLS Group. For just RM5, you’ll learn how rice is sorted, graded and packed, before heading to the local supermarket. Tickets include Paddy Museum access, where an exhibit of tools, ancient to modern, helps you appreciate how much work goes into a single serving of rice.

Kuih Kapit moulds over charcoal fire.

Sweet, crisp and popular during festive seasons, Kuih Kapit is also known as “Love Letters”.

Actual furniture from Ah Ma’s home now graces her confectionary shop.

For a special taste of Sekinchan, don’t miss Ah Ma House. Take in the sweet aroma of crisp Kuih Kapit (Malay for crispy egg pancake), her signature biscuit, roasting over charcoal fire. This time-honoured method infuses a smoky sweetness, unattainable by efficient machines. At only RM28, you’ll want to bring home a tin while it still exists. Inside Ah Ma’s (Chinese dialect for grandma) shop, sample an assortment of sauces, chips and baked goods, all based on Ah Ma’s recipes. Plus, a nostalgic range of cake moulds, tiffin carriers and drinkware for the stylish entertainer.

…roasting over charcoal fire… infuses a smoky sweetness, unattainable by efficient machines.

Before you go, cruise to Pantai Redang beach. For a donation to the temple, you get a lucky red ribbon. Write your name and your wish. Lasso it onto the Sekinchan Wishing Tree. If it sticks, your wish will come true.

Nearby, a quaint Chinese temple provides wishing ribbons for a donation.

Innumerable wishes written on lucky red ribbons, lassoed onto Sekinchan’s Wishing Tree.

If you wish to visit, please contact

PLS MARKETING (M) SDN BHD
Lot No. 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, Ban 2
45400 Sekinchan
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +6016 350 1713
Visits by appointment only

AH MA HOUSE
Jalan Tali Air 5
45400 Sekinchan
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +6019 378 3300
Open 9.30am to 6.30pm, daily

SEKINCHAN WISHING TREE
Pantai Redang, 25, Jalan Jpt
45400 Sekinchan
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +6016 350 1713
Open 24 hours, daily

DIY. The Wisdom of Rural Living

… swarms of dragonflies linger for fresh air, migratory egrets stay, and city folk arrive the world over…

Grow your rice. Catch your fish. Build your house. Because you can. Seeding, irrigating and fertilizing may not sound like a holiday, but a day trip to Sungai Sireh will inspire.

A quiet village nestled amid endless rice paddies, it’s well worth the hour’s car ride from Shah Alam. Here, swarms of dragonflies linger for fresh air, migratory egrets stay, and city folk arrive the world over, to learn how food grows.

Criss-crossing green paddy fields on a tram, visitors observe various methods of rice cultivation as an eloquent guide shares. Just a twenty-minute ride, but how invigorating! Various tropical crops, banana, palm and tapioca soothe the eyes, while growing revenue for enterprising farmers.

Live cooking of rempeyek (a deep-fried flour savoury, topped with peanuts, anchovies or shrimp).

Formerly a farmer, our eloquent guide showcases manual rice planting to uninitiated city folk.

Inside a traditional Malay home, built from the ground up by the owner himself.

Launched with a tightly wound cord, gasing (top spinning) is popular village play.

Learn from a local artist in a batik canting (a wax-resist fibre art form) workshop.

Instead of the camera, capture native flora in your own hand, with organic dyes.

The tram stops twice. First at a parit tengah (Malay for “middledrain” between fields), for visitors to fish. Next, by a traditional Malay residence for a taste of rural living. Completely built by owner, Tohid, 70, his home features a lush herb and fruit garden, a micro-farm and chickens.

Enjoy a stroll, or play gasing (top spinning). Sample sweet and savory local crackers, custom made by his wife, Sudahwati, 60. At tram’s end, visitors continue learning. To cook their catch in local flavours, and create art through batik canting, a wax-resist dye method. By day’s end, you’ll discover a new independence,by doing it yourself.

If you wish to visit, please contact
PUSAT PENERANGAN PELANCONGAN
AGROTOURISM HOMESTAY SUNGAI SIREH
Lorong AP/23 Parit 1, Kampung Ampangan
45500 Tanjong Karang
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +6010 784 5750
Visits by appointment only

5 Interesting Things to do at Melaka’s Jonker Street

A trip to Melaka is never complete without a visit to its famous Jonker Street. Whilst it is famous for its night market held every Friday and Saturday, this is also a haven for bargain hunters, antique collectors and holidaymakers wanting to learn more about this cultural town.

Jonker Street is known for its chicken rice balls, chendol, satay and Peranakan food but we wanted to look at what else can a second, third time visitor to this place do. So we explored the corners of this famous area and here are 5 interesting things you can do at Melaka’s Jonker Street.

1. Jonker Street Library

Located diagonally opposite the popular Geographer’s Café, the Jonker Street Library is an understated attraction that passes off as an antique bookstore you would casually walk by.

It was established to commemorate a Buddhist monk who founded the Malaysian Buddhist Association. Currently owned by the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, most of the books in the library are contributed by the public in Melaka. With an air-conditioned interior, it makes a great pit stop from the bustle of the crowd.

Address: 104, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka.

Look out for this sign at the entrance the library.

Interior of the library decorated with traditional Chinese furniture and a collection of Buddhist literature.

2. Red Handicrafts (剪纸人家)

If you’re into art or looking to buy some unique souvenirs back home, you should head to Red Handicrafts. Helmed by artist Tan Aik Leng, he produces intricate, delicate and beautiful paper-cuttings with designs and shapes following the 1,500-year-old Chinese ancient art; all with his deft hold of a small pair of scissors.

The shop was set up to showcase his wide range of paper cuts. Tan charges RM5/pcs but more intricate and complicated pieces can fetch upwards of RM100. He also conducts demo class as a form of therapeutic exercise.

Address: 30C, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka.

3. The Clay House

The Clay House is a pottery studio helmed by Leong Chee Hsiung, who is also the in-house artist. With the creative and artistic essence of Leong, his extensive collection of clay works emerge as exquisite pieces of art. All art pieces on display for sale are of the elements of nature – in some form of grass, leaves, trees, etc.

For a quiet afternoon to relax and focus the mind, The Clay House also offers walk-in classes for pottery where classes are conducted by Leong himself. It is definitely a unique experience in Melaka.

Address: 18, Jalan Tukang Emas, 75200, Melaka.

All products in The Clay House are made from their earthen form of mud.

Walk-in classes for pottery is available.

Resident artist Mr Leong can be found at the back of the shop working on his craft.

4. Melaka Street Art

You can find a growing number of street art in Melaka in recent years, spread all across the Melaka Old Town. With the huge orangutan painted on its outer wall of The Orangutan House being one more prominent ones that you can find in Jonker.

Within the old town, along a little back alley of Jalan Hang Kasturi, you will be able to find a few murals. Intended to be interactive, you are encouraged to pose with these artworks when taking a photo. It will be fun spending a day mural hunting around the old town and along the Melaka River!

See all the street art in Melaka here. Source.

5. The Woods Second-hand Book Store & Café

This café and second-hand bookstore is not exactly within the Jonker area but a 15 minute walk away, near Kampung Chetti. We loved the rustic charm of the place as the owner had preserved a very close-to-nature feel with bare brick walls decorated with artwork of old posters and wooden racks of books.

Hand-dripped coffee and herbal teas are painstakingly handmade by the owner. With beans from the Antipodean, only hand brews – mainly siphon and handmade drip are available. For a slower-paced holiday, do check out this place for an afternoon to chill.

www.facebook.com/thewoodsbookstore
Address: 35, Jalan Gajah Berang, 75200 Melaka

A rustic and homely feel with the interior kept raw yet clean.

Chill at this cafe just like you are in a friend's home.

12 Recommended Buys For Your Travels in Asia

Shopping is an important part of the traveller’s experience in Asia – it offers a window into each locale’s culture. From the small quaint collectible to the edible, from the large and functional to the downright impractical – those with a penchant for this somewhat indulgent activity will be thrilled at the options the region has to offer.

Where you choose to go determines what you end up buying. Whether in the swanky mall, museum shops, innovative retail concept shops, vintage shops, junk stores, or the local markets, you’ll be sure to not return home empty-handed.

1. BAK CHANG FIVE STONES, Singapore – A fun interpretation of Five Stones, an old local game, by taking on the design of the bak chang, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Available at the National Museum of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum.

2. PANDAN CHIFFON CAKE, Singapore – Light, cottony and fragrant, these cakes made with the essence of pandan leaves are sold in bakeries around the island with Bengawan Solo being a popular choice.

3. RATTAN FURNITURE, Penang, Malaysia – Made from the stem of various climbing palms, rattan is unique for their lightweigh and sturdy structures that are weaved in a way that enhances airiness.

4. HARD ROCK MERCHANDISE, The Rock Shop, Pattaya, Penang and Bali – At this ubiquitous gift shop in the Hard Rock Hotels, you can pick up the iconic logo-emblazoned T-shirts, sweaters, mugs, collectible pins and other artist-inspired music souvenirs.

5. Royal Selangor Pewter, Malaysia – The largest pewter manufacturer and retailer in Malaysia, Royal Selangor has a variety of souvenirs made from this malleable alloy of tin and copper.

6. BALINESE WOODCARVINGS, Bali, Indonesia – Be it sculptures or furniture, these exquisite and intricately made woodcarvings will add an exotic touch to any home.

7. HEDGEHOG BRUSH, Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives – This wood-carved decorative hedgehog placed all around Gili Lankanfushi doubles up as a useful brush for sandy and dirty feet and can be purchased from the gift shop on the island.

8. BEADED SHOES AND KEBAYA, Melaka, Malaysia – Melaka is famous for their beautifully made traditional kebayas and beaded shoes. Although from different shops, no look is complete without having both the matching two-piece and footwear.

9. SILK AND OTHER FABRICS, Pattaya, Thailand – Thai silk is hand-weaved from the cocoons of silkworms, resulting in a smooth and shimmery texture that glides along your skin. Silk scarves and handkerchiefs are wildly popular among foreigners.

10. BATIK CLOTH, Bali, Indonesia – ‘Batik’ is a traditional Indonesian method of dyeing using wax and complex patterns, resulting in a delicate, ethereal design that can be woven into clothing or accessories.

11. CERAMICS, Bali, Indonesia – A well-known ceramic maker, Jenggala has a factory and retail store that offers an array of elegant ornamental ceramic products that are being used in luxury hotels and restaurants worldwide.

12. ORGANIC VEGETABLES AND HIGHLAND SWEET CORN, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia – Bring back a part of the Cameron Highlands freshness in the form of its locally grown produce, which can be bought from the many vegetable farms and markets.

More than Tea & Scones in Cameron Highlands

One popular dining activity in Cameron Highlands, or should we say a tradition, is to have tea and scones. This very English tradition dates back to the days when English colonial officers used this hilly location as a cool getaway from the heat of the lowlands.

Besides tea & scones, there are many other dining options for you at Cameron Highlands, including Chinese, Japanese and Malay, to name a few. Be sure to check out some of our favourites below.

Restoran Ferm Nyonya

78A-D, Persiaran Camellia 4, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang (behind Agro Bank, same row as Maybank)
Tel +605 491 5891
Opening Hours: 11am to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 10om
www.rfn.cameronhighlands.com

This restaurant is well known to the locals and tourists alike. A halal-certified restaurant, the menu includes Malay, Chinese, Nyonya, Western dishes and steamboat. Popular items include Chicken Rendang, Asam Seafood, Special Fish, Spicy and Sour Bean Curd and Sambal Beans. You’ll be sure to find something favourable to your palate.

KouGen Japanese Restaurant

35 Main Street Tanah Rata Cameron Highlands, Pahang (next to Hong Leong Bank)
Tel +6012 377 0387
Opening Hours: 2pm to 10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)

KouGen is a little Japanese restaurant that serves more than the ordinary Japanese fare. Whilst the menu may not be varied, what they make up for in the lack of quantity was the quality of their food, as consistently raved about on TripAdvisor.

Hill Station Café

[Permanently Closed]

7 Main Road, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Tel +605 491 4143
Opening Hours: 9am to 11pm (daily)
www.hillstation.com.my

This is a spacious restaurant offering high-quality food, housed in an old villa reflecting the character and warmth of yesterday with the freshness and buzz of today. Be it a quick meal before the movies or a whole evening of experiencing superb Indian cuisine, they are able to meet all your dining needs. The option for outdoor seating at courtyard area is also available. For special occasions, there is also a private dining room that can accommodate up to twenty people.

Restoran Sri Brinchang

25 Main Road, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Tel +605 491 4982
Opening Hours: 8am to 10.30pm (daily)

Located at the town center, Restaurant Sri Brinchang is mostly popular for their Banana Leaf Specials and the best in town for Tandoori and Naan bread. Also serving a Special Chinese-style Claypot Hailam Chicken Rice and South Indian Spicy and Non-Spicy Dishes. Surprisingly this Indian restaurant also offers a steamboat with a variety of fresh highland vegetables. They also cater vegetarian and non-vegetarian food for wedding celebrations, birthday parties, engagement parties, office & business functions and all other occasions and can accommodate up to twenty people.

May Flower Restaurant

22 Main Road, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Tel +605 491 1793
Opening Hours:
8.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10pm (Mon to Fri)
8am to 11pm (Sat & Sun)

Serving Chinese cuisine including chicken rice and bak kuh teh. May Flower Restaurant is mostly known for hot steamboat. A listing of 21 items will come with every hot pot order, including nine different types of vegetables. Select your favourite soup of either Tom Yam or Chicken broth. Itʼs recommended to order a pot of Chinese tea to accompany the meal. Mayflower also serves fish curry, sambal petai, stir fried prawns on the a la carte menu.

Strawberry Moment Dessert Cafe

6, Central Spine Road, 27600 Raub, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel +605 498 1982
Opening Hours: 9am to 6.30pm, daily
www.strawberrymoment.com

Strawberry Moment stands for freshness and high quality, all fruits are gently hand-picked and processed. These all-natural, innovative, excellent and tasty desserts are made with strawberries and hydroponic vegetables from the farms in Cameron Highlands. The popular items on the menu are Strawberry Trundle, Stawberry Honey Crepe and Handmade Chocoberry.

Cameron Valley Tea House

15-16 Main Road, PO Box 25, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Tel +605 491 1133
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm (Mon to Thu); 8am to 7pm (Fri to Sun)

The café is very popular among the Highlands visitors as it serves a wide variety of teas and snacks. The house specialty, Masala Chai and Cardamom Tea are prepared with freshly ground mixture of spices, which are huge favourites among the crowd. In addition to flavoured teas such as Strawberry, Blackcurrant, Orange, Lemon and Earl Gray, they also serve infused tea like fresh Lemongrass, Garden Mint and Honey Lemon to accompany scones, brownie with ice cream, strawberry cheesecake and sandwiches.

Street Art in Shah Alam

Think of Shah Alam and street art would not be the first thing that comes to your mind.

If you are in the city, do take a walk down Laman Seni 7 and you’d be treated to some of the best arts in the city. This back alley – also known for its famous hashtag #lorongbelakang (aka back alley) – is tucked out of view but is the playground for street art aficionados.

The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) had collaborated with young artists and KHZNH Studio (a multidisciplinary architectural-based corporate group) to turn the area once thought about negatively, to the attraction it is today.

Walls are covered with creative arts, graffiti, 3D installation, 3D painting – a result of an art competition organised by the council to cultivate creative identities. The curated art at Leman Seni 7 focuses on art appreciation, while drawing attention to social issues.

You’ll be sure to take many Instagram-worthy pictures there. Be prepared to queue up for photos if you visit during holidays

'Suara Alam' - by Mohd Amin Hadarih.
Deforestation has ravaged much of our rainforest. Winner of the 3D painting category empowers citizens to protect flora and fauna with his Orang Utan mural.

'Prac-niture' - by Mohd Fazry Bin A Rahman
Mohd Fazry constructs a practical sitting area consisting of bangkus (stools) and umbrellas. The colourful umbrellas depict Malaysia's volatile weather (sunny and rain) while the stools represent the vast student community in the Section 7 area. The installation, which also functions as a 'hangout place', reveals how urbanisation has crept into quiet parts of the city.

'Legends' - by Mario O (Mohd Azizi Mohd Azhar).
A scene from the classic Mario video game is brought to life with recycled materials such as bricks, galvanised iron pipes and wood. Pull of your best impression of the pudgy Italian plumber her.

'The Tree That Blows Your Mind' - by Dipapansembilan.
This 3D painting portrays our vigorous daily activities (hence the entwined, multicoloured roots), which contribute to 'a huge tree of life experiences'. Notice how the artist cleverly transformed the air-con condensers into 'large leaves'.

'Melting' - by Chern aka Cloakwork
Human activity is driving dangerous climate change, and this unambifuous message by Cloakwork hits the nail on the head.

'The Courtyard' - by Bawang Studio (Huda)
Bawang Studio relives the forgotten, carefree days of plating and gathering at a courtyard - a common feature in old CHinese settlementes or shophouses during the Malayan days.

'Dasar Sungai' - by Mohd Syazani Mohd Salleh
Plastic bags are choing river habitats and this isntallation is a pwoerful reminder of how litter can impose a damagingg impact on underwater life.

Picture credit: timeout.com

Passions of Kerala, Penang

Passions of Kerala is a very well-known traditional banana leaf restaurant in Penang. Started by Mr Gary Nair, it saw its humble beginnings as a small family sundry store which then turned into the popular restaurant we know now.

They opened their first branch in Gelugor, Penang in 1987 and it is still operating up until today. A second restaurant was opened in 2006 at the New World Park, strategically located in the heart of Georgetown. The owner’s son – Mr Roy Nair has been helping his father in managing the New World Park branch for the last 7 years.

We spoke to Roy and he shared with us that the secret recipes behind their Kerala-inspired dishes originated from his grandmother. Kerala is a state in South India and their traditional dishes use a lot of coconut oil in their cooking. His grandmother kept these flavours but localised it to the local Penangnites’ taste. These recipes were subsequently handed down to his aunt and now, to their kitchen helper and trusted cook, fondly known as “Ah Poh” who spent the last 30 years working with the Nair family.

You cannot visit Passions of Kerala without trying their signature banana leaf rice. Supposedly known as the healthiest food in the world, this is a balanced vegetarian meal served with 4 types of vegetable dishes (papadom, morro, rassam and dhal curry) atop a banana leaf. Diners can choose between white rice and fragrant tomato rice (additional charge of RM 1.00 for tomato rice). At Passions of Kerala, 27 to 30 vegetable side dishes are served on rotation throughout the week so that their returning guests (many of them!) get to sample different side dishes each time.

Papadom served together with rice and dishes.

Rice and dishes served atop the banana leaf.

Different types of curries to accompany your banana leaf rice.

Drown your rice with one of their fragrant and delicious curries.

Besides serving their famous banana leaf rice, Passions of Kerala also offers plenty of a-la-carte dishes. They come with the option of a small, medium or large serving so you don’t have to worry if you’re here alone or with a huge group. Here are some “must-try side dishes” in this restaurant that we had, and you should too.

Deep-fried bitter gourd – thinly sliced bitter gourd battered with spices and fried to perfection.

Deep fried squid (Fried Sotong) – crispy fried squid battered with special spices.

Deep-fried ladies fingers – thinly sliced ladies fingers battered with spices and fried to perfection.

Fried Chicken Sambal – fried chicken served with rich, spicy sauce. Caution: it lives up to its name and is super spicy!

Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian milk-based sweet. A perfect soft texture that isn’t too sweet, unlike other classic Indian desserts we’ve tried before.

Never forget to order the signature Teh Tarik. Sweet, rich and flavourful, this drink complements the spicy dishes served here perfectly.

Passions of Kerala, Penang

Operation Hours: 12.00pm – 3.30pm and 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Address: New World Park, Jalan Burma, Georgetown, 10050 Penang, Malaysia.
www.passionsofkerala.com

Escape: Eco-friendly Theme Park in Penang

Teluk Bahang also known as the Bay of Embers, it is just a few kilometers away from Batu Ferringhi. Established as a fishing village, Teluk Bahang has evolved into a tourist destination, with a number of attractions built within the vicinity of the town includes Escape Theme Park.

ESCAPE
This is not a regular theme park with roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, or spinning teacups. Founded by Mr. Sim Choo Kheng, Penang Escape Theme Park is a theme park where it re-introduces outdoor fun activities in a natural environment that promotes wellness and nature appreciation.

Listed as Malaysia’s No. 1 Theme Park on Tripadvisor, this family theme park is divided into two sections – Escape Waterplay and Escape Adventureplay.

Escape Adventureplay

There are about 20 adventure games and activities in Adventureplay. One of the star attractions to try will be the “Monkey Business” where you can learn to climb like a pro or challenge your balancing skills by walking on ropes.

To add to the fun, the ‘Go Bananas’ is a new addition to the Monkey Business activity. It is pretty similar to the Monkey Business challenge except that, this has huge bananas obstructing your way.

Be sure to try out the ‘Monkey Business'. Consisting of 3 levels (1, 2 and 3), learn to climb like a pro and challenge your balancing skills by walking on ropes.

To add on the fun, the ‘Go Bananas’ is a new addition to the 'Monkey Busines'

Check out the Atans Leap...become like Atan and jump through the air.

A visitor swinging on a trapeze at the Aerobat challenge.

Child-friendly activity: Airbag...

Monkey School -unique climbing adventure for kids..

Enjoy the thrill of flying? Flying Lemur will be a great choice. You can fly across a long cable in between trees high above the ground.

There are also plenty of family-friendly games such as Family Trail, Serambi (Learning House), Tubby Racer (link several tubby tubes together for great family fun!), Foxy Burrow, Discovery Dig, Monkey School and more!

Escape Waterplay

This theme parks has the longest waterslide in Malaysia! Located just across the road from the Escape Adventureplay and offers plenty of water games with tall slides and loop slides that help you to overcome your fear of heights such as banana flip, mega drop, Super Looper, speed racer and more!

Speed racer ...race against your friends...

Family friendly water slide - Family Twister (longest slide which seats double)

Child-friendly activity: Play House

If you’re travelling with children, you can try some family-friendly water games such as the Family Twister (longest slide which seats double), Play House, Tots Pool, AK Academy, AK Splash and AK Discovery.

For those who like diving, you can try the diving challenge at the Diving Tower. The Diving Tower consists of 6 levels (1m, 3m, 5m, 8m, 10m and 25m). Do take note that only the professional divers are allowed to jump off from the last level (25m).

When you are tired, take a break and chill out by the swim-up bar at ESCAPE CLUB.

Did you know?

Upon walking out of the waterpark, you will see Kapok tree right outside the ticketing counter. The Kapok tree produces cotton, which was used a lot in the olden days to produce pillows.
Good news for the thrill seekers! Gravitiplay – the longest slide in the world (1.2km long) will be opened by end of 2018.
Escape Waterpark is surrounded by 104 transplanted trees, the entire park is built in a green friendly manner where construction containers are recycled and used as lockers and toilets in the park. Old boats are also recycled and used as picnic tables and green roofs are used to absorb heat in the park.

Base Camp

It is recommended to spend two days in Escape to enjoy all the games (both Adventureplay and Waterplay). Check out the Escape Play & Camp package (2D1N) where you can sleep in and enjoy camping in the jungle beneath the stars within the Escape Adventureplay. Experience the night, BBQ Cooking and back-to-basics fun with family and friends.

Here’s what you need to bring:
• Your own tent/s, if you prefer
• Basic bedding and pillow
• Inflatable or collapsible camp bed
• Air mattress
• Towels
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.
• Battery operated torches or lanterns and spare batteries
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, facial tissues
• Mobile device chargers and cables
• Charging power packs for mobile devices, if you’re not going to use the locker for charging.
• Comfortable shoes

Escape Theme Park, Penang

Operation Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact Number: +604 881 1106
Website: Penang Escape Theme Park

Museums in Penang: Alternative Ones to Visit

We all know Penang for its many tourist sights, mainly historical, cultural and heritage buildings with their old-world charm retained. One should know that Penang offers more than just the usual.

Check out these 5 alternative museums that you should visit that’s great for everyone!

Colonial Penang Museum

The Colonial Penang Museum will bring you back to Penang’s colonial past. Experience the lifestyle of both the British Administrators and the wealthy merchants of Penang and appreciate the intricate art form from the past.

There, you can find unique antiques such as personal handwritten documents by Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, Francois Linke (1855–1946) the Belle Epoque of French Furniture, the white carrara marble statues by Atelier R.Bigazzi Florence, reverse painting by William Morris & Company (Westminster) Ltd., (Ruskin House), Stained Glass window by Hubert McGoldrick/Alfred Ernest Child and Katherine O’Brien and many more.

No.7, Jalan D.S. Ramanathan (Scott Rd),
10350 Penang, Malaysia
www.facebook.com/colonialpenangmuseum

Teochew Puppet and Opera Museum (潮藝館)

Teochew Puppet & Opera House compiles the stories from a retired Teochew-opera actress and her enthusiasm for the Teochew culture, together with the exhibition of her costumes and the puppets for opera performance. It is significantly the first and finest space for the art of Teochew, located at Mor Hun Club Penang.

122 Lebuh Armenian, 10200, George Town, Malaysia
Website

Asia Comic Cultural Museum

Delve into the cultural essence of comics in Asia’s FIRST Comic Cultural Museum. The museum showcases a collection of comics and art from around the region such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Japan, and Korea.

You will find masterpieces from 250 reputed artists all over Asia, such as Tony Wong, Ma Wing-Shing and Zunar. The journey in the Asia Comic Cultural Museum will take up approximately 45 minutes in presence of experienced and knowledgeable tour guides. A must-go for comic lovers.

Level 2, ICT Mall, Komtar,
George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Website

The Camera Museum

The first Camera Museum in Malaysia, their collection consist of Camera Obscura, Box Camera, Folding Camera, Large and Medium Format Camera, 35mm Camera, Single and Twin Lens Reflex, Digital Camera and more from the eighteenth century right up till present day. They originate from all over the world including, Britain, Europe, France, India, Japan, Russia and Thailand.

You will get the opportunity to handle actual antique cameras and the ‘experience booth’ will allow them to feel the weight of the relics in their very hands at the museum exhibition hall.

49 Lebuh Muntri, 10300, Penang
Website

Upside Down Museum

Upside Down Museum is an interactive museum at Kimberley Street in George Town, Penang. The museum offers a unique experience where only the humans are right side up! Walking through the museum is like going around an upside-down house. Go from room to room, seeing the upside-down living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and there are even cafés and shops that are upside down.

45 Kimberley Street
10100 George Town, Penang
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Urban Farming

Urban farming has grown in popularity, especially for people who live in land-sparse cities. People have taken to growing their own organic vegetables and herbs at home, even in a high-rise apartment.

However, as edible plants are usually sun-loving, both the intensity as well as duration of sunlight received are important to achieving healthy growth.

The general rule of thumb is that edible plants should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least four to six hours a day. To tell if an area is suitable, simply look out for dark and sharp shadows—these are usually an indication of direct sunlight. Once you’ve picked the right sunny spot, the chances of your little organic farm taking off would be much higher.

Getting Started

Do take care to choose easy-to-grow edibles when you’re starting out so that you won’t get discouraged too soon.
Quite a number of the vegetables and herbs grown can be successfully started from seed in pots. Salad greens such as rocket, mizuna, mibuna and mustard greens are relatively fuss-free. These offer a variety of tastes, from spicy to mild.
Sweet basil is commonly found in many home herb gardens, and it’s not hard to see why—fresh basil smells great, and can be used in a variety of dishes. While most herbs prefer dry, well-drained soil, basil prefers to be kept moist (though not waterlogged).
Compost is easily available these days, so you can purchase some if you don’t have the space or time to make your own. By combining loam, compost and coarse sand in equal parts, you’ll get a soil mix that provides nutrients, retains moisture and improves drainage. Plant your seeds according to the instructions on the seed pack, and water thoroughly.
Vegetables should be fed with organic fertiliser every few weeks, and herbs a little less often. You can also create a natural pest repellent with a garlic-infused concoction to be sprayed on your plants.

DIY: Grow Your Own Bean Sprouts at Home

Method:

Choose a small bean or seed. Almost any kind of beans can sprout. Mung beans are a popular choice easy available from markets. Dried beans are better than fresh beans as they are unlikely to go bad.
Prepare and clean a container. Depending on the amount of beans, anything from a glass jar to a barrel will work.
Wash bean sprouts with running water, similar to washing rice.
Fill one-fifth of the container with beans, as it might be difficult to monitor the growth of too many beans.
Pour water (room temperature) over the beans. Fill the container to the brim and cover it with a mesh lid or cotton cloth, secured with a rubber band. This allows just enough air to prevent mould from destroying the beans. Soak the beans for 8 to 10 hours in a shaded environment.
Drain off the water through the cloth. Open the container and pour cold water over the beans. Shake the container. Reseal the container and drain the water again. Repeat this step 2 to 3 times a day to keep the beans clean and moist.
Note the date and observe the sprouts grow. Beans take around five days to sprout.
Harvest beans when they reach between one to three inches in length. Rinse, drain and allow the sprouts to dry on a clean paper towel for eight hours, till excess water evaporates.

Growing your own greens may take a little work, but will prove to be an extremely fulﬁlling experience. Especially when it’s time to harvest some fresh produce from your windowsill or balcony.