Month: June 2016

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All Malaysia Info

Best & Most Popular Cafe in Georgetown Penang

Apart from its heritage preservation, Penang is also known for a number of great tourist attraction sites. From shopping to great eating places around, locals and visitors also take their caffeine very seriously in Penang. Therefore, Penang has seen a sudden growing trend of serving coffee and tea in its cafes. These Cafés are a blend of contemporary and traditional design and interior, which gives its clients the best conceptual surrounding to enjoy their caffeinated refreshments in.

Cafe in Georgetown Penang

From bizarre to perfect, these strange yet beautifully themed cafe in Georgetown Penang are the modern essential staples of urban life fused with cultural novelties. These cafes, for their brilliant interiors, stand out among others. However, there are some old traditional Chinese cafes that are still standing and serve the best coffees and snack over cheap rates. Since there are lots of cafes around, we have handpicked best 5 cafes in Georgetown Penang:

1. Miam Miam Cafe

Peranakan mosaic tiles, marble top tables and light blue metal chairs- this French, Japanese café tops the ranks for being the best cafe in Georgetown Penang for its great interior design reflecting the hipster culture of the city. Located on the center of the Gurney Paragon Mall, Miam Miam Café does not only serve one of the best coffee but also food and drinks that are considered the best around the place. This place is very popular among the young urbanites who always keep this café crowded, willing to wait for as long as even 45 minutes for their food to be served.

It is that Good. Definitely a competing café. All those who have eaten at this café know that the food is great and definitely worth the wait. Among its great variety of some mouth- watering delicacies, Spaghetti is one of its signature dishes that are always in demand. This pasta dish is topped with egg and mushrooms, sausages, bacon and eggplant.

Address: Located on 163/C- 1- 01/2, Saint Jo’s, Persiaran Gurney.
Telephone: +604 226 7105
Timings: Opens 12:00 to 21:00 all around the week.

Related Article: Japanese Restaurants in Penang

2. Pik Nik Cafe

Great place to spend a great afternoon, with a book in this nostalgic place. Pik Nik Café is an old fashion bohemian café situated off the Nagore road in the capital of Penang, Georgetown. Pik Nik café offers a great homely ambiance where you will feel like home surrounded by antiques of the old era. This also makes this place one of the most wonderful and diverse coffee shops that you may ever visit. Even the bill you get is in an unusual way, it’s an old metal box which only accepts payments in cash.

This place is also known for its food and drink. The meals they serve is a fuller, so come in when you are really hungry. Henceforth you will not feel bad for the bill. Nonetheless, the food is served with a great overall presentation- the sight of which alone makes you drool. Do drop in at the top cafe in Georgetown Penang.

Address: Nik Pik café is situated in 15 and 17 Jalan Nagore.
Telephone: +6016 455 2913.
Timings: Open all around the week, for except Tuesdays. 15:00 to 24:00

3. Kopi C Café

Kopi C Café stands out among the most unique cafe in Georgetown Penang. With dark wooden chairs and tables, the black and white local art framework and buffed floor, this is a ritzy Peranakan-styled café with a roof of a heritage complex. Apart from its unique interior, its food is one of the reasons that contribute in making this coffee shop stand out among others.

Popular among the locals as well as the visitors, it’s all day breakfast specialties and Sunday brunches. The huge, filling breakfast wrap stuffed with juicy and soft omelet with eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes and rocket leaves.

Address: Situated in 153 -155 Lebuh Pantai,
Telephone: +604 263 7299.
Timings: Open all around the week from 10:00 to 24:00.

4. Moon Tree 47

Situated along the Jalan Muntri in Georgetown Penang, Moon Tree 47 is a great café to treat your taste buds with some delicious snacks with caffeine that will surely make you miss home. Standing since before the war colonial Chinese storefront, with both idiosyncratic and cool interior with mosaic tile work in Peranakan style, furniture which is antique. The water feature in this open air courtyard makes it even a better place to spend a great evening. Expect some great home-cooked dishes on a plain food menu.

These dishes will make you homesick, reminding you of how your mom cooked. However, each dish has a unique touch of its own. The spongy, moist sponge cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is utterly divine. Apart from its mouth watering and satiating food, Moon Tree 47 is known popularly for its great tasting and fulfilling coffee. These aren’t only great tasting but also presented elegantly. So when you miss your mom or home, visit this scrumptious cafe in Georgetown Penang.

Address: Situated in 47 Muntri Street, 10200,
Telephone: +604 264 4021.
Timings: Open from Thursdays to Tuesdays from 09:00 to 17:00.

Related Article: Chinese Restaurants in Penang

5. Full-House Café

The blush pink and white color of the interior, with Victorian style furniture with a number of cushions with rose patterns on them, embroidered plush sofas and Georgian windows makes Full-House café a girly hi-tea coffee shop. Situated in Penang Times Square, the Full-House café is a great competing coffee shop. Its a la carte menu offers both the western and Japanese cuisine along with freshly baked cakes and pastries. The Teriyaki Chicken Burger, followed by a Tiramisu chocolate brownie or a Lemon cheese cake is the favorite.


This place usually attracts the ladies in groups that do not only come here for its great food and coffee, but also to have a great meet up or a gossip session with girlfriends. It is the most prominent cafe in Georgetown Penang.

Address: Located in G-20, 21, 61 and 65. Times Square.
Telephone: +604 226 0340.
Timings: This café is open all around the week from 12:00 to 24:00.

You shall not only have a great time in spending a perfect vacation in Penang, but you will also be able to enjoy scrumptious food at the best cafe in Georgetown Penang. Hopefully, the days you spent in Penang, you shall be able to fill up your tummy with the food that satisfies your taste buds.

Related Article: Top 10 Must-Try Cafe in Penang

Categories
All Malaysia Info

Penang Shopping – An Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Penang

Penang is renowned as the island of duty-free shopping and during seasonal days, the Shopaholics from around the world gather here to fill their bags with the best things in the markets. Though now Langkawi has somehow taken over this status, but yet Penang has not stopped alluring Shopaholics. Penang Shopping is the most exciting activity for tourists as well as for locals, due to its expensive and branded shops and local and affordable markets. Penang has been able to cater to the needs of people from all classes and all age groups.

You shall find here shopping malls, night markets and street markets as well as antique shops, selling trendy and cultural stuff. You shall be able to buy complete gamut of products in Penang very easily. During the Penang shopping festival in August, which is conducted annually across the nation, Penang becomes of the major shopping hubs, as locals and tourists both head towards this city to take advantage of the amazing offers and discounts.

A Short Guide to Best Penang Shopping

As there are a number of shopping places in Penang, ranging from malls, shops in the street and night markets, then where you should go first and what to buy is the point to ponder upon. Therefore, to assist you in making a wise decision, we have discussed in details about the various places where you can for Penang Shopping and make the most of  your time and money. Read on to know about them:

Shopping Malls in Penang

Penang is one of the popular islands of Malaysia and being a significant part of Malaysia, it follows the culture of having lavish shopping malls within. No matter what you want to buy, you shall get each and everything from their malls. The famous malls for shopping in Penang are Gurney Plaza on Gurney Drive, Sunway Carnival mall in Seberang Perai, Queensbay Mall, which is overlooking the beautiful crystal clear water in Bayan Lepas and the 1st Avenue Mall, which is next to KOMTAR in George Town.

All these Penang Shopping Malls have stocked similar collection of well-known brands of clothing, shoes, bags and etc. as well as have same chains of food and beverage stores. However, this does not give rise to contempt, but rather makes it easier for everyone to find everything in one place.

You shall also find boutique malls like the Straits Quay Mall in Tanjung Tokong, which has gained great popularity with its one-off stores, i.e. Sugar where you shall see ready to bake measured ingredients for every cake and beautiful baking paraphernalia. At Bran et Dagauet, you shall come across one-off women’s clothing, which are designed by Penangite, Brandon Tan. At the Fresh Desire, you shall be amazed to see food like cupcakes and pastries in the shape of bathing soaps, which is one of its kind in the entire city.

Read More: Best Shopping Malls in Penang

Markets in Penang

Missing out Penang Shopping at the markets is one of the biggest mistakes one could ever make. The famous Chowrasta Bazaar on Jalan Penang is ideal to buy fresh products as well as second hand stuff, all at very affordable prices. You can also eat out at the hawker food stalls. Thieves’ Market is the most popular markets not only because of its name, but also for having old stuff like ancient watches and manual irons of old times.

The weekly night markets are ideal for Penang Shopping and they are continuously in rotation from one neighborhood to another. You can buy local street food here at very reasonable prices as well as local fruits and the seasonal king of fruits. Furthermore, at few stalls, you shall also find household stuff like pots and pans, plastic buckets and scrubbing brushes.

Batu Ferringhi night market is set up daily and is famous for being the biggest in terms of length and breadth.  This market opens at 5:00pm and closes after midnight. This market is ideal for shopping in Penang, especially for tourists to buy sunglasses, knick knacks, clothes, hats and other stuff for playing on the beach like spades and floats etc.

Shopping Street in Penang

Little India is a renowned shopping street in Penang, flooded with vibrant colors and alluring fragrances of flowers, food and spices from India. Once you step in this market, you shall get the feeling as if you are in India and therefore, this street has been named Little India. The vibrant colors here are popping out from the fabric, jewelries, food, statues, flowers and from various other stuff, which is being sold here. A wide variety of beautiful sarees are found here and every store seems to have a better collection than the previous one. So, be ready to find yourself in the state of extreme confusion. Everything from food to clothing is totally Indian, depicting its culture.

Places to Buy Souvenirs and Gifts in Penang

When its time to go back to your home, it is mandatory to shop something for people waiting for you in your respective city or country. It’s a custom followed in every region. Apart from shopping in Penang for yourself, you also need to find out where to get the best souvenirs and gifts. At the Perfect Gift Green Lane you can buy flower bouquets, teddy bears, chocolate boxes, hampers and various  items for different events. At China Joes in Georgetown, you shall get a variety of antiques and accessories, followed by eclectic souvenirs, special teas and coffees, books and various other stuff for your home.

At Sentuhan in Tanjung Tokong you shall find all handmade products like natural soaps, paintings, local crafts, clothing, and accessories. Some beautiful packaging is also sold here, so that you can wrap the stuff and present as a gift item. Material Collection at Queensbay Mall is also another perfect place to shop for dresses, tees, scarves, chopsticks for first time user, one-off handbags, modern wooden ornaments, silicon kitchenware, eco-friendly Chinese New Year ang pau packets and also some exclusive stationary stuff. Other places where you can go for Penang Shopping to get souvenirs and gift items are Bon Ton The Shop, 14 Living Story, SJ, Threef and various others.

Money Changers in Penang

The industry of money changers in Penang is well ruled by the Indian Muslim and Chettiar communities. The people of these communities provide the best exchange rates to banks. You shall find many of them, working from the Central Business District of George Town, specifically beside the Pitt Street and Beach Street. Their outlets are also found in the main shopping malls of Penang like at Queensbay Malls, 1st Avenue Mall, Komtar and Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall. The famous money changers in Penang are M Mohamed Kassim Forex, International Mega Forex and various others. So, before shopping in Penang, get your currency exchanged.

Shopping Tips

Bargaining is the key to buy the best stuff at the best price in Penang. When you are at some stalls or independent shops, give your best to haggle for the least possible price. You can lower down the price of any stuff without proper bargaining and knowledge. If you think that the price could have been more bargained then no need to buy from there, look around at other shops.

We hope that this short Penang shopping guide will assist you in making the most of your time and money. Your shopping experience in Penang will be of great value, if you follow this guide. While Shopping is one of the recommended activity in Penang, you might be interested in knowing best things to do in Penang to make most of your trip.


Categories
Tourism Malaysia

The other side of Malaysia



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May 19, 2016



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Eco, Family, Food, Highlands, History, Homestay, Kelantan, Malaysia, National Parks, States



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By Lloyd Green

Like in any country, life away from the city is different. In rural Malaysia, village or kampung life is another beast. The Malays and Orang Asli here still practice their traditions, maintaining the old lifestyle of their people. It is completely different from the lifestyle in the city and you can see how different their life is.

To the locals it is more than just a home; it is a community where history and heritage lives on. From food, ceremonies and rituals to their connection and dependence on the land, there’s a sense of belonging — one not often found in the city.

Kampung life is sustained by agriculture; rice fields, fruit plantations, fishing and other types of farming. The family home in the kampung is well-kept and blends in with the surrounds of the village. Rambutan and rubber trees line the pathways with other types of vegetation providing shade from the harsh elements.

These shaded compounds are favourite places for school-yard games and social interaction as well as working areas. Attap and mat-weaving, drying, rice-pounding and carpentry are some of the common duties carried out. The space underneath each stilted house is also used to store food, fuel, building materials, farming equipment, bicycles and even cars.

De Visu / Shutterstock.com

Dense bushland and forest occupies the area surrounding these villages, with the echoes of children enjoying the cool waters of nearby rivers a welcome relief from the persistent horns of the city.

Our driver had turned down a narrow, sandy path past some neighbouring compounds, shacks and gardens, via the large lake that formed the focus of the kampung and towards a traditional styled home that stood resplendent between the trees. The 150-year-old structure had been given a splash of colour and was vibrant in pink and green.

We followed our guide past more wooden huts and through a muddy swamp until we found our night’s accommodation: A bamboo hut on the bank of the river, equipped with veranda and scenic views. The hospitality we received that night and in the morning was overwhelming.

Dozens of banana plantations dominate the valley. Pak Angah, a well known farmer show us his property. He sells each comb of his bananas for just over RM1. It’s enough to make around 300 ringgit per month.

the other side of malaysia 1

His children often accompany him in the picking of the bananas, as well as friends in the village. Much of the village operates this way. The husband leaves early in the morning to work on the land and the mother stays at home with the young children.

The kampung is eerily quiet during the day until the roaring engine of the school bus returns in the afternoon. Swarms of teenagers rush through the village yelling, running and laughing — their mothers often scolding at them to return home.

the other side of malaysia 2

The roads here connecting the kampungs to the highway vary in quality. At night and during rainy season they can be quite dangerous. One particular section of road we took was diabolical at best. Not only did we have to navigate the large rocks and deep ruts, but also the twenty minutes’ of torrential rain, mud and steepness.

At least the ceremony we’d attend would be worth it. A fellow traveller best describes the events that unfolded:

“The ceremony is held in an enclosed dewan, which is much like my longhouse: made of split bamboo flooring and thatched bamboo walls, with rough tree trunk beams and a grass roof. From the ceiling hang bunches of broad green leaves.”

“From the darkness, one of the men chants the first line of his prayer, weaving his words to the beat of the bamboo. The women answer his prayer, repeating the line in unison, all the while making the beautiful percussive music with the bamboo. The man chants again, the chorus of women answer. Chant, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. Answer, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. And on and on. It is intoxicating.” ~~ Joe Byrnes.

 It’s this one ceremony that best explains kampung life. The simplicity of the people and the traditions they uphold make life out here very special.

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Tourism Malaysia

My Malaysia

By Lloyd Green

I sit here on the plane leaving Malaysia after eight months. An experience quite unlike any I have ever encountered. Malaysia is a country where the more you invest, the more you get out of it. You could be forgiven for thinking Malaysia is embodied by KL’s global reputation — its bright lights, shopping malls, bustling nightlife and iconic Petronas Twin Towers showcasing an opulence craved by many tourists — as well as pristine island getaways such as Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands.

But if you have ever had the chance to peer beyond its veneer, you will find a land of great beauty and a population eager to share it with you. This is where the real Malaysia lies and a world in which I’ve had the privilege to step into. You’ll enter one world and exit another taking with you snippets of many cultures that will not only shape your memories but also your relationships.

My Msia 1

The view from one of the more secluded areas at Genting Highlands

Much of my adventure here is owed to the great local friends I have made. They have afforded me an authentic experience not often chronicled in your local tour guides: Guest at an Indian wedding in Klang; life as a local at Orang Asli kampungs in the jungle near Gua Musang and Raub; a road trip to Pangkor; KL’s burgeoning comedy scene; a guided tour of the famed Kacang Putih industry in Ipoh; hiking around the intriguing Genting Highlands; celebrating Deepavali with Indian families in Klang; KL’s underground punk rock scene; teaching English in remote and rural communities; celebrating Christmas in the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca; adventures to Peninsular Malaysia’s most stunning waterfalls and hikes including Chilling Falls and Gunang Tahan; picking rambutans and bananas at plantations in the jungle; witnessing Iban tribal ceremonies in Sarawak; staying on a boat house in the Royal Belum National Park as well as tasting local delicacies such as the best fish noodle soup in Petaling Jaya and homemade Indian curries in Brickfields and Klang.

My Msia 2

You can hire a boat house and enjoy the tranquil Royal Belum National Park
(Pic http://belum.com.my/tour/2d-1n-houseboat-lake-temenggor/)

That’s not to say Malaysia’s main attractions are unworthy of your presence — the tourist trail in Malaysia is reliable and growing stronger all the time. In the economic hub of Kuala Lumpur, flavours and colour of India, China and Malay locals float inconspicuously, adding great contrast and history to this modern megacity with landmarks such as Batu Caves, Bukit Bintang and KLCC ensuring thousands continue to flock there.

Venture north to George Town in Penang and Ipoh for a romantic cocktail of art, architecture and colonial influences with night markets, Chinese hawker stalls in Batu Ferringhi, the original Old Town White Coffee in Ipoh and the emergence of urban street art in both places giving reason for tourism to thrive.

The chance to live and look after Orangutans as well as the quest of climbing Malaysia’s highest peak — Mount Kinabalu — will always ensure people go to Sabah and the magic of the Rainforest World Music Festival is a beacon for Sarawak tourism each year. And of course if island hopping and diving is your thing, then you’ll fall in love with places such as Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Layang Layang and Lankayan.

Malaysia has no doubt won a special place in my heart and I urge other travellers, tourists and expatriates to immerse yourself in the culture and let Malaysia sweep you off your feet. You will never regret it.

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Tourism Malaysia

Why you should move to Malaysia in 2016

By Lloyd Green

Good news! If you’re thinking of relocating to Malaysia — maybe to volunteer, work at an NGO, study, join a big company, intern or simply enjoy your gap year — now is the best time. According to the 2016 global Cost of Living Index report collated by Numbeo, Malaysia is the 29th cheapest country to live.

Despite boasting one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant economies, Malaysia is an incredibly affordable place to live, retaining a Consumer Price Index of just 37.47. Remarkably, this is lower than neighbouring Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

 So, if you’ve just graduated, have the time to do something life changing, or are looking for that extra zest in life, why NOT come to Malaysia? We’ll tell where you get cheap food, eat out for less and rent a house for next to nothing?

What’s Cheap In Malaysia?

Johor Bahru is Malaysia’s cheapest city on the Cost of Living Index table with a CPI of 40.61. A one bedroom apartment here averages MYR1,325.00, while out of the city it drops to MYR833.33. JB also has the third least expensive McDonald’s combo meal in the world at MYR10, which is equal to $US2.50. In fact, Malaysia is one of the cheapest places in the world for eating out with Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur all polling in the Top 50 on the Restaurant Price Index list.

blog2june1 - JB

On average you can get a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for MYR8 or $US2. Coffee is also cheap averaging $US1 in most places. Do expect to pay more at fancy shopping malls and outlets like Starbucks.

Is KL Really That Expensive?

shutterstock_150586619Kjersti Joergensen / Shutterstock.com

The cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is slightly higher compared to other Malaysia cities, but with a CPI of 44.48, it’s still 54 per cent cheaper than Singapore and has roughly the same CPI as neighbouring Asian capitals like Jakarta, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.

You will likely need at least $US400 to $US500 per month to cover all of your expenses in KL, with a room to rent as low as MYR800 ($US200) per month. This price can vary drastically depending on your location, with a one bedroom apartment in the city averaging MYR2400 per month, while out of the city the median drops to MYR1200.

Kota Kinabalu is the cheapest city in Malaysia for accommodation according to Numbeo, with its Rent Index at 7.63 (37th in the world), compared to JB at 12.24 and KL at 18.55.

The cost of transport in Kuala Lumpur is very competitive with a one-way ticket using the LRT or KTM less than $US1. If you commute every day, count on $25 per month for transportation.

Get Me Out Of The City

Transport between urban cities in Malaysia is also affordable, ranging between $5 and $15 for a bus ride, depending on the destination. A bus or train ride can take you to the green mountains of Cameron Highlands or the heritage listed cities of Georgetown, Malacca and Ipoh.

For Ipoh, catch the train as Ipoh Railway Station is located in the centre of town, whereas the coach terminal is some 15 minutes away. The tickets are MYR25 to MYR30 and you’ll only save five ringgit if you catch the bus.

The bus from KL to Penang is the best option as it takes you directly to the island and within five minutes of George Town. Tickets at MYR37 to MYR42.

Flying to Sabah and Sarawak can be expensive, but Air Asia offers deals all year round. Right now you can fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan for $US16 with the airline.

blogjun22Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 

Staying Long Term

Most people can enter Malaysia on a Short Term Social Visit Pass, which can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. Normally, this visa is valid for three months, but the visa conditions vary depending on your nationality.

If you plan to volunteer in Malaysia for longer than three-months, you might wish to apply for a Professional Visit Pass (PVP). This must be requested by the NGO you intend to work for while you are still in your home country

If granted, this visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed for another 12 months, but only after a three-month break in between.

Contacting Home

Internet and mobile packages are also relatively inexpensive in Malaysia, with a minute of prepaid mobile averaging RM0.26 and 10 Mbps Internet with unlimited data priced at RM160.

So, whatever it is you decide to do in Malaysia, your time here be an exciting time in your life, and a great chance to stretch your own limits and discover your potential!

Check out the Top 30 Cheapest Countries to Live in 2016.

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