9 Striking Things to See in Singapore’s Civic District

Sir Stamford Raffles' statue watches over Singapore's Civic District. (image by Marco Ferrarese)

Of all of Asia’s cities, Singapore is possibly the one that changed the fastest. Futuristic high rises sit next to old shophouses that have been so refurbished and beautified they hardly look like they may be a century old. But if you are looking for Singapore’s most historical sights rather than its hip districts, such as food… Continue reading 9 Striking Things to See in Singapore’s Civic District

Chulia Court: Best Night Club in George Town, Penang?

Stylish drinks and decor at the back of Chulia Court, George Town's main nightclub. (image © Kit Yeng Chan)

Tucked in the very center of George Town’s tourist-haven Chulia Street, a large, stylishly refurbished shophouse occupies one of the strip’s most prized pieces of real estate. I am talking about Chulia Court: set right in front of the super central 7/11 junction between Chulia Street and Penang backpacker-tastic Love Lane, Chulia Court is and… Continue reading Chulia Court: Best Night Club in George Town, Penang?

Ultimate 2023 Guide to MM2H Malaysia My Second Home Visa: Still Worth Applying to Live Long-term in Malaysia?

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, is a favorite MM2H Malaysia my Second Home visa holder destination along with Penang (image by Unsplash)

The tropical beaches of Penang, its famous hawker food, multicultural character, Penang street art scene, and laid-back lifestyle are an attractive destination for many expatriates, foreign professionals, and retirees who want an easier life for half the price — or less — than what they can get in their home countries. “I considered Kuala Lumpur… Continue reading Ultimate 2023 Guide to MM2H Malaysia My Second Home Visa: Still Worth Applying to Live Long-term in Malaysia?

Penang Ferry: Ultimate Guide to Traveling by Sea between George Town and Butterworth

One of the original Penang Ferries in the Straits Sea in 2012 (image courtesy of Wiki Commons)

Penang Ferry opened in 1894 as the only link between Penang island and the railway to Singapore. It’s still operating despite the two bridge links connecting Penang island to Seberang Perai — the mainland part of Penang state, where you can find the town of Bukit Mertajam, and beautiful places like Frog Hill, and Bukit… Continue reading Penang Ferry: Ultimate Guide to Traveling by Sea between George Town and Butterworth

13 Glamping Spots in Malaysia for a Stunning Luxury Stay in Nature (from $40 a night)

(image courtesy of Time Capsule Retreat Facebook)

To Malaysians, glamping is some sort of a national obsession: there’s nothing that local urbanites prefer than to strike away in nature for the weekend, enjoying Malaysia’s lush greenery, rivers, and scenery — yet without roughing it out. The good news is, from jungle-shrouded domes fitted with the plushest beds you’ll ever try to riverside… Continue reading 13 Glamping Spots in Malaysia for a Stunning Luxury Stay in Nature (from $40 a night)

All you need to know to Home Quarantine in Malaysia: Complete guide from application to release

Are you a Malaysian or a long-term resident of Malaysia wishing to travel back from abroad during these current times of coronavirus restrictions? You have come to the right place. This post is a first-hand guide to the process of applying and doing home quarantine in Malaysia as experienced by us [Marco, a Malaysia Long… Continue reading All you need to know to Home Quarantine in Malaysia: Complete guide from application to release

The Ultimate Guide to Bukit Hijau: Hiking Trails, Big Tree and Waterfall

Watching the sunset over Island Glades from the top of Bukit Hijau (image © Kit Yeng Chan)

When thinking about hiking in Penang, many go to Penang Hill or cross into Seberang Perai to hike in Mainland Penang in places like Cherok Tok Kun, a forest reserve near the cool city of Bukit Mertajam, or Bukit Juru and Bukit Panchor State Park. Otherwise, nearby Kedah state has beautiful peaks like Gunung Baling… Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Bukit Hijau: Hiking Trails, Big Tree and Waterfall

Bus Station in Penang: a Guide to Penang’s three Bus Terminals

The inside of Penang Sentral, opened in January 2019, the best place to catch a bus from Penang to KL (picture credit: Marco Ferrarese)

Buses are a popular way to travel to Penang from other parts of Malaysia. But to be honest, with not one but THREE bus stations in Penang, it can get a bit confusing for first-timers. You have landed on the right page. This post will teach you about: What are the three bus stations in… Continue reading Bus Station in Penang: a Guide to Penang’s three Bus Terminals

Top Bars in Penang: 23 Drinking Holes and Hidden Bars for a Boozy Night out in George Town

Chinese opera mural behind the bar at 12 Senses in George Town (image © Kit Yeng Chan)

We have already harped about Penang nightlife options, but when it comes to bars in Penang, we thought you needed a dedicated list. The bar scene in Penang has boomed in recent years: from a low-key, backpacker-focused string of bars along main tourist thoroughfare Chulia Street, gentrification and the rise of trendy Penang cafes has… Continue reading Top Bars in Penang: 23 Drinking Holes and Hidden Bars for a Boozy Night out in George Town

The Ultimate Guide to Pangkor Kali Amman Temple: How to Visit Malaysia’s Hindu Temple by the Sea

The sacred golden Kali statue inside of Pangkor's Kali Amman Temple (image © Kit Yeng Chan)

There are many things to do on Pangkor island, one of Perak’s best attractions, but we think that visiting the Kali Amman Temple during festival celebrations is particularly interesting. Located on the waterfront at Sungai Pinang Besar, Kali Amman Temple (also called Sri Pathirakaliamman Temple) is Pangkor’s only Hindu temple, and also Malaysia’s only sea-facing… Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Pangkor Kali Amman Temple: How to Visit Malaysia’s Hindu Temple by the Sea