Unique Activities to Enjoy When You Visit Penang

Penang, Malaysia is thought to be stuck in a time loop. At every corner of the street you will see traces of the colonial period. A time when traders from all over the world drop anchor in its ports, ready to sell their wares for money or in exchange for rare and exotic goods.

But while Penang preserved so much of its history and heritage in their architecture, they were able to incorporate modern styles and comforts in a way the harmonises the new with the old. Indeed, travelling here is more than just a trip to a Malaysian island, it is an experience.

Before you book that Penang accommodation though, let’s talk about what you can do during your visit. A lot of Penang lists talk about the destinations you should go to and the food you must try on your trip, but none will be as specific as this list. Here, we enumerate unique activities you can add in your itinerary.

Count all the artworks along the streets of Georgetown

There are countless art installations and murals you can find along the streets of Georgetown. You can turn this into a game with friends or family — the most art a person finds wins a cold dessert from the hawker centres!

It is going to be a day-long activity, so make sure hunting down these artworks is not going to eat up much of your time. Instead, make this game a trip-long activity so that you can still do other things during your stay.

Go on a food crawl

If there is one thing we love about Penang, it’s the food. Considered to be the food paradise in Malaysia, travellers can visit various restaurants, cafes, and hawker centres offering unique takes on international cuisine or serving the best local dishes.

Make sure you try Penang favourites like the Laksa or the Char Koay Teow. However, expect huge crowds in hawker centres on certain days, which means you might have to buy easy-to-carry food instead since seats will be limited.

Tour Georgetown on a trishaw

Find trishaw peddlers in Georgetown and take a tour of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site while enjoying the cool morning breeze of Penang. It’s so easy to spot trishaws because they’re basically tricycles with brightly coloured umbrellas.

The price usually differs per driver, but prepare at least an hourly rate of RM 30.

Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple at night

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most famous destinations in Penang. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia built with a seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI. It also features 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha, and a 120-foot tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy.

It’s magnificent to look at in the light of day, but it’s a different experience at night. It’s like looking at a whole different side of the temple which is much more serene.

Plan your escape at Penang’s ESCAPE theme park No, this isn’t like an escape room where you and your friends attempt to break out of a locked space. ESCAPE offers a different kind of, well, escape. If you are tired of the city, this is where you go to chill and shake off all that stress. This is a theme park surrounded by lush greenery, very near the Penang Butterfly Farm. Here you can enjoy free falling, tower climbing, and other outdoor activities.

Chill out at Batu Ferringhi beach

Cap off a tiring day exploring the city at Batu Ferringhi beach. Here, you and your companions can just lounge at the beach, getting the sun-kissed tan plus the clear waters of the sea. There are countless water activities you can do like wakeboarding or jet skiing. But nothing beats just chilling on your beach mats with a cocktail in hand, maybe watching the sun as it dips in the horizon.

To make your trip even more rewarding, you can choose to stay in a hotel that will make your commute to and from these places so easy to do. Hotels like The Northam All Suite Penang.

Right now, they’re offering 40% off your accommodation when you book the Northam Special Deal. It comes with a buffet breakfast inclusion and Jacuzzi tub in the suites.

On your visit to Penang, make sure you include these activities in your list and enjoy all that the island has to offer.

The Ultimate Packing Guide: Here’s What You Need to Bring On Your Trip to Malaysia

Planning to visit Malaysia soon? That’s good! It’s an amazing country that boasts amazing food, gorgeous landscapes, and friendly locals. Not to mention, it’s so easy to book a Kuala Lumpur accommodation, get the best hotel deals, and enjoy a stay that’s so near the vibrant districts. 

However, before we talk about reservations and destinations, let’s talk about what every traveller is afraid of: packing. There’s just so many things we want to bring to make sure we get the best trip possible. But we all know that between the limit set by the airlines and the luggage we have available, bringing everything we want is just not possible.

 For a place like Malaysia, your packing must be light and smart. Don’t worry, here’s a helpful guide to make sure all you’ve packed will make your travel experience unforgettable.

General Climate

The key is packing according to the climate of your destination.

 Most countries in Asia only experience wet and dry seasons, and Malaysia is one of them. In terms of when you can visit the country, it’s pretty much an awesome destination to go to all year round. Having said that, do take note of the wet months. This is the country’s rainy season, and the intensity differs depending on if it’s just rain or a typhoon. Wet months include March to April and September to November. The peak months in Malaysia is during the summer season, from May to August and December to Friday; which these are the hotter months too.

Storms do not usually last for more than two days. However, since we cannot really predict weather behaviour these days, make sure to stay updated. Websites like Accuweather is not too accurate with their forecast, but it is good enough to give you a general idea of what the weather is going to be like on your visit.

What You Need and Want to Bring For Your Trip

Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, there are still times when you either pack so little or so much. So to curb that problem, it’s always helpful to list down what you need to bring first:

Clothing that will help you stay cool

Expect a hot and humid weather when you’re in Malaysia, so it is important to pack light, cool clothes to help you feel comfortable. If you can, bring sweat-wicking clothes since you will probably be walking around most of the time. Of course, do remember that Malaysia is a Muslim country so be mindful of the types of clothes you are wearing. I recommend packing shorts (not too short), shirts, flowing cotton skirts and dresses, denim, and joggers.

Footwear good for walking

Bring sensible shoes for your trip. The last thing you want is an injury caused by bringing the wrong footwear; that will definitely limit the activities you can do. Consider sticking to just sneakers/rubber shoes, sandals, and flats.

Hair essentials

You probably already know to bring your hair products with you on your trip, but there are accessories that you might want to bring. For instance, hair ties and bobby pins are perfect when the weather is being intensely humid. There’s nothing like putting your hair up and feeling a bit of wind on your skin.

Swim and sun gear

On your trip, you’ll find that Malaysia is filled with beaches, resorts, and hotel with gorgeous swimming pools. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance to bask under the sun and get that perfect tan look. So don’t forget to bring your swimming gear plus essentials like sunscreen, goggles, and beach towels. You should also bring a hat to protect you from the bright heat of the sun, not just in the beaches and resorts, but also while you’re walking around the city. When picking sunscreen, choose one with a broad-spectrum protection, and ones that have a label against both UVA and UVB.

Rain gear

In the event that you schedule a trip during Malaysia’s wet months, bring the appropriate rain gear with you, plus a scarf for strong, cold winds. In any case, you can just buy an umbrella in Malaysia at any of the local convenience stores.

First aid kit for emergencies

If you have prescription medicine, make sure to bring them with you because you might have a hard time finding them in a pharmacy near your hotel. For all the other medications like pain relievers or anything generic, you will most likely not have a problem finding those locally. Also include in your kit medication for motion sickness, flu medicine, sanitisers, wet wipes and tissues, alcohol, and band-aids.

Gadgets and related gear

A smartphone is usually enough to bring on a trip, but there are travellers that want to capture the whole experience in as many ways as possible. You may choose to bring a camera like a DSLR or any of the vintage-like models that are coming out. A GoPro and drone camera are also good to bring. However, once you bring your gadgets make sure you’ve brought what you need for proper clean and care like adaptors for charging, wipes for the lenses, and a case if the gadgets have one. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a portable charger for your phone.

Day bag

Your day bag is a smaller backpack or messenger bag where your gadgets, wallet, and other important items should be in. This is the bag you will bring on your day trips and must be secure at all times. There are bags that already come with locks so you might want to consider bringing those. Otherwise, you can always use a padlock to secure sections of your bag where your airport and other documents are contained. You can leave one zipper, that is the main section of the bag, unlocked since this is where you will pack your water bottle and umbrella, and should be accessible at any time.

Packing Tips and Tricks

Now that you know what you can bring, the next problem is how you can actually pack them in your bag. While you are doing this, do keep the baggage limit in mind. Remember that you want to be able to move easily during your trip, and part of this is packing sensibly. Once you stick to this list, there’s less chance to bring overpack and bring unnecessary items.

The Pareto Principle

The Pareto Principle is an economics term that says that 80% of effects, for any event, come from 20% of the causes. It may seem ridiculous to associate that with traveling, much less packing, but let’s try to apply at least the concept here. The idea is to bring the clothes that you normally wear when you’re not on a trip, but taking note that you cannot bring clothes for every situation. This means that 80% of the clothes you will wear should just be 20% of what you will pack.

Limit to a week’s worth of clothes

An effective way to avoid packing your whole wardrobe is to set a limit for yourself. Whether you’re staying in the city centre or are planning to backpack through Malaysia, make sure to bring only a week’s worth of clothes. You may just choose to do laundry every night so you can wear your clothes again. It’s more cost effective, too, since excess baggage is much more expensive than paying for laundry. Besides, you can always just wash your clothes again.

Wear your bulkiest and heaviest clothes

As much as possible, do not pack your heaviest and bulkiest clothes in your luggage. Instead, hand carry them or wear them so that you have more room in your bags. A lot of people are having a hard time following this, but these tips might help:

• Limit yourself to just on heavy coat.
• Bring only two pairs of shoes, which already includes what you will be wearing for the trip.
• Choose shoes that can go with any of the clothes you you’ve brought with you.

Pack for layers

To avoid bringing heavy clothes with you, just layer what you have. For instance, your cotton shirt can serve as primary layer. If it gets cold or windy in Malaysia, you can put on a cardigan and a scarf to shield you from it. When it gets intense, that’s when you can wear your heavy coat.

Bring versatile clothes

Consider bringing clothes that have multiple functions to lessen what you need to pack even further. An example would be a sarong which you can use as a beach cover-up, blanket, or a bag. You may also bring clothes which you can wear multiple times for various kinds of clothes like loose slacks or a sweater.

Dryer sheets to layer around the bag

If you want to keep your clothes looking fresh and clean, you can layer dryer sheets in your bag before putting your clothes in. You can also use a few drops of your favourite essential oil on a tissue can also work, if you don’t have dryer sheets.

Laundry bag

To avoid mixing dirty clothes with your clean ones, make sure you have a bag exclusively for your laundry. You’ll be washing your clothes every night for the duration of your trip, so will most likely use this during the last days of your trip when you do not need some of your clothes anymore.

Practical trips shouldn’t stop at packing

All these packing tips and hacks should make your trip easy and light. But more than that, traveling to Malaysia will be more enjoyable if your accommodation allows you to go to and from its wonderful destinations without a problem. Which is why city centre hotels like the Ramada Suites KLCC is the ideal place to stay. Right now, they are offering a hot deal for guests who will book directly on their page. The promo is the Hot Deal! Stay 3 Nights and Pay 2 Nights.

When you book a 3-night stay at Ramada Suites KLCC, you will only need to pay for 2 nights. Plus, it comes with a buffet breakfast spread, featuring local and international cuisine prepared to satisfy your cravings.

Now that you know what and how to pack, and the promo deal that can make an amazing Malaysia trip unforgettable, you’re ready to start your research into what destinations are waiting for you. Check out this space again for our next Malaysia article: The Ultimate Guide to Malaysia’s Best Destinations!

7 Things To Do In Alabang That Make The South Equally Fun as The North

With sprawling food hub choices, booming industries for business, and first-rate hotels in Alabang, there’s no denying that it’s one of the country’s best alternatives for go-to hangout places. Being a short distance from Manila also helps making it a good choice for barkada night outs and jamming sesh. But for some weird reason, we think of it as farther south than it actually is.

A melting pot of various things to enjoy, Alabang offers several activities from the mundane to the exciting. Here are 7 things you can do in Alabang that would make you agree to pay that extra toll money.

1. Food Trip

From uppity up restaurants to holes-in-the-wall, Alabang has a very wide selection for food options. We might’ve just been dismissing it because we think it’s too far out, but this urban piece of Muntinlupa offers gastronomic gems that are sure to satiate your foodie souls. Among the best to try are The Black Pig, Neil’s Kitchen, and Burger Geek.

2. Physical Wellness
 

Apart from food hubs, Alabang also features a lot of different gyms that cater to a variety of market. Go for traditional workouts at places like Slimmers World, Golds Gym, and Fitness First, or opt for customized workout places like the Hit Arena and L3F Kettlebell Gym. They even have badminton places and martial arts camps for those who like to sweat it out differently.

3. Music & Entertainment

Treat your auditory nerves to some good music at Alabang. Attend live gigs and enjoy free band performances as you take a sip of that cocktail. The city is also home to the Filinvest Open grounds, the official venue of the annual music fest Wanderland. Apart from this, several malls like Alabang Town Center, Molito, and Festival Mall holds regular shows you can enjoy.

4. Party Venues

Whether it’s a wholesome kiddie party, or one of those rather wild ones that we millennials enjoy, Alabang has something to offer that would definitely fit your liking. Several hotels around the area offer banquet halls that could fit a large party, while pubs and restobars like Vue Bar at the Bellevue also host some of the coolest parties in the area.

5. Hotels for Staycations

One of the highly urbanized cities in the south, Alabang is home to the best hotels and luxury accommodations near Manila. With many Alabang hotel promos on the internet, you’ll surely find something affordable, yet will give you the highs and convenience of city living. Treat yourself to a nice staycation and relax in a developed yet less congested metropolis.

6. Bazaars and Retail Shops

Good finds don’t only exist in Baclaran or Divisoria. Go around Alabang and score some pretty affordable yet awesome stuff from accessories to clothes. Nestled on the outskirts of its commercial areas, village bazaars and warehouse sales can be found. Try venturing to these places and score pretty good deals with trendy clothes and other awesome finds.

7. Pamper Sessions

There’s no better way to relieve yourself of the stresses of life than to go on an all out pamper session. Whether you need a skin expert or just looking for a place to have your hair or nails done, there’s surely something for you in Alabang. Book a reservation at any of the spas they have at Molito or ATC and leave the establishment as your confidently beautiful self.


These are but some of the things you can enjoy in the south. Try giving it a shot and you’ll find out there’s a lot more to do here that’s equally fun as the North. Explore its awesome attractions and have a dose of a city life that offers the familiar comforts of rural living. Finally, retreat at one of the available hotels in Alabang and cap off the day with an indulgent rest.

Top 3 Indoor Theme Parks You Should Visit in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is the southernmost city in Malaysia, and one of the largest cities in the country. It also borders the city-state of Singapore, making it potentially the biggest financial centres of both.


Tourists can enjoy countless shopping centres offering novelty items and unique bargains. The hawker parks and restaurants serve the most delectable local delights, prepared meticulously with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. And there is nothing quite like the sanctuary being offered by a "Johor Bahru accommodation.


But when you’re travelling with kids or want to have a fun time with friends, the most important part of your itinerary are the destinations. When you visit Johor Bahru, one of the things you’ll notice is that they’ve got a lot of theme parks.


Like a lot of it.


Theme parks have always been the best at fun and excitement. So on your Johor Bahru trip, make sure you get to drop by these top theme parks!

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town

Hello Kitty is the biggest earning brand to come out of Japan. With millions of toys available in the market, television shows, an anime, and even a cafe — she’s definitely broadened her reach. Now you can visit her very own amusement park at Puteri Harbour!


Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is an indoor theme park which features countless activities like the Wishful Studio where you can create your own souvenir, take a tour around Hello Kitty’s house, and watch her perform on stage just for you.


Their biggest attraction is the ‘Hello Kitty in Oz’, a production which tells the story of Oz and the looming threat right after Dorothy defeated the Wicked Witch of the West. To save the magical land of Oz, Hello Kitty ripped out the last page of the Great Book of Oz, only to realise something worst is about to happen.


Exciting, right? You never thought you’d get that from a Hello Kitty theme park, but there you go.

Thomas Town Johor

Thomas the Train is another big franchise which found its way in Malaysia. Because right by Hello Kitty Town is the Thomas Town theme park, another indoor theme park in Puteri Harbour, Johor Bahru.


You can ride different kinds of transportation like Harold’s Helitours Ride, Bertile the Bus, or Knapford Station Thomas Train Ride. If you want to get a unique look at the Island of Sodor, ride the Collin Crane Drop Ride or the Windmill Ride, both of which can give you the perfect 360-view of the scenery.


You can also drop by the McBunn Cafe where you can chill after a full day of adventure with Thomas and Friends.

LEGOLAND Malaysia

To cap off our list is the biggest toy manufacturer in the world: LEGO. They have featured special edition LEGO for our favourite film characters like the superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the Resistance of the Star Wars Expanded Universe.


Now, visitors of Johor Bahru can enjoy LEGOLAND Malaysia, which is both a theme park and a water park. It features different activities for families to enjoy such as the Tidal Tube, Joker Soaker, Wave Pool, Dragon’s Apprentice, and more.


You can also explore Miniland where you’ll feel like you’ve taken a tour around Asia with attractions such as the LEGO versions of Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, and Kuala Lumpur.


Delectable dishes are available at Beach Grill, King’s Grill, or the Brick Cafe.


To make it even easier for you to visit these theme parks, make sure you check out GBW Hotel. It is a Johor Bahru accommodation that is right smack at the heart of the city. So it going from one park to another, and still make it in time for the buffet dinner is a piece of cake.


Are you still reading this? Go on and pack your bags, get those theme park tickets, book your stay at the GBW hotel website, and get ready for a fun-filled day!

TOP PICKS: Where to Eat, Explore, Dine, Drink, and Stay in Makati

Urban centers where first-rate hotels like Eton Tower Makati are cradled definitely put you in the heart of the metropolis. But with the many places to explore in an urban center like Makati, it would be hard to decide exactly what to do and see, where to eat, drink, and dine, and where to retreat after a day of exploring.

Here are our top picks for places to try in Makati which will definitely give you the complete city experience.

DO

It doesn’t really matter if you’re a shopaholic or not, exploring the shopping centers in Makati is a city experience of its own. Found near Ayala avenue are a group of malls comprised of Greenbelt, Glorietta, Landmark, and SM.

All of these are connected to each other by bridges and walkways that make exploring a lot easier. Apart from that, each mall also caters to people of different tastes and backgrounds, so you are sure to find something you would like.

SEE

One of the great things about Makati is that despite the fact that it’s all about progress and innovation, it never forgets to pay homage to the Filipino culture and heritage. A small distance from the city’s main shopping centers, the Ayala Museum stands proud.

With its collection of artifacts, artworks, and other pieces that speak of the country’s rich history, this place will give you a glimpse of the foundations of the nation that we are now.

EAT

The whole Makati Central Business District is a melting pot of several food hubs and restaurants. But hopping from one restaurant to another could take so much time, which is why trying out food from Legazpi Sunday Market is our best recommendation.

In this weekend communal event, a portion of the Legazpi Park is transformed into a farmer’s market where the best restaurants in the city set up food stalls. Ease yourself of the hassle of going several places for food. In this community event, you get served the best meal options all in one place.

DRINK

Among the many places to visit in Makati, the district of Poblacion is known because of its numerous pubs and watering holes. Whether you’re into some wholesome drinking or if you want to waste the night away with an awesome time with friends, this district has a bar that would suit your liking.

One notable pub is called The Apartment wherein they have beds and other house fixtures making the whole place resemble an apartment. This provides customers a different nightlife experience wherein people can easily crash into the beds whenever they feel like they’ve had enough to drink.

STAY

Being one of the booming cities in Metro Manila, it’s no longer a surprise that you have a ton of options of where to stay in Makati. But if you would like to experience the ease of being near places, The Mini Suites Eton Tower Makati is the best option.

As the only hotel that is directly connected to elevated walkways, it makes it easier for you to get from one place to another. It also puts you within comfortable distance to the above-mentioned attractions, allowing you to get the fuller Makati experience without the transportation hassle.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Bohol, Philippines

Hotels and beach resorts in Bohol are a constant favorite among travelers wanting to see the best of the Philippines’ Central Visayas Region. And the usual number 1 tour destination after check-in: the Chocolate Hills, a group of about 1,700 grass-covered hills that turn brown during summer. But with all of Bohol’s history and natural beauty, this attraction isn’t all that you can look forward to for your vacation.

Here’s a pocket guide for first-timers who want to explore the province’s tourist spots.

1. Blood Compact Shrine

Located along Carlos P. Garcia Circumferential Road, the Blood Compact Shrine is a memorial to the historic friendship pact between Filipinos and Spaniards. On March 16, 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and then Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna slit their wrists and dropped blood in wine. This ritual is locally known as “Sandugo”, which means “one blood”.

2. Baclayon Church

With religious relics dating back to the 16th century, Baclayon Church is also a destination not to miss. Located in the municipality of Baclayon, just 6 km from Tagbilaran, it the second oldest stone church in the Philippines.

3. Punta Watch Tower

Punta Watch Tower is a triangular edifice in the municipality of Maribojoc, some 14 km west of Tagbilaran, overseeing the seas of South Bohol. It was originally created as a lookout against pirates. From its topmost window, you will enjoy a view of Siquijor, Cebu, and Mindanao.

4. Balicasag Island

Because of the province’s natural underwater beauty, snorkeling and diving are also among the top activities here. And one of the default destinations for this is Balicasag Island. The easiest way to plan a trip is asking assistance from your beachfront resort in Bohol.

5. Bilar Manmade Forest

Another favorite stop among tourists is the Bilar Manmade Forest in Carmen Town. It spans 2 km and boasts a lush spread of red and white mahogany trees.

6. Hinagdanan Cave

Located on Panglao Island, Hinagdanan Cave is a naturally lighted limestone cavern that features a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites. “Hinagdanan” literally translates to “laddered” — to get inside the cave, one has to go down using a ladder.

Choosing an accommodation that offers tour packages is never a bad idea. Easily explore these destinations on our list with beach resorts in Bohol like Bohol Beach Club. Discounted room rates and special promos are available on its website.

3 Reasons Why Bohol is the Perfect Destination to Have Your Wedding

A significant increase of Google searches about “Bohol beach wedding packages” proves that tropical weddings are becoming a thing. We can speculate that maybe the picturesque nature in the backdrop during the ceremony just adds to the romance of exchanging vows. But a curious question remains: why Bohol in particular?

24Seven investigates and here’s what we’ve found. Bohol is the perfect destination to have your wedding because of these three reasons:

1. If you want a traditional wedding, Bohol has some spectacular churches, many of which are declared national historical landmarks.

This is according to an article released by Lamudi Philippines. They’ve mentioned the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish which is a Neoclassical structure that was completed in 1727. Another beautiful historical church on their list is the St. Augustine Church, or Panglao Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Panglao.

2. Bohol is famous not only for its Chocolate Hills or its tarsiers, but also for its powdery stretches of white sand, mountainous terrains and rocky hills.

Positively Filipino had a run-down of some of the best tourist spots and attractions in Bohol that make the province ideal for weddings. Among the many attractions include the Loboc River Cruise — imagine going for a ride immediately after the ceremony — the hanging bamboo bridge, an array of museums, and of course, the tarsiers.

3. South Palms Resort in Bohol is no stranger to hosting beautiful picturesque weddings.

This holiday destination in Panglao, which offers affordable wedding packages in Bohol, is specifically mentioned by Gawin Blog as an ideal place for tying the knot. Imagine the salty ocean air, the ocean as your backdrop, and sand between your toes. What else could you want while exchanging vows?

Check out South Palms Bohol beach wedding packages here.