Penang and Singapore share strong cultural ties and heritage. Many of the Chinese that came to Singapore during the colonial period came through Penang. Penang is also the home to the Peranakan community and way of life. The straits-born Chinese formed a sizeable population in Penang, and it gave birth to unique Peranakan customs and …
Melaka is rich in culture, thanks to the Eurasian and Peranakan communities in the quaint city. The Peranakans started forming a base in Melaka when many Chinese traders came and married local Malays or the Bataks. However, not all Peranakans have Chinese roots. European traders, especially the Dutch and Portuguese, also came to Malacca during …
Slightly off the beaten track, Kota Tinggi may not be a tourist magnet, but it sure is known to the residents of Malaysia and a nice little getaway close to Singapore. The beautiful natural paradise attracts those fond of waterfalls, trees, and the finer elements of nature. This capital town of the Kota Tinggi District lies very …
If I were to pick a city in Malaysia, I would choose Penang, any day. It’s so diverse. There is a lot to do, beyond just museums and food. This melting pot of cultures incorporates a unified blend of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian culture. The influence of these three ethnicities is seen in the food, …
Wait, wait, wait, don’t turn your nose up at the mention of jazz! This isn’t a gown-and-champagne uppity jazz festival reserved for ‘atas’ people who are best friends with Yo-Yo Ma. In fact, I was surprised to learn that ‘jazz’ is far more diverse and inclusive than I’d realised. And funner! You CAN attend this thing even …
For me, Malacca is all about the Chendol and the chance to explore my Portuguese roots. For most, it’s probably about shopping in Jonker Street and eating as much as possible. Malacca has some of the best street food after all! With Dutch, Portuguese and Nyonya cultures also having a presence in Malacca’s history intermingled …
By Jaclynn Seah – I’m a big fan of street art in Penang. The streets of George Town have been transformed by street art works in recent years, and I love walking the alleyways to see what new artworks I can discover. What I also secretly enjoy doing is watching the tourists interact with the …
Itching for a getaway? How about dipping your toes in paradise on some pretty islands near Singapore. Where to go in Malaysia, you may wonder. On top of popular cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca, there are several islands near Singapore where you can find some of the best beaches in Malaysia. These islands …
By Yiqi Wang – When my father suggested a family farm stay in Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm, my first thought was “ What?! A kampung stay with no aircon and no water heater?!” Needless to say, I did not hold high hopes for the farm and was even slightly dreading it. But the minute …
By Averlynn Lim – Bored of the usual short trips to Johor Bahru, my brother, cousin and I decided to travel to Malacca for a short getaway trip over the weekend. Known for its historical sights and iconic dishes, we couldn’t wait to tuck into some hearty chicken rice balls and shop all night in …
