The best places to have desserts in Penang, Malaysia

It takes a lot for Penangites to swap their ais kacang (sweet shaved ice dessert) and pisang goreng (banana fritters) for other desserts – but swap they have, because these places have made Penang a sweeter place all around.

Dolce Dessert

The desserts at Dolce aren’t just dolce (sweet), they’re also incredibly pretty. Exquisite crème brûlées, lemon pralines and passionfruit pavlovas are presented with such Instagrammable flair that it’s almost a shame to eat them. This dessert place is also known for its macarons, which are a light, fluffy, not-too-sweet affair running the full gamut of flavours from orange butternut to pistachio and coffee.

Merry Me

The reason you’re here is simple: You want your Kopitiam (coffee shop) white coffee hot, and your salted egg cookies and your tau fu fah (soft beancurd in gula melaka, Malaccan palm sugar) iced, sweet and in a cone. Between salted egg Oreo ice cream and tau fu fah flavours topped with swirls of sticky gula melaka, this is the best place to indulge in your post-meal cravings without hitting the street stalls.

Norm

If you want waffles, coffee, cocktails and a bit of joy, this is the place to have it all. Warm, crispy waffles are the norm here – from the Regular Joe waffle topped with rich, melting butter to the Monkey Business banana split drizzled with chocolate sauce. We recommend the Go Go Coco, with coconut ice cream, homemade kaya (coconut jam) syrup and toasted palm seeds – because joy should be the norm, really.

Fourspoons

Bring your friends, because Fourspoons shouldn’t be a one-person secret. This delicious hideout in Icon City, the new strip mall in Bukit Mertajam, delivers apple crumble pancakes, sweet potato waffles and black sesame soft-serve ice cream to your table or your door (even if it’s in Kuala Lumpur). Paralysed by choice? Go for the classic chocolate banana waffle – you may even forgo the optional four spoons and have one all to yourself.

The Craftisan

Minimalists will love The Craftisan’s decor, coffee enthusiasts will love its cold brew, and sweet-toothers will love its dessert. The delicately crafted delícias de serradura (sawdust pudding) is served with soft gelato, while the decadent jackfruit panna cotta is topped with coconut flakes and gula melaka. For novelty, you can also try the unique Stacko Valentino: a crispy donut layered with whipped cream, fresh fruit and chocolate glaze.

Crepe Cottage

Ever thought you could combine fresh honeydew, green tea and crepes? Well, it’s time to expand your gastronomic horizons at Crepe Cottage, where crepe-based sweets and savouries reign supreme. Between strawberry rolls, coconut parcels and mango crepe cups, you’ll be spoiled for choice at this simple, no-frills, cottage-style establishment.

See more: What to do in Penang, Malaysia 

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Explore the most beautiful caves in Malaysia

Malaysia is a vast convergence of cultures, activities, races and food but there is something else about this humble Southeast Asian nation that many might not know about. Something a little under the surface: its caves. A sprawling collection of mysterious cave formations containing intriguing structures and wildlife can be found throughout the country. 

If you are an adventurous spirit with a knack for cave exploration, here is a list of some of the caves in Malaysia that are open to the public.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is the focal point of the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which attracts thousands of devotees and visitors. Usually held at the end of January, the procession begins on the evening before the Thaipusam Festival at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur city centre.

The procession more often than not, arrives at Batu Caves in the wee hours of the morning the next day; the entire celebration commences then and is a colourful event that lasts a total of eight hours. In the past the festival has attracted more than one million pilgrims, making it one of the largest gatherings in the world.

Gua Nasib Bagus

Situated in Gunung Mulu National Park, this cave has the largest natural underground chamber. Lubang Nasib Bagus is more than 600m long, 400m wide and 100 m high. The entrance fee is RM10 per person and is definitely worth the money for you will be able to splash in the cave stream.

The clean, clear and icy cold cave stream is sure to give your senses a major boost and leave you wanting for more. This keeps getting better and better. A cave where you can splash in before continuing your journey sounds like the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Perak Cave

The Perak Cave is located in Ipoh and is a 6km drive along Jalan Kuala Kangsar to the north. It is also a religious landmark with the Perak Tong Cave Temple housed within its vicinity. It is known for the colourful murals as well as the Chinese calligraphy painted by Chong Yin Chat that adorn its walls. Various depictions of characters and events from Chinese mythology and Buddhist scripture can also be found in this fascinating attraction.

Deer Cave

Also set in the Gunung Mulu National Park of Sarawak, the Deer Cave stands out from the other caves due to its magnificent cave passage, commonly known as the largest in the world. There are a number of things that make this Garden of Eden so unique, including the aptly named Adam and Eve showers that shoot out 30m columns of water and the hundreds of thousands of bats that stream from its mouth every evening between5pm to 6.30pm. On top of all this, a quirky little Abraham Lincoln silhouette can be found hidden among the rocks.

Gua Gomantong

While Sabah is known all over the world for its Gunung Kinabalu, less is known about Gua Gomantong. Gua Gomantong is in Sandakan at the outskirts of Lower Kinabatangan. Gua Gomantong consists of two cave complexes namely, Simud Hitam which translates into Black Cave and Simud Putih which translates into White Cave. Local swallows are known to build the much prized nests here. The bird nest is said to restore youth and promote health when drunk in the form of soup. Gua Gomantong is the house of the best nests in the world. Some of the nests found here has price as high as RM7000 per kilo.

Swiftlets, bats, serpent eagles, bat hawks, and kingfishers are some of the inhabitants of this cave. With the entrance fee of RM5.00 this cave offers way more than what you pay for. At dusk, around 2 million bats fly out of the mouth of the cave while swiftlets fly into the cave. This spectacular changing of shifts is captivating and is definitely worth it!

See more: The best markets in Malaysia you need to know

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24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur combines mosques with Chinese and Hindu temples. A central oasis filled with tropical flowers, orchids and monkeys in a busy metropolitan city centre – plus an undisputed reputation for delicious food. Find out how to pack all this into a single day in this article.

Morning: Chinese-style breakfast and Little India

Start the morning with a steaming bowl of noodle soup at Restoran One Sentral. The Chinese-hawker style restaurant sits in the heart of Brickfields near the neighbourhood’s budget-friendly accommodation. Stroll through Little India along the colourful streets decorated with arches to the sounds and smells of the subcontinent. Check out the 100-year-old Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Tempe on Scott Road and the Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple. If you’re peckish, order roti canai from one of the Nasi Kandar shops along Jalan Tun Sambanthan. Pro Tip: KL Sentral’s shopping centre has plenty of cafés, shops and ultra-strong air-conditioning for days that are just too hot.

Afternoon: Chinatown, Lake Gardens and monkeys

The afternoon involves a walk around Chinatown and visiting the Lake Garden’s city oasis. Take the LRT from KL Sentral to Pasar Seni (one stop). Remember to get the token from the machines and keep it in a safe place. Chinatown is east of Pasar Seni. Check out the Central Market, Sri Mahamariamman Temple (KL’s oldest temple) and Petaling Street. Take a taxi or Grab Car to Lake Gardens which houses the Orchid Gardens around a lake. With just 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, this is your best chance to see wild monkeys.

Evening: Petronas Towers and the KLCC Water Show

Our 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur itinerary reserves the evening for the acclaimed Petronas Towers. From Lake Gardens, take a taxi or Grab to KLCC. Snap a few photographs of the towers in front of the shopping centre (where all the tourists are standing). Next, pass through the mall to KLCC Park. Follow the jogging path to get different perspectives of the Petronas Towers. The bridge directly behind the pond offers the best photographs. Enjoy a cake and iced coffee inside KLCC’s megamall and cool down for an hour. Stick around until the 8pm KLCC Lake Symphony Water Fountain Show. Pro tip: Aim to arrive before 6pm to see the Petronas Towers in daylight and again when they light up after sunset.

Night: Unwind in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant neighbourhood

If you still have any energy after an action-packed 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, head to Bukit Bintang. The district is a magnet for backpackers and travellers with an array of bars and restaurants. For the not-so-budget conscious tourists, a night at either No Black Tie (jazz bar) or Whiskey Bar makes for a classy night out. Alternatively, order a meal and bottle of beer at one of the plastic-table restaurants spread along Jalan Alor. For a more traditional meal, dine at a banana leaf restaurant.

See more: The best markets to visit in Phuket, Thailand

Source: Internet

48 hour trip to Malacca, Malaysia

Malacca is a wonderful mix of modern living and centuries’ old heritage, with the tagline ‘Visiting Malacca is visiting Malaysia’. It is a small state but has plenty to offer. The city can be deemed sleepy compared to the bustling Kuala Lumpur. See all sides of Malacca with those things to do when in this UNESCO World Heritage city, and while public transportation is a little scarce, most hotspots are within walking distance from each other, so invest in a pair of good walking shoes and start exploring!

Admire the Sultanate Palace

The Sultanate Palace is actually a model of the original wooden palace that belonged to Sultan Mansur Shah who would have been the ruler of Malacca from 1456 to 1477. The home has now been transformed into a cultural museum which is flanked by pretty gardens and what makes the building even more impressive is that it was made without using any nails to hold it together.

Instead the structure stands as a result of some clever engineering and a series of wooden grooves and slots and the reconstruction was done after taking detailed notes of how the original palace would have looked according to the Malay Annals.

Walk around Jonker Street

Jonker Street is the soul of Malacca. The former residential centre of the old city bursts with life and activity. Colourful and decorated shop houses, each different from its neighbour, line the winding and branching streets. Stop by the vibrant cafés to rest your feet or hunt for bargains and relics in the antique shops.

In the evening, Jonker transforms into the city’s beating heart with energetic travellers, riverside bars and unlimited street food. Weekend travellers can hit the nationwide-famous Jonker Street Night Market on Friday and Saturday nights.

Enjoy Street Art

The street art is what makes Malacca so colourful and will give you lots of photo opportunities on your Malacca trip. Lots of street art can be found around the River and it is all in perfect condition too! Visit Melaka must be taking care of it as they know the street art is now one of the top places of interest in Malacca and it is becoming so famous for it!

As well as looking along the river be sure to head off into some side streets around Jonker Street to find the best street art in Malacca.

Explore the Botanical Garden

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself with lush greenery with a visit to the Botanical Garden in Ayer Keroh. Home to over 300 species of flora and fauna, enjoy a scenic morning walk, a healthy jog or a bike ride through its pathways, and when you are done, pay a visit to the Book Village located right in the heart of the park. With over 15,000 books on its shelves, the Book Village makes a great place for a relaxing afternoon with a great read.

Visit Cheng Hoon Temple

Photo Yann Pinczin du Sel

Cheng Hoon Temple is just off of Jonker Street and worth a quick visit. There are a few Buddhist Temples in Melaka but this is famous and on my list of Malacca things to do as it is the oldest working Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is very pretty from the outside and inside.

Visit Stadthuys

Stadthuys is one of the most famous landmarks in Malacca and you will recognize it immediately thanks to the crimson façade.

The building dates from 1650 which makes it the oldest of its kind that was built during the Dutch colonial period and is modeled on the Stadhuis or town hall in Hoorn in the Netherlands. This used to be the local town hall and residence of the governor but nowadays it houses the History and Ethnography Museum.

Shop local food products

Some claim that Malacca is home to some of the finest food in Malaysia. People from all over Malaysia flock to Malacca to get some of only-in-Malacca food products, so grab the opportunity while you are in town. Head to two of the biggest food manufacturers in Malacca; Tan Kim Hock for delicious dodol and coconut candy, and San Shu Gong for durian chocolate and bean biscuits. When you are done, hop over to LW Pineapple Tarts for some fresh out-of-the-oven nyonya pineapple tarts.

See more: Malaysia and spectacular places to visit

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Seafood restaurants for seafood lovers in Malaysia

For some, the tastiest things in life can usually be found down in the deep blue sea. Indulge in succulent seafood, be it fish, prawns or oysters in these fantastic restaurants in Malaysia.

One Seafood Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur

A breeze of mouth-watering aromas might just guide you towards Lot 510 of Jalan Bukit Bintang, right smack in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s bustling centre. If you’re on the prowl for some fresh, high-quality seafood, then One Seafood Restaurant will be just the spot for you. With an assortment of traditional Chinese-style dishes to choose from and a fine dining twist, you’ll be set to enjoy yourself in a comfortable environment with a plate of your favourite seafood. The prices might be slightly steeper than you may expect but for diversity in choice and a bang for your buck, you’d do well to give this place a look.

Shucked Oyster and Seafood Bar, Kuala Lumpur

If shellfish (specifically, oysters) is your thing, then consider this spot to satisfy your oyster cravings. The Shucked Oyster and Seafood Bar features a diverse range of styles and oyster types to choose from including Irish Premium, Dutch Native, Creuse and more.

Besides oysters, other fresh seafood selections can be found on the menus here and their salmon is an excellent choice. On top of all this, service charge is not included at this restaurant. It is located at B.I.G. Supermarket, Lower Ground Floor, Publika Shopping Mall, Solaris Dutamas.

Muhibbah Seafood Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur

It’s a given that if you’re reading this, you’re probably into seafood, but how about spicy seafood? If you’re a sucker for both then the Muhibbah Seafood Restaurant should be just the place to sort you out. Serving a combination of Chinese-style cuisine with Thai influences spanning a history of nearly three decades, they have recently relocated from TTDI to Jalan Seri Penchala and its much bigger outlet is able to accommodate more guests. Come here to enjoy the unique tastes of extensive Chinese-Thai hybrid selections, all at reasonable prices.

Kedai Makanan Rasa Lain, Ipoh

If there was ever a hidden gem in the seemingly endless range of seafood choices in Malaysia, this may very well be it. Located in Ipoh’s Persiaran Medan Bercham 2, this quaint yet well-known restaurant prides itself on its signature Claypot Crabs served with chewy glass noodles in an umami-infused broth. Of course, a number of their other menu choices are also off the hook, including the zest and juicy Clams (LaLa) and Claypot Cheese prawns.

Yum Yum, Ipoh

Easily one of the more popular seafood spots in Malaysia, Yum Yum promises a heavy dose of intriguing Nyonya and Thai flavoured dishes, many of which also include Chinese-style influences. It has been owned and operated by the same Chinese couple since 1991, and a sister outlet called Little Yum was later opened in Kota Damansara. Both of these outlets are pork-free and offer very similar menu choices.

Among the many signature dishes that can be found here is the Asam Fish Head and on Fridays, a special Siamese Laksa with a local dessert of the day is served. Lunch options include the highly recommended Butter Basil Prawns complete with pesto gravy.

See more: Best seafood dishes you should try in South Korea

Source: Internet

Top 6 best beaches in Langkawi, Malaysia

As one of Malaysia’s best known holiday destinations, Langkawi is a beautiful archipelago set alongside the Andaman Sea, full of natural landscapes, expansive parks, and iconic structures. This tropical paradise is the ultimate holiday retreat for anyone looking to relax and unwind, therefore, being home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, you will not be disappointed!

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tanjung Rhu is one of the most famous places to visit in Langkawi. Well, rightly deserved so, the way to this beach takes tourists through dense forests. The beach has crystal clear water and refined, powder-like sand that serves as a perfect picnic destination. It remains secluded and away from the city hustle, thus providing a peaceful ambience for visitors.

The borders of this beach are formed of limestone crags that further enhance the beauty of Tanjung Rhu, making it a great choice amongst other Langkawi tourist places. There are a number of eateries at the beach where tourists can go to fill their hungry stomach after a sip into the sea water.

Pantai Cenang Beach

Langkawi’s longest and most famous beach hugs the western coast. The soft sand lined with coconut trees and resorts provides a view of Pulau Tepur and Pulau Rebak in the distance. Beachgoers can rent a sun bed for a few ringgits while various duty-free shops, restaurants and bars stretch along the street behind. Apart from relaxing and enjoying one of the most beautiful sunsets in Asia, the calm water is suitable for swimming.

Pantai Kok

Pantai Kok beach is located northwest of the airport. It is relatively undeveloped and comprised mostly of upscale resorts like The Verandah, Terrace, and The Sheraton.

The beach is noted for its clear water and white sand that is often scoured by resort employees, whose job it is to keep it looking pristine. In addition to its natural beauty, Pantai Kok is also known for its beautiful and architecturally unique lighthouse and yacht club, which sports impressive boats and Moorish inspired domed buildings.

Black Sand Beach

As the name suggests, the sand on this beach is black. Located a few kilometres southwest of the famous Tanjung Rhu, legends shroud this mysterious beach and why the sand is black. From stories of giant eagles and shipwrecks to geological wonders and ash from a burnt rice paddy, nobody knows the origin of the sand’s colour. Stroll along the beach and take the chance to see a traditional wooden jetty serving the nearby fishing village that extends into the sea. Black Sand is not the best beach in Langkawi for sunbathing, but it makes for an interesting excursion.

Tengkorak Beach

Tengkorak Beach is one of the most secluded and definitely a very beautiful beach in the Langkawi. It has just about everything for the beach lovers and is a favorite of locals here. From the crystal clear waters to the soft white sands and forested trees, you get everything here.

Teluk Yu (Shark Bay)

The small beach stretching just 200 metres (656 feet) gets its name from the stone shark statues along the promenade rather than a population of Great Whites living in the sea. Despite its relatively small size, visitors often rate Teluk Yu as one of the best beaches in Langkawi. The calm waters make an ideal spot for swimming while several restaurants and cafés line the promenade and the Langkawi Craft Complex sits a few minutes away. Shark Bay continues onto Black Sand Beach.

Read more: Tips to know before visiting Langkawi, Malaysia

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Spend a day in Genting Highlands, Malaysia

There are plenty of things to do for 24 hours in Genting Highlands beside the casinos and cool weather, such as making the most of the ornate temples and delicious gastronomy on offer. If you find yourself here on business or a short layover, here is a guide on how to spend 24 hours in Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

Morning

Before taking a cable car ride up to Genting Highlands Resort, visit the Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm to harvest fresh strawberries. Handpick your own strawberries and take them with you as your breakfast for the bargain price of RM8 (less than US$2) for 100g. Take photos of the lavender fields at Lavender Farm, and savour strawberry delicacies at their café. You can see how mushrooms, herbs, and vegetables are cultivated at the farm.

Next head down to the little town of Gohtong Jaya where the Awana Skyway is waiting to take you on a cable car ride. Have your lunch at the restaurants that serve delicious meals at affordable prices. We recommend you to try the Chinese food served at the Yik Kee or Chuan Kie restaurants. Don’t forget to buy some sweet durian tarts and cakes as your snack.

Afternoon

Take the cable car (standard gondola: RM8 (around US$2) per person; glass-floor gondola: RM50 (around US$12) per person) at the Awana Skyway that takes you up to the Genting Highlands Resort. Marvel at the scenic panoramic mountain and rainforest views and soak in the scenery during the cable car ride. Just 10 minutes away from Genting Highlands Resort, visit the Chin Swee Cave Temple (built in 1976 to symbolise Buddhism), climb up the nine-storey pagoda, and learn about Buddhism through the sculptures at the Buddhist Journey to Enlightenment. You can see the whole view of the Genting Highlands from the observation deck.

See how the hardworking bees make honey at the Happy Bee Farm. You will have the chance to buy a wide selection of honey products, including honeycomb, royal jelly, and propolis. Right next to Happy Bee Farm, visit Insect World to learn about the insects’ ecosystem. You will get the chance to learn how to mount dead insects onto boards as displays. Then admire the beautiful butterflies fluttering around in the garden at Butterfly World.

Evening

Enjoy your night by dining and shopping at SkyAvenue. There are more than 70 retail and dining outlets for you to see, eat, and shop at throughout the night. Savour the local delicacies at the Malaysian Food Street. Try the La Fiesta (Spanish food), Burger & Lobster (from London), and Motorino (delicious Brooklyn pizzas) for your dinner. Enjoy French coffee, and other coffee & tea cocktails at Café Richards.

Visit Horizon 50 and The Visitor’s Galleria to find out how the founder of Genting Highlands Resort, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Goh Tong, fulfilled his dreams of building the resort. Take a sneak peek at the forthcoming 20th Century Fox World Malaysia Theme Park, which is due to be launched in late 2017.

Enlighten your evening by having fun at SkyCasino and Genting Casino where there is a wide selection of electronic gaming machines and conventional gaming for you to try your luck and skills. Challenge your friends in a bowling game in the dark, at Glow in the Dark Bowling, Genting Bowl. Or listen to music and dance the night away at Cloud 9.

See more: Places you cannot miss in Genting Highlands

Source: Internet

6 famous Indian foods to try in Malaysia

You might not think of Malaysia as a hotbed for Indian cuisine, but any respectable foodie will love the Malaysian take on the subcontinent’s dishes. Malaysian Indian food make up the most popular restaurant choices in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, enhancing the local food scene with their liberal use of fragrant spices and curries along with healthy vegetarian options.

Nasi Kandar

Perhaps the most common Malaysian Indian food, nasi kandar is simple and delicious. You get a choice of meat, fried chicken, vegetables, or seafood on white rice; several small scoops of different rich curries are then added on top. A green vegetable can be added on the side. The most popular choices found in Mamak stalls are chicken, fish, prawns, squid, beef, and mutton; pork is never served.

Mee Goreng

The Malaysian Indian food answer for noodles, mee goreng is simply stir-fried yellow noodles served with diced potatoes, bean sprouts, and chilies. The gravy is made from tomato puree with a squeeze of lime to balance the sweetness. Some places add crushed peanuts on top.

Murtabak

Murtabak is a small, delicious sandwich of curried meat or vegetables between two pieces of chewy roti canai. Like all bread snacks, murtabak is served with rich lentil and dhall dipping sauces.

Nasi Biryani

Offered as a pricier upgrade from white rice, nasi biryani is a yellow rice packed with complex flavors. Cumin, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, and a staggering arsenal of other pungent spices create a unique taste that will have you hooked on the first bite.

Chapati

Much like a Mexican tortilla, chapati is a thin wrap made from whole wheat flour cooked on a flat surface. Chapati is usually made to order and is stuffed with your choice of meat or vegetables in curry sauce. Chapati is a delicious, healthy choice for vegetarians.

Dosa

Sometimes spelled as "thosai", dosa is a South Indian dish thought to be over 900 years old. A thin crepe made from pounded rice and lentils is fried golden-brown on one side only, then folded around meat or vegetables. Dosa is a good Malaysian Indian food choice for people with wheat allergies.

See more: Nasi Lemak, a Malaysia's national dish

Source: Internet