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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5 great destinations near Thailand for a quick getaway

If you have a few extra days to spare while you're in Thailand, or are living here and looking for an interesting place to go for 2–3 days, consider one of these great side trips from Thailand. Each of these places is three or fewer hours by plane from Bangkok, and all are wonderful places to visit.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hands down, this is the most amazing cultural sight in the region, and even if you aren’t interested in archeology or ancient cultures, you’ll probably find it impressive.

The Angkor Wat temple complex is just one of many you’ll get a chance to visit in the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. In fact, there are many must-see temples. You can travel overland (bus from Thailand) or take a short flight from Bangkok.

Siem Reap itself was once a very sleepy town, but in the past decade, has been developing at breakneck speed. The first Starbucks in Siem Reap opened in August 2017. There are scores and scores of guest houses and high-end hotels — and enough restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered while you visit.

Singapore

If you’re craving a calm, convenient, organized city after the chaos of Bangkok, head to this tiny city-state.

From the moment you land at Singapore’s Changi Airport, you’ll know why many Bangkok residents choose this destination for quick weekend getaways. It’s super clean, for one. And since English is one of the country’s official languages, you won’t have any problems communicating. While taxis are plentiful and safe, you can also use the city’s expansive, efficient public transportation system.

Singapore is a relatively new country; prior to 1819, it had few inhabitants other than the lions that roamed the island. Because of the city's Chinese, Malay, and Indian roots, it’s got a really interesting vibe you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Singapore also has plenty of fun stuff to do, great restaurants — again, thanks to its Chinese, Malay, and Indian roots — lots of big shopping malls, and a decent nightlife scene. The only drawback is that Singapore hotels can be very expensive compared to the rest of the region. In fact, everything in the city is expensive when compared to Bangkok — especially beer.

If the prospect of blowing lots of cash doesn’t scare you, check out one of Singapore’s casinos. Gambling has only been legal there for a relatively short time and is very high end. The Marina Bay Sands, right on the edge of the city’s financial district, is a casino, adult playground, shopping center, and upscale restaurant all rolled into one.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Somewhere between the frenzy of Bangkok and the organization of Singapore lies Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

KL, as it’s known throughout the region, has a good mix of tourist attractions and shopping. Like Singapore, its residents are a mix of ethnic Chinese, Indian, and Malay — along with many other nationalities — so the food is fantastic, as are the many cultural celebrations held almost weekly.

Kuala Lumpur is easy to navigate, with great public transportation.

Penang, Malaysia

This popular island off the northwest coast of Malaysia has a fascinating history, the most visible of which is its past as an English colony.

When you visit Penang, explore the architecture of Georgetown, which earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2008. Make sure to sample some famous Penang street food, too.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, an old Chinese courtyard home that has been transformed into a gorgeous boutique hotel, is the best on the island.

Bali, Indonesia

Although Thai beaches can be spectacular, the island of Bali offers something a little different and is still definitely worth visiting if you’ve already explored Thailand’s coast and islands.

The beaches are beautiful, but one of the things that makes Bali special is that its interior is stunning. Lush, green rice terraces and mountains make the island worth visiting even if you don’t want to go for a swim. And of course, there’s Ubud, an artsy tourist town in central Bali filled with cafes, galleries, pretty villas, and museums. Ubud is about an hour away from Kuta, the island’s most popular beach, so it’s easy to visit for the day if you don’t want to spend a night.

See more: Taste the traditional sweets from Asia

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Visit beautiful temples in George Town, Penang

Around Penang Island you will find plenty of Penang Temples, Mosques and Churches from all faiths, Malay, Indian, Chinese and old Colonial Churches built during the British rule of the island. Below you will find the beautiful temples in Penang to visit.

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Situated right across the street from Wat Chaiyamangalaran Temple, Dhammikarama Temple is a Burmese Buddhist temple. It is interesting to visit it after visiting the Wat Chaiyamangalaran Temple which is a Thai Buddhist temple and try to notice the differences between them.

This temple was built in 1803 and it now includes several statues and buildings. With splashes of colors and statues which feature mythical creatures, this temple is definitely one of the most beautiful temples in George Town, Penang.

Kek Lok Si

If you move away from the coastline towards inner Penang island, you will find this majestic castle-like temple featuring a 99-feet-tall (30.2 meter) statue of the Goddess of Mercy. With several different temple halls and walkways to link them together, the hodgepodge architecture (incorporating the best of Chinese, Thai and Burmese designs) reflects the amalgamation of different Buddhist sects, including Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism.

Yap Kongsi Temple

Just a few meters away from Khoo Kongsi Temple is the Yap Kongsi Temple. Built in 1924, this temple is also a clan house for the people in the Yap Chinese clan. The origin of the Yap clan starts in 439 BC when warrior Shen Zhu Liang defeated the troops of the Qin Dynasty. In return, Shen received a piece of land which was called the Yap district. He took the Yap surname and Yap clan was born.

The Yap Kongsi Temple’s architecture is impressive although the temple is a bit smaller than the others in this article. If you are planning to see the George Town street art or visit Clan Jetties of Penang, you should definitely visit the Yao Kongsi Temple too.

Wat Chayamangkalaram

Wat Chayamangkalaram is a Thai Temple in Penang famous for its large gold plated Reclining Buddha (not a Sleeping Buddha), which at 33 metres, is one of the largest in the world and not too easy to get the whole length in a photograph, as you can see below.

Hean Boo Thean (Kuan Yin) Temple

Hean Boo Thean Temple is one of the hidden gems of George Town. If you want to avoid the crowds from the more famous temples, a visit to Hean Boo Thean is a great opportunity to explore the Malay culture. Dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, this temple was built in 1972.

Also called the ‘floating temple’ of George Town, Hean Boo Thean Temple was initially much smaller (a shrine built on stilts) but it was fortified over the years to face the tides. Hean Boo Thean Temple is definitely one of George Town’s best temples.

See more: What to eat when traveling to Penang, Malaysia

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A guide to Malaysia's regions

Malaysia offers travelers tropical islands, a 130-million-year-old rainforest and (almost) secret diving havens. The country’s many features make it challenging to know where to visit.

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s beating heart. This skyscraper-laden city houses the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, while Little India and Chinatown offer a taste of its thriving multiculturalism. Malls are stocked with the latest fashion, technology and souvenirs, alluring bargain-hunters inland and overseas. But it isn’t all about the high life: KL is also one of the world’s food capitals, filled with street-side restaurants, vendors and food courts. Away from the skyscrapers, KL Forest Eco Park provides a slice of the rainforest in the city center.

Malacca

Malacca oozes with history and culture, with a celebrated title as one of the most historically important states in Malaysia. Malacca’s 15th-century Sultanate led to the modern Malay identity, accepting three eras of colonial influence (Portuguese, Dutch and British influence) that spanned almost five centuries. Today, UNESCO-listed Malacca City bursts with centuries-old structures, including St Paul’s—Malaysia’s oldest church. It also has a thriving food scene: Many people come here solely to eat their way through Jonker Street and stuff their faces with mountains of Peranakan cuisine.

Penang

Penang, once Malaysia’s colonial jewel and now proud street art and food capital, is split between Penang Island and mainland Butterworth. Capital George Town’s historical center includes dozens of colorful restored British colonial buildings, with traditional two-storey decorated shophouses lining the narrow streets. More curious travelers can stop by Butterworth, the hub connecting Penang and KL. This little-visited city offers colorful Chinese temples and views over the Straits and Penang Bridge.

Sabah

Borneo’s Sabah in East Malaysia showcases the best of Malaysia’s biodiversity. Pre-historic rainforest covers most of the state, where endemic proboscis monkeys and orangutans swinging from the trees. Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) stands proudly as Malaysia’s tallest peak, with most travelers arriving at Kota Kinabalu (literally Kinabalu City) as a base for scaling this beast. Speedboats connect the city with Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park’s beach and snorkeling opportunities within minutes. Take a day trip to the northernmost ‘Tip of Borneo’ in Kudat and watch the fireflies in Kota Belud. If you want the jungle, spend a few nights in Danum Valley or the rarely explored Maliau Basin.

Kedah

Kedah State covers a section of the Malay Peninsula and the famously duty-free Langkawi Island. World-acclaimed Langkawi receives the vast majority of the state’s tourists, home to beautiful beaches, verdant hills and a colorful nightlife scene. As an alternative, the dazzling white-sand beaches of Pantai Cenang provide the perfect place for relaxation, especially with cheap cocktails in beachside bars overlooking the gentle sea. Mainland Kedah offers a completely different travel package. Alor Setar’s modern city center blends decorative, traditional and Islamic styles of architecture, while paddy fields forming the famous ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’ stretch towards the horizon.

Read more: Top reasons why you should visit Malaysia

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5 epic places in Malaysia you must visit

Despite the hot weather and often isolated monuments, it is always worthwhile to make the effort to go out and explore the amazing natural and man-made formations all around Malaysia.

1. Sipadan Islands (Sabah)

Known as one of the best diving spots in the world, the Sipadan Islands have a lot to offer for off-shore and underwater activities. While this may make it a specific target for ocean enthusiasts, there is still fun to be had for non-scuba divers. Revel in the quietness of the sandy beaches and little forest on the island where wild birds and other wildlife live undisturbed by human influence. The nearby islands offer a little more connection to civilization, with budget plans often leading visitors to the larger land of Semporna, where life remains a quiet occurrence without hordes of travelers passing through.

2. Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Kelantan)

This quiet beachside front is known for its romantic folklore of being a place for lovers to declare their romance by moonlight, hence the name of the beach. Located in the more traditional part of Malaysia, the beach offers simple Kelantanese treats of fried seafood and kite-flying. The trip to the beach from capital city Kota Bharu is an absolute scenic delight, with many little old villages and friendly locals living peacefully on the simpler side of life. While it may not be as elaborate as some beach attractions, enjoy the tranquillity of the sea breeze and sunsets while eating a hearty bowl of signature Kelantanese crab noodles. Be mindful that some parts of the beach may be unsuitable for swimming due to high currents and that large boulders have been set up to combat the unfortunate occurrence of erosion.

3. Desa Dairy Farm (Sabah)

The beauty of a dairy farm nestled at the foot of a great mountain may be closer than you anticipated. Save a trip to Holland or New Zealand by visiting the Desa Dairy Farm in Kundasang, Sabah, where fat black and white cows graze on green grassy knolls in cool weather with some goats. The dairy farm provides an exciting insight into how fresh milk is supplied and treated before being shipped away, and how the cows live in order to produce only the freshest quality. Also to enjoy besides feeding cute calves and goat kids are milk-filled treats such as ice cream, yogurt and cheeses all locally produced and flavored with Malaysia’s favorite tastes.

4. Pulau Jerejak (Penang)

Full of old ruins deep in its thick jungle, Pulau Jerejak has a notorious history among the people of Penang for being an island full of unpleasant occurrences. During its heyday of attempted utilization by British administrators, Pulau Jerejak has been home to leprosy and tuberculosis-stricken patients, a ceremonial resting ground for navy soldiers lost to the Indian Sea, a quarantine site, and most recently – until 1993 – a jail. A resort and spa now occupies the place, but remains in low traffic due to its controversial past. Great for explorers and lovers of nature reclaiming man-made structures, this island holds many secrets for those brave enough to explore it.

Read more: The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia

5. Lepoh Falls (Kuala Selangor)

This small but beautiful waterfall is hidden away on the hills of Hulu Langat, a little way off Gunung Nuang. It takes a small road trip to get here from Kuala Lumpur, and the sights of quaint Malay villages along the way are sure to delight those who appreciate watching life slow down from the hectic city to the more relaxed countryside. Lepoh Falls are known for the cool mountain water running down its tiers, two of which form an amazing natural water slide into a refreshing pool surrounded by lush greenery, through which a two-hour hike is required to reach. Visitors to the falls mostly consist of the people living around it and the occasional group; so its advisable to go a little early to get the best picnic spots. Also, remember to clean up after yourselves as the waterfall is a free area and therefore doesn’t have official caretakers.

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Discover the hidden gems in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Find the best destinations that you should not miss when visiting here. To make your vacation enjoyable and fun, plan your trip earlier with these following destinations.

Balik Pulau, Penang

Balik Pulau, the secret back garden of Penang, has gained fame for its durians but the place certainly has more than that to offer. Mouth-watering durians aside, Balik Pulau is also an ideal destination for those who want to simply put aside their worries and enjoy a rejuvenating kampung vacation.

Wander around the old quaint town, marvel at the traditional Malay houses along the beach, visit a dairy goat farm, a countryside horse stable and a nutmeg factory, indulge your stomach with traditional Hakka dishes at Hakka Village, and enjoy a killer bowl of Penang laksa. Just remember to take everything slow and easy for a full taste of Balik Pulau.

Sasaran, Kuala Selangor

If you are an active user of any social media, you have seen the above pictures for countless times already in recent months. Before Sasaran is unearthed by local media and travel bloggers a few months back, it is almost the best kept secret within the area, only known to the nearby villagers. So what are you waiting for? Book a tour, bring your camera and be the first few people to witness this masterpiece of nature at Sasaran before the place is flooded with tourists.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan, Kelantan

Although it is not known to many Malaysians from other states, Pantai Cahaya Bulan or Moonlight Beach is definitely a star player in the East Coast tourism industry. This is a fun and scenic place to laze off your weekend with friends and family. A few B&Bs have been opened up near the beach in recent years so you do not have to worry about overnighting in the area.

Sunbathing, water sporting and kite-flying aside, many people also come to Moonlight Beach for a lovely picnic. You do not have to prepare for your own food because there are plenty of food stalls lining up like a pasar malam right on the beach.

Read more: Bintulu, one of the hidden gems in Malaysia

Semenyih, Selangor

A day trip to Semenyih is never complete without summiting Broga Hill and savouring the famous ikan bakar or grilled fish. If you start hiking at around 6.15 am so that you can catch the gorgeous sunrise. You can end the hike by 8.00 am and then make your way to the Chinese temple area to kill time until the restaurant opens at 10.00 am. The ikan bakar at Broga is the best thing you can ask for a brunch.

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6 noodle dishes you should try in Penang

The noodles in Penang are renowned in Asia as some of the best. Although there are plenty of other good reasons to visit the big island in Malaysia, the foods attract attention and admiration from people all over the world.

Char Kway Teow

You'll encounter this heavy, filling noodle dish under many spellings such as "char koay" or just "kway teow."

As the name implies, the noodles have a deliberately charred and slightly burned aroma that comes from the wok. Kway teow was once the dish of choice for poor laborers who needed a filling meal to keep them going. The dish is usually prepared with pork fat, fish cake, egg, and prawns.

Hokkien Mee

Named after the Chinese immigrants to Penang, Hokkien mee (sometimes spelled "mie") often contains barbecued pork sliced into thin strips, prawns, shallots, and a fish-based chili paste. Yellow egg noodles are mixed with rice vermicelli.

The version of Hokkien mee in Penang differs a little from other places because it is spicier. The hearty broth is made from pork bones and shrimp shells.

Penang Laksa

Laksa is a famous dish celebrated throughout Southeast Asia, however, Penang has put a special twist on it. A little fishy and seasoned with lemongrass, ginger, and mint, Penang's take on laksa is a unique taste that you'll never forget.

Penang laksa is a variant of asam laksa — both are slightly sour thanks to sour mangosteen fruit — rather than sweet as are laksa variants based on coconut milk.

Mee Rebus

Mee rebus is a noodle dish often prepared with ketchup or a sweet tomato gravy; lime provides citrus that offsets the sweet taste. Expect yellow egg noodles, half of a boiled egg, and shallots.

Mee Goreng

Mee goreng simply translates to "fried noodles" and can be prepared in a variety of ways depending on the whim and style of the street food hawker. Noodles can be rice, egg, or in a worst-case scenario, the same "instant" noodles upon which starving college students sometimes rely.

Mee goreng — prepared by Indian-Muslim hawkers in Mamak eateries — is a good option for avoiding the pork typically found in other noodle dishes.

Loh Mee

This noodle soup is thickened with egg and corn starch into a gravy that lends a somewhat-slimy texture to an otherwise-tasty noodle dish. The noodles are usually thick, yellow noodles. That mysterious, spongy option seen floating in the dish is a slice of fishcake.

Loh mee is sometimes spelled as "lor mee."

See more: Top 11 destinations to visit in Malacca

Source: Internet

What to see in George Town, Penang

If there is one area in Malaysia you have to visit, it is George Town. The capital of Kuala Lumpur may have its twin towers and Kota Kinabalu may have its imposing mountain, but George Town has the art, heritage and excellent food.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, Kek Lok Si is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, comprising a series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples and beautifully-landscaped gardens. A national icon, built in 1890, the ten-acre site is divided into three zones: the lower level of the complex comprises the hill entrance, souvenir, food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. The middle section houses temples, gardens, a pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilion, while the hilltop is home to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples.

Clan Jetty

Situated near the Penang ferry terminal, the Clan Jetties in George Town are water villages dominated by seven historic Chinese clans. In the early 1900s, the clans played out a bitter rivalry over the monopoly of cargo and access to the waterways. These water villages ‘float’ above the water on stilts and are typically made of wood and aluminium. Communal houses normally include a long walkway and a small temple.

Penang Street Art

Making a stroll through George Town’s streets even more interesting, in 2012 Penang’s municipal council hired London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, and tasked him with breathing new life into some of the atmospheric Chinese shop-houses around the inner city. An effort to spawn awareness of the rich history of the streets, the project was a success with Zacharevic turning certain areas into thriving tourist destinations that also became the much-talked about object of attention among locals.

Penang 3D Trick Art Musuem

This might be the most family-friendly attractions in George Town. A musuem with decorated rooms designed for comical photos and optical illusions, you might just know what it is based on the name. Spend your afternoon here to have fun, unleash your creativity and inner child.

Read more: Penang, the Pearl of the Orient

Fort Cornwallis

The largest standing fort in Malaysia, this was built by Captain Francis Light when he first took over Penang in 1786. Initially built as defense against piracy and other outside threats, now it has become one of the most historical tourist spot, as well as event and wedding photo shoot venue. Surrounded by greens, today, you could still see cannons standing strong at every corner of the wall. This is by far one of the best attractions in George Town.

Hin Bus Depot

The elegant remains of this former bus station have become a vibrant hub for George Town's burgeoning contemporary art scene. Half a dozen art studios and a gallery host exhibitions (ranging from sculpture to photography), an arts-and-crafts market every Sunday (11am to 5pm), and art-house movies and documentaries on Tuesdays. The open-air areas are bedecked with street art.

Source Internet