Facelifting Penang

I've been to Penang, Malaysia many times.  However, it was my June visit that I truly acted like a tourist.  In most of my visits then, I was like a raging bull that tackled my meetings and my visits and of course, my favorite food.  Then off I went.

Georgetown is a UNESCO heritage site.  It reeks of traditions and history.  And because of this, some buildings were a bit run down.  In Penang, the government did its best to conserve Georgetown.  Not only that, they managed to integrate arts in the pathways.  Here are some evidences.

Backpacking Maldives

It is true.  In just one glance, the seas of Maldives blends into several colors of blue and green.

It is also a fact that it is a pricey place.

Another fact to add is that you can see nothing much of Maldives in Male.  But the the different sea colors can drown you into ecstasy.  But nah, it is prohibited to show off your priced swimming gears.

Here are some tips to survive Male.
1.  Couchsurfing.  Although it is not so common out there, you can actually try your best.  This can save much.
2.  Visit during low season.  This gives you more mobility.
3.  When traveling South Asia, include it in the itinerary.  As it is a honeymoon place, it is prohibitively expensive to go straight to Maldives from wherever you are.  However, going to Male from Colombo or any city in India is very reasonable.
4.  Survive immigration.  Dress respectably (not too shabbily) at the airport.  You can breeze through it with a smile or undergo much questions regarding your capacity to holiday in that lovely isle.
5.  Respect the place.  Please observe the dress code.  Showing of 'flesh' may be tolerated to some extent but not much when you're a lone traveler.
6.  Leave porky and spirits behind.  In order not to catch much attention and controversies, don't take pork products and alcohol with you. 
7.  Replenish supplies before boarding the plane.  Maldives is expensive.  Especially if you traveled in South Asia for sometime, you get a shock to the high price of goods.  Also, the products are limited.  If you are fussy with a particular type of shampoo or bar of soap, secure one before boarding the plane.
8.  Take canned goods or food with you.  If you get lucky, you can barter it with a good hangout or acquaintance.  You get lucky to be cool.

Happy trip everyone!

Candid Holidaying

What does one normally do on a holiday?  Do nothing? Or, cramp the things that has not been done for a long time?  Honestly, resting or relaxing is relative.

I took some photos of friends while on 'holiday'...  And the following will best answer the things they normally do...

discovering

looking into strange captions

taking poses

soaking into the character of the place

communing with nature

take photos

less touristic jamming areas

shop

The Blue Mansion

One of the must-visit sites in Penang, Malaysia is the Blue Mansion.  Located just at the center of Georgetown is this amazingly blue-painted mansion of superior heritage and stories to tell.  One needs to come in one of the four guided tour schedules in a day to know more about the place.  The guides display love of the place and guards the area (no photos inside) like it were theirs.  Here are some photos of the place.

A vigilant personnel (he sees to it that no one clicks photos inside the mansion)

The guardhouse

First section of the house

the bikes

Ching, trying out a pose

my colleagues in their final pose

the 'upstairs'

the door

the guide explained about feng shui.  i was half listening

the gate

enjoying the bluish background

Other Activities when in Penang, Malaysia

The whole area of Georgetown is a UNESCO heritage area.  It is where most of the artsy, fancy and touristic stuff happens.  However, there are more exciting things to do more than being with the happy shutters all the time.

1.  Take a walk.  Yes, I know.  Georgetown is by itself a walking city. What I mean here is to take the hard walk.  Go to Penang Hill.  It is a cardio walk.  (If you don't want to pay 30RM for the funicular ride, you may start tackling the hill from the Botanical Garden nearby.  It is for around 3-4 hours walk uphill)

It was simply the fun of being together that kept us going

Slowing down but persistent

Something caught their curiosity...

2.  While at Take time to enjoy the diversity of its flora and fauna...

The monkey cup

spot the monkey

3.  Take the funicular.  Actually, not just once.  Kek Lok Seh Temple also got another one.

4.  Go to more temples.  (I'll blog more about Kek Lok Seh)

5.  Enjoy the food.

6.  Enjoy the company of friends or yourself.

A vegetarian in Penang

First vegetarian Lunch in Penang

Apparently, we spent our first lunch at the wrong place.  One of my friends entered into a place that spelt a total vegetarian atmosphere.  I the enthusiast who followed him inside was in all awe and wonders.  The local was a bit disappointed.  He wanted us to get into the best banana leaf place.

accidental but lovely mistake

last lunch with a deacon

we finished out meals

We ordered an authentic vegetarian lunch to share.  

 It was a food with the word ‘ulam’ on it… Over-all, I liked the ambiance of the restaurant.  The staff were very gentle and accommodating.  We enjoyed taking photos there.

More tips:

1.  Vegetarian food is cheaper than meat.

2.  If you are unsure, ask.

3.  Honestly declare that you are vegetarian.  There is no harm in letting the kitchen know that you mean business.

Backpacking 101 for veggies and lone travellers

How did I spend in my 6-day trip to Penang?  I didn't splurge.  I lived.

Here are some helpful discovery learned in my latest travel:

Am always amazed by graffitti

Wishing Ribbons.  Yeah, wishes are too colorful and free...

The Hindu Temple by Penang Hills

The caption looked too healthy but clearly, it is not.  hahaha

1.  Pack lightly.
2.  Plan your luggage well.  Don't forget the laundry soap.
3.  NAIA 3's best food shop for vegetarians is 7-11.  They sell fresh fruits.  I spent P56 pesos for a hearty lunch. 
4. Arriving at LCCT,  do not grab the first fruit, salad or veggie stall.  Take time to go around.  I settled for the rojak store.  A local helped me in finding the right mix.  8 RM.  Fruit juice for 4.5 RM.  A popular juice stand before the entrance of the terminal sells juice for 11 RM...
5. The Emporium shop sells cheaper food and drinks inside the pre-departure area.  A water bottle is for 2 RM  In some shops, it is for 5 RM...
6. I caught up with sleep on the plane.  I anticipated for delayed arrivals and late pick up.
7. The vegetarian restaurant at LCCT serves Indian food.  Be decisive on what to order and then smile...
8. Don't expect to get a good internet connection in airport terminals.  Stock on e-books or take time to edit.
9. Take more photos.  It is free...
10. Connect with friends.  (And then being alone is truly relative)