A trip to Penang is not complete without checking out the many quirky street arts Georgetown. has become famous for! Started as an activity to boost tourism, the municipal corporation commissioned artist Ernest Zacharevic to give a makeover to the sleepy little town. Since then, there has been no looking back since then! More street art has cropped up all over Penang, reflecting its local culture. The artwork is ever evolving and takes a bit of looking to actually spot and appreciate. Most of the pieces in plain sight while a few are in narrow alleyways. Looking for a art piece is almost like a live treasure hunt!

Locating the street art

Once you land in Penang, take the help of a map to find the artwork. Also, explore the alleys and bylanes to spot the street arts at the most unlikely places. Searching and locating the street art is one of the best ways to get a tour of Penang. While some of these paintings tell you fun facts about the city, the others celebrate the history and heritage of Georgetown, to put the stories of the past back into the city. If the walking and searching feel overwhelming to you, the most convenient way to do this is to take a guided tour of Penang from Locaguide where you can customise your itinerary to include a street art tour. While you’re on this tour, ask your local guide to help you find the famous and the not so famous ones and share tales of local life in Penang.

Moreover, some of the pieces are so realistic that they are often mistaken for actual children or people. The only telltale sign to spot them can be a person striking pose near them or by going right up to the wall. One of the best ways to experience these street arts is by posing with the painting and almost becoming a part of the picture. And that’s what sets the street art of Penang apart – by being interactive and engaging the visitor!

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A very popular tourist spot, Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in Yogyakarta. Known to be an icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, which marks the return of the Hindu rule over Indonesia. An earthquake in the 16th century toppled many of the temples in the complex. Yet, the iconic heritage property has a lot to tell about the rich history of Indonesia

Prambanan is a collection of almost 240 temples. The complex now boasts of 8 main shrines called ‘Candi’.

 

The three main shrines, known as ‘Trimurti’, are dedicated to three Hindu Gods: Shiva-the Destroyer, Brahma-the Creator and Vishnu-the Keeper.

 

The Candi dedicated to Shiva is the finest and the largest structure in the complex. Standing almost 47 feet tall, the four-armed Shiva on a lotus is a wonder in itself. Besides, the statue several carved rocks adorn the walls of the temple depicting the tales of Ramayana.

The Vishnu temple, on the other hand, has carvings depicting the story of Lord Krishna from the mythological book Mahabharata. Here too, the four armed statue commands praise as much as the detailed carvings.

Lastly, in Brahma the carving on the stones, depict the final scenes from the  Mahabharata. This four-headed statue is the  most spectacular statue in Prambanan.

If you are curious to know  history and culture of Yogyakarta, be sure to ask your travel guide from Locaguide to show you around. We can assure you that a visit to the Prambanan Temples will surely be the highlight of your Yogyakarta tour.

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The Nine Emperor Gods is a festival celebrated to signify the return of the Nine Emperor Spirits to earth after their heavenly trip. Worshipped by the locals in the form of a single deity, Mazu; the festival continues for about nine days. It starts in the month of the ninth moon according to the Chinese Lunar calendar.

Celebrations of Nine Emperor Gods

The celebrations start at the temple and advance towards the local river. All the devotees dress in white and walk with incense sticks to welcome the spirits back to earth. The religious practices during this festival occur to be a bit unusual. This, in turn, will leave you spellbound as you watch the locals celebrate this homecoming.

A unique festival like this is best experienced with a local on your side. Opt for a guided tour of Ipoh town from Locaguide. Ask your local guide on how best can you get a hands-on experience of the festivities, the local celebrations and rituals. You may not have to impale yourself with cuts and piercings but rather just be a part of the celebrations. Stay with the local devotees overnight at the temples and help them prepare meals that they eat during the festival.

The temples during these nine days remain filled with bell chimings and continuous prayer chants can be heard all day long. While you will also spot devotees walking on coals of fire and climb ladders with blades on steps. All this along with the body piercings and slashings. Meanwhile, tourists from across the world throng Malaysia during this nine-day long festival to take a glimpse of it.

From watching the procession of people with piercings all over their body to eating the specially prepared vegetarian food; experience this celebration with the locals. During your tour of Ipoh make sure that Nine Emperor Gods festival definitely remains a part your itinerary, of things to go and see.

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The Palace(Kraton in Javanese) of Yogyakarta, serves as the official seat of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta. The palace holds official meetings, political functions and also serves as the royal residence. Built along the north-south axis, the Kraton Palace faces Merapi, the Sacred Mountain, and backs the Indian ocean, home of the mystical Indonesian Sea Queen.

Inside the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta

There is a cultural link between the palace compound and the people who live within it. The intricate designs in the pavilions, courtyards and placement of trees show the integration of the multiple faiths. Those that have had an influence over these parts of Indonesia. The central part of the palace boasts of Buddhist, Islamic and Hindu elements. The fine little details and treasures of the royal family, make it a must visit during your Yogyakarta tour.

The Palace of Yogyakarta stands guarded with the Kraton guards, dressed in the traditional attire. The custodians and their families have lived in the palace compound for generations as the inheritance of the job continues. Once a guard is too old to serve he is not asked to leave his service. Instead, the royal house continues to pay for his services until his last breath. This shows how deep the connection between the Kraton and its people goes!

The Palace remains closed to visitors in the evening so do talk to your local guide from Locaguide before a visit. Make a visit during the day to appreciate the history and architecture of the palace. Meanwhile, you may even get a chance to sample the royal cuisine at a couple of the restaurants that it.

The local taxi drivers often try to scam the tourists by making them take the wrong entrance leading to an unimpressive display. Make sure to ask your travel guide to accompany you to get the best of experience of the royal palace. Might as well ask the guide to translate the performances or shows you may ge to attend at the Royal Palace of Yogyakarata.

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Thean Hou Temple seated along Jalan Klang Lama forms one of the largest and oldest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Termed as a notable religious landmark in Kuala Lumpur because of the large number of visitors it attracts every year.

About Thean Hou Temple

The Thean Hou Temple, locally known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven themes an elaborate six tired Pagoda. Dedicated to Tian Hou, the protector of the fishermen community the temple sits atop a hill. The Hainanese community of Kuala Lumpur established the temple in 1894. The mix of red and gold designs give a visual treat to the eyes.

The multi-arch gateway and red pillars at the main entrance symbolize prosperity and good luck. A modern Buddhist temple, it features images and art depicting Buddha all around the main hall.

Statues of Guan Di, the god of war and Wei Tuo, a divine protector are present in the temple. With elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, the grand structure showcases influences from all these schools of thought. 

Things to do

A walk around the temple complex leads you to a tortoise pond and a herb garden filled with Chinese medicinal plants. A sanctified Boddhi tree also graces the compound and creates an aura of mysticism!

The Thean Hou temple marks as one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Create a customised itinerary with Locaguide so that you do not miss out on this beautiful temple. With the local travel expert, you can not only visit the temple but experience the prayer ceremonies like a local. He/ She can also help you get your fortune read at the temple if it makes you keen.

The Thean Hou temple makes up for more than just a place of worship. An architectural marvel in itself which brings the local Chinese community together. So, do pay a visit and experience it for yourself.

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A short drive from Kuching is the Sarawak Cultural Village. The famous cultural park offers an insight into the local lifestyle of tribes. The village showcases cultural elements from the various ethnic groups of Sarawak. Ranging from traditional houses, locals wearing ethnic attire etc, the park has a lot to offer for all age groups.

Things to do

The village staff here share stories and explain the way of life of the tribes as they welcome you into their homes. Explore their lifestyle and way of living as you walk around the village. In addition to houses, try your hand at hunting like the locals, or the blowpipes. Try to learn the local musical instruments and dance routines with the villagers. Furthermore, the cultural village offers many photo-worthy moments and dance performances. The experience they offer is something that will keep you talking about the troupe for days to come.

Activities in Sculpture park

You can spend the afternoon walking in the sculpture park and reflecting on the meaning of stone art. Afterward, sit around the waterfall watching a performance by the locals, as you sip on one of the local teas.

Meanwhile, if you prefer some activity, you can go kayaking in the stream that flows through the village. Also, spend time at the beach near the village, swimming in the warm water and working up an appetite.

Finally, a meal at one of the many restaurants will give you a chance to try the traditional dishes of the Sarawak tribes.

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If you are a history buff then on your tour to Penang, a visit to Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a must. While here, you can uncover the mysterious past of the Peranakans — descendants of Chinese immigrants. Over the years, the mansion gained popularity because of a drama series called “The Little Nyonya”.

About the Pinang Peranakan Mansion

A UNESCO heritage site, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion forms a living cultural museum. It came about from the marriage of the local Malay and the Chinese immigrants. But mainly restored and maintained to remind the world of the rich Peranakan heritage of Penang. The exterior and interiors of the mansion highlight the various cultures that influenced its architecture. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion still remains a masterpiece. It features the British tilework, Scottish iron weldings, European furniture and Chinese carved wood panels.

Restored to showcase the living of the Chinese merchants of the 1890s, the mansion holds numerous stories to tell. A walk through the mansion is enough to lose yourself into a century-old lifestyle. The awe-worthy interiors will make you realise how elaborate and opulent the past lifestyle and traditions were. Inside the mansion, you can view everything; from jewellery to wedding attires to items of daily use.

How to visit?

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion conducts guided tours twice every day. So, we highly recommend you to take your own local tour guide along. Connect with a local travel expert on Locaguide and ask him to show you around the mansion. Without a helping hand, it is almost impossible to cover it entirely. He will show you the pieces that were used by the Peranakan families and explain the history behind them. Given the vastness of the mansion, visit the place early before the crowd starts pouring in. Thus, making yourself some time to indulge and soak in the glamour and grandeur of the mansion.

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Forming an important part of Penang’s rich heritage, the clan jetties are more than a picture-perfect tourist speciality. Originally giving the local Chinese immigrants a place to call home, each jetty came to be distinctively known for the clan it housed. Starting with seven such clans, this Chinese settlement did not have a smooth start, until the local government body officially gave them an identity.

History of the Clan Jetties

Out of the original seven, six jetties have houses that were built over a century ago. And if you know exactly where to look you’ll still be able to see some of the original stilts. The slits those used by the Chinese when they first immigrated to Penang. Named after the Chinese clan who first lived on the jetties, each jetty is a village in itself. It reflects the traditions and beliefs of the clan. Each village has its own temple, and its own stories to tell. Take a guided tour of this place with your local travel expert from Locaguide. The guide will help you with the difference in the temples and tell you the tales of the clans.

When to visit the Clan Jetties?

Probably the best time of the day to visit the clan jetties is late afternoon. This will allow you to round up your visit by watching a glorious sunset at the jetty. The setting sun brings with it a change in the neighbourhood and a tinge of excitement in the air. Hence, everyone makes sure to pause by and witness the gorgeous sight. 

The iconic long wooden planks make for gorgeous walks be it solo or with your loved ones. If there is one place to see in Penang that you shouldn’t miss then this is it. With ample souvenirs to purchase and local restaurants, the jetties are the perfect place to spend an evening.

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Baba is the term used to refer to a Straits-born gentleman, while Nyonya is used to address a Straits-born lady. The Baba-Nyonya Museum in Malacca showcases the lives of the affluent families of the past. Built on restoring three townhouses, the museum shows the rich culture of the Peranakan homes before the World War.

About Baba-Nyonya Museum

Located on Millionaire’s street, the later generations of the original family maintained and restored the Baba-Nyonya Museum. As you walk in, you can spot the red lanterns on either side of the elaborate columns. One of the lanterns bears the household name while the other invites good luck into the house. Large intricately carved teakwood doors lead you inside the museum. Extensively covered in hand-painted tiles the house tells about the beliefs and traditions of the past.

Baba Chan Cheng Siew, a second generation Strait’s born Chinese established the house in the year 1985. Before turning the house into a museum, four generations of the Chan family lived here.

The Victorian lamps and chandeliers show the extent to which the families flaunted their wealth. You can’t help but notice the detailed dark wooden furniture in the interior. The floral designed wrought iron castings outside the windows add to the extravaganza of the place. The museum holds numerous stories and the antiques show how well the immigrants adopted the traditions.

This heritage museum takes you back in time and makes up for one of the best attractions in Malacca. If the place eagers you then consider creating a customised itinerary with Locaguide. The local tour expert will walk you around and give the details of the museum. He may also help you interact with the family that lives there, and give you the chance to hear stories from them about their ancestors.

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A short trip from Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari constitutes a village where the ethnic culture of the Borneo tribes is kept alive. The village houses five of the indigenous Borneo tribes, who continue to live in their old ways. Every tribe’s lifestyle, culture and history tell a different yet fascinating story.

You get a first-hand view of their way of life, work, customs, traditions and their clothing. Also, know what sets them apart from each other. Everyone who visits the village learns about the tribe’s rich past and ancient customs of the tribes. You can partake in each of the custom and activity to experience them personally. Every tribe showcases their hunting and survival skills to the tourists. Thus, altogether making it a fun excursion.

Things to do at Mari Mari Cultural Village

You can taste their traditional food, see how the dish is prepared and perhaps even try your hand at it. Moreover, while dining, each tribe will share with you how their tribe name came about and what it stands for. The experience of eating in an antiquated village will stay with you forever.

Spending half a day at the cultural village lets you explore activities each belonging to one of the five tribes. You can also sit back and enjoy the cultural performances or take part in them alongside the locals. The village surrounding remains a natural habitat of rainforest trees thus keeping you away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Gain hands-on experience in traditional bamboo cooking, fire starting or play a game of Congkak(Malay game).

Furthermore, the experience of visiting the Mari Mari Cultural Village gets even better with a local travel guide accompanying you. Someone who can help you translate and understand the stories of the tribes and help you grasp the true essence. Find yourself a suitable local guide from Locaguide and plan a personalized itinerary with their help. Visit this cultural village with your guide and get a glimpse of tribal life in the Borneo islands.

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