Malaysia

Locale

Take a tour of the Bako National Park

Bako National ParkAn iconic stone formation at Bako National Park

Accessible by a short boat ride from Bako village near Kuching, the Bako National Park is one of the oldest national parks in East Malaysia. The park is a perfect place to test your endurance because you pick from one of the multiple walking trails.

Trailing through Bako National Park

Walk along while you try to spot some of the wildlife inhabiting the forest. Depending on your sense of adventure you can choose a trail that either involves; a full day of jungle hiking or simply walk along the shorter trails. Silence on the trails will ensure you get to spot the Proboscis Monkey, found only in Bako. In the meantime, walk along the trail overlooking the mangroves and the green vegetation. Here, you might even spot a saltwater crocodile sunbathing amongst the tree roots or waiting on their next meal.

Proboscis Monkey
Proboscis Monkey

Meanwhile, the park allows you to see a myriad of flora and fauna native to Malaysia. It ranges from a variety of trees, shrubs, rare plant species and much more. The plant life that gets the most interests, however, remain the carnivorous pitcher plants. They feed on insects common to the park.

Alternatively, you can skip the long treks and just relax at one of the beaches at Bako National Park. Or participate in fun games and activities available at the multiple secluded beaches. The sunset from Telok Assam beach will be amongst the best sunsets you witness here. Stay back after the sun sets completely and you will be in for a spectacular view of the mountain against the colourful sky, a sight you should not miss! The beach during this time is the perfect place to birdwatch as the birds start flying back and hovering around their nests. For more adventure, ask your local guide from Locaguide to help you book one of the multiple chalets. With this, you will get a chance to see the nocturnal wildlife of the park as you spend the night camping.

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CultureEvents

Local Festival Of The Nine Emperor Gods In Ipoh

Nine Emperor GodsNine Emperor Gods Festival being celebrated at a temple

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.

A group of devotees walking over a bed of ht coals
A group of devotees walking over a bed of ht coals

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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Food

Taste authentic Ipoh OldTown White Coffee

A cup of coffeeA cup of OldTown White Coffee

Among other things, Ipoh is known as the hometown of the iconic OldTown white coffee of Malaysia. The Ipoh white coffee is nothing but lightly roasted coffee served with condensed milk, either hot or iced. The name comes from the light colour of the drink from its preparation. The drink is famous for its distinctive taste and aroma and is extremely popular among Malaysians in and outside Ipoh.

The Ipoh-style white coffee is an experience for the taste buds that you shouldn’t miss at any cost! Even if not a coffee drinker you need to try it at least once during your trip to Malaysia.

Sample at any OldTown White Coffee outlet

These days, Ipoh white coffee is available in several coffee shops in Malaysia, some dating back to old times and some contemporary. You may even find canned versions of it at convenience stores near you. But if you truly want to savour the authentic flavour, OldTown White Coffee is the perfect coffee shop to visit.

An OldTown White Coffee Outlet
An OldTown White Coffee Outlet

The best way to include this coffee shop in your itinerary would be to take a break during your city walk of Ipoh and stop by the flagship cafe for a snack and traditionally brewed white coffee. The coffee occurs slightly sweeter than regular coffee. Hot or iced, it makes up for a perfect drink while you explore the city of Ipoh. 

Usually crowded and thronged by locals, the OldTown White Coffee outlets possess a vibrant vibe. The staff makes sure that you have an experience that stands true to Malaysian hospitality. Take a break and enjoy your time while you stop by for a coffee and more.

While the coffee may seem too sweet for coffee connoisseurs, the experience of sipping on it may sound otherwise. This traditionally roasted and brewed white coffee at a vintage cafe is something everyone takes back with them from Malaysia. Make sure to add this to your itinerary so you can make one or multiple pitstops. Build a customised Ipoh itinerary on Locaguide and let Malaysia surprise you!

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Food

Drool over Penang’s iconic Asam Laksa

Asam LaksaOne of the many versions of Aam Laksa

After a day’s city tour and souvenir hunting, a bowl of soup is just what the soul demands. And when in Penang, nothing other than a bowl of steaming Asam Laksa will do! A fish and tamarind based soup with a touch of a sour aftertaste, it remains a local favourite of all time; right from when the Chinese immigrants moved to the island to this present day. Said to be a dish born out of the intermarriage of the Chinese and local Malays, it is a dish made for the soul.

Asam Laksa
Asam Laksa

The many versions of Asam Laksa

Ever since it featured in CNN’s top ten best food list, the dish inevitably remains on everyone’s must-try dishes. Made from poached and shredded mackerel, the sourness of the soup makes it the perfect “feel good” meal. The distinctive flavour attributes to the use of tamarind, lemongrass, chilli and galangal (Asian plant of ginger family) in the right quantities and mixtures. You can customise the soup as per your liking, from the variety of base ingredients used to garnishes. Also, adding a dollop of shrimp paste would do the trick to enhance the flavours a lot more.

The dish tantalises your taste buds with its tangy flavour. Priced low, Asam Laksa makes up a whole bunch of different versions you can try and experiment with. Meanwhile, a friendly little chat with the locals can get you close with the food culture of the locals. 

A local guide from Locaguide will ensure an experiment with the perfect meal to re-energise with, between shopping sprees. The guide will make you try more than just a single version of Asam Laksa during your tour of Malaysia. Take your guide’s help to find the local hole in the wall shops selling the most authentic version of this dish. The dish lets you take home food memories of a lifetime. Thus, sure to change your idea of soup noodles upon tasting the iconic Asam Laksa.

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Locale

Explore the protected Pulau Payar Marine Park

Pulau Payar Marine Park 3

The Pulau Payar Marine Park forms a protected area comprising of 4 uninhabited islands. The many opportunities that it offers to explore the marine world make it the best marine park. Located a short ferry ride from Langkawi, the park makes up for an ideal first underwater experience. Here, you can find the only coral reef garden near to Malaysia.  

You can either explore the sandy beaches of the Andaman sea or snorkel in the calm shallow waters. The water here is clean and pristine thus forming a perfect place to spot a whole bunch of underwater life. Swim with the black tipped baby sharks that stay near the seabed or spot the great barracuda, a resident to the area.

Pulau Payar Marine Park  diving center

Pulau Payar Marine Park diving center

Things to do and see at Pulau Payar Marine Park

A boat ride from Pulau Payar Marine Park’s jetty leads you to the island. The boat ride offers spectacular glimpses of the horizon and the sea. The best place to spot most of the marine life remains right under the jetty. And with the clear waters, you can spot several as you snorkel in the sea. Furthermore, the park has numerous diving spots where you can find specific kinds of marine life. So, pick a spot which shows you the life underwater that you haven’t seen before.

The barbecue pits on the shore come to your rescue if water does not please you. Cook your own scrumptious grilled food and savour at it while enjoying the setting sun and the beautiful sea waves. 

Blacktip shark
Blacktip shark

Places like these are best visited along with a local guide because they know the ins and outs of it. A local travel guide from Locaguide will help you plan and book a trip to the marine park. He/ She will also help you to get the underwater gear from reliable vendors. Make your visit to the Pulau Payar National Park a memorable one and keep it hassle-free with the help of a local expert. 

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Locale

Take a ride on the North Borneo Railway

North Borneo Railway 1

The Experience on North Borneo Railway

The North Borneo Railway takes you back into the history of Malaysia! Previously employed to transport tobacco from the centre of Malaysia to the coastal places. However, now, the railway serves as a means of transportation to the locals and tourists. But tourists who wish to spend time watching the countryside and enjoy a good bit of souvenir shopping take the train ride.

The North Borneo Railway
The North Borneo Railway

Departing at 9:30 am from Kota Kinabalu to Kinarut town, the train offers you a choice of local breakfast options. With breakfast, you can watch the train pass through the open fields, across the coastline and the city. At Kinarut, disembark the train and get ready to explore the town. A popular place for shopping, the town owns a selection of souvenirs shops and many options you can select from.

Things to do and see 

From Kinarut, the train further goes to Papar, where you can interact with the locals before heading back to Kota Kinabalu. On your way back, the North Borneo Railway tour offers you a meal for lunch. Furthermore, you can even get an opportunity to chat with the railway engineer. So, learn about the old wood fire engine restoration and know how the railway works. 

A bridge through which the Railway passes
A bridge through which the Railway passes

Do not miss the enthralling experience the North Borneo Railway ride offers. Get a glimpse and soak into the rich history of Malaysia or simply just chose to relax. You can also take a long ride to watch the gorgeous landscapes of the surrounding. No trip to Kota Kinabalu is complete without spending a morning aboard the North Borneo Railway. Thus, when in Kota Kinabalu, look forward to experiencing the city from a different perspective.

Not sure how to go about booking a trip on this historic train? Let Locaguide’s local travel experts help you out. Build a personalised Kota Kinabalu itinerary of your choice and consult with your guide on including this attraction.

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Food

Taste Malaysia’s national breakfast – Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak sometimes referred to as the national dish of Malaysia, is an aromatic rice dish. Cooked in a base of coconut milk and pandan leaf, the dish is usually served piping hot. Featured in the Times Magazine as one of the top ten healthy breakfast dishes across the globe, it is a must-have when you visit Malaysia.

Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak

Culinary background of Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak became popular worldwide upon its mention in “The Circumstances of Malay Life”, a book by Sir Winstedt. The dish gets its name from the cooking method used and thus translates to creamy rice. While the preparation uses a traditional method, the difference in taste and aroma remain attributed to the use of Pandan leaves. The rice cooked in coconut milk continues to steam along with the knotted leaves of Pandan screwpine. Meanwhile, the leaves enhance the flavour and fragrance of the dish. Few recipes even involve the addition of spices such as ginger and herbs like lemongrass for a distinctive flavour.

How they serve it

Nasi Lemak packed in banana leaves
Nasi Lemak packed in banana leaves

Traditionally served with sambal, a hot spicy sauce, the dish comes with a variety of garnishes. The garnishes include cucumber slices, fried anchovies, crushed roasted peanuts and fried or boiled eggs. You can customise the dish on adding meat of your choice from — fried chicken (Ayam Goreng), fish, squid or cockles. Thus, many stalls or restaurants pre-pack portions of Nasi Lemak in banana leaves to serve them on the go.

Sometimes the best way to explore a city is through the eyes of a local guide. Opt for a guided city tour from Locaguide. The guide can take you to some of the best places that serve the authentic Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur. Order a side of Malay-style fried chicken and a glass of chilled Milo for more awesome feels.

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Food

Take a food-walk through Jalan Alor

article 25 - food walk - 1

If food is an integral part of your perfect holiday, if you are curious about local cuisines or if you love exploring a culture through its food, then multiple visits to Jalan Alor is what you have to include in your tour of Kuala Lumpur.

The food lovers paradise

Jalan Alor is a one of a kind food destination located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As you step onto the busy street, you can sense the change of smell in the air. The modern shopping malls are replaced with hundreds of stalls and small food carts selling all kinds of local dishes. The splash of colors, vendors calling for your attention, music playing from buskers, light smoke and wok-clunking melody coming from stir-frying, barbecue and meat-grilling actions all create an atmosphere completely different from any other part of the city.

A street that starts off calmly during the day transforms into a bustling hub of activity as the sun goes down. It has become a food haven for tourists and locals alike. Offering some of the best culinary delights of Malaysia, the street is filled with dining tables arranged at the centre and rows of hawker stalls on either side of the road. Frequented not only by tourists but locals as well, the stalls offer unique dishes from across the country. A food walk through this vibrant street is one of the top activities in Kuala Lumpur and a travel guide from Locaguide will be a perfect company to help you swim through this sensory overload! Ask your guide for food and restaurant recommendations depending on what you like to eat and he will be able to point you in the right direction.

Bring your appetite on your visit to Jalan Alor. Be it the succulent dumplings, dozens of varieties of noodles, grilled meats or even the local favourite, chicken satay, it’s hard to run out of options at Jalan Alor! Offering not just food but the culture of Malaysia for everyone to experience, this street shows you that diversity does not exist in just the people of Malaysia but in its food culture as well.

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