Travel

Locale

Visit the unique Cat Museum in the Kuching

Cat MuseumKuching Cat Museum building

The Cat Museum makes up for a fun idea to spend an hour or two when in Kuching. Have an affinity towards feline creatures? Then make sure you visit this cat museum. As the name suggests, the museum contains artefacts, paintings and information on cats. Entertaining people since 1993, the museum houses over 4000 art pieces all related to cats. A cat lover or not, anyone who visits the museum certainly enjoys the museum tour.

What does the cat museum include?

The museum holds artefacts, news articles, information, stories, mummified and stuffed toys all belonging to the cats. So, to say the least, a trip to Malaysia remains incomplete without a stop at this museum. A fun excursion to discover more about cats if you never had one.

From mummified cats dating back to 3000 BC to containing the history and beliefs revolving around cats, the museum holds everything.

The legend of cats at the museum entertains almost everyone and appears comical for children too. The museum covers itself with photographic pieces and funny cat-shaped objects to entertain all age groups. Upon a walk through the museum, make sure to pick up souvenirs that remind you of the time spent at the museum. These quirky souvenirs make for some perfect gifts to take back home for family and friends.

Mummified cats on display
Mummified cats on display at the museum

The name of the city, Kuching, originated from the Malay word for cat, ‘kucing’. So, it naturally becomes imperative to visit the museum when in the city. Include it in your customised Kuching itinerary on Locaguide. The local travel expert will ensure a safe trip to this unique cat museum. While the entry to the museum is free of cost, you might need to pay a small fee to take photographs. The museum is definitely worth every penny.

0
Locale

Strawberry Picking at Cameron Highlands’ Big Red Strawberry Farm

Strawberry potsStrawberry Pots

Want to spend time away from the bustling city during your trip to Malaysia? then Cameron Highlands makes up for a perfect getaway destination for a one day trip or two. While in Cameron Highlands, a visit to the local Big Red Strawberry Farm is a must. To reach the farm you can either trek or drive to follow the path uphill. A day at the Big Red Strawberry Farm remains ideal for a fun outing with the whole family.

Pick your own strawberries at the farm

Spend some time meandering along the trails of the strawberry farm and breath in some fresh air. Meanwhile, the idea of picking the juicy red strawberries is not frowned upon as a ticket for the same is available. Take a quick pause along the way to admire the gorgeous surroundings of the farm. Colourful potted plants and a little fish pond add to the extravaganza of the place. You can also pose to capture the memories of the day.

Freshly picked strawberries at the Big Red Strawberry Farm
Freshly picked strawberries

Savour at some delectable strawberry dishes

The hydroponic cultivation of leafy vegetables and lettuces alongside the strawberries is worth getting the first-hand view of. While a tour of the cultivation technology goes to show the advances and the positive impact science holds in the farming industry. Upon spending the day along the shady trails stop at the cafe to try some mouth-watering strawberry dishes. The variety of strawberry based dishes at the cafe offers something or the other to all the age groups. Especially, do not forget to try the melted chocolate with fresh strawberry.

While planning an itinerary to Cameron Highlands, make sure to add this vibrant farm for a firsthand experience of how your favourite fruits are grown. A local tour guide from Locaguide can help you plan a trip here and also help you make the most of this experience!

1
FoodLocale

Explore Local Food at Gurney Drive Hawker Center

shutterstock_1063692848

No trip to Penang is complete without a walk through Gurney Drive Hawker Center. The place is overflowing with smells and flavours that is essentially the soul of Penang – its food! It is said to have the largest variety of local cuisine in one area. The Gurney Drive Hawker Center continues to remain the perfect place to mingle with the locals and try their dishes.

What is the Gurney Drive Hawker Center

Gurney Drive Hawker street
Gurney Drive Hawker street

The Gurney Drive hawker center serves like an open-air food mall. You pay as you order and the food is delivered to your table. Start at the juice stall and sip on the fresh juice as you pick and order from the various stalls. You’ll notice that the popular stalls usually have a wait in the queue policy while ordering. The stalls here sell everything — ranging from stir-fried noodles to assorted dumpling to desserts. Ais Kachang, a dessert made of shaved ice, red beans and a variety of toppings serves the perfect end. Perhaps a food court that leaves you sinfully full but positively satisfied without making a big hole in your wallet. 

A food lovers paradise

Delectable dishes at the stalls
Delectable local dishes

A foodie’s paradise, the hawker centre attracts even locals, not just tourists. A popular area especially during dinner time. Hence, better reach for an early dinner or you may end up hunting a seat for a long time. With at least hundreds of food stalls and numerous food options, it’s hard to run out of food options here. The clever serving size ensures you to try more than a couple of dishes. Thus, experiment with whatever catches your eye or tingles your nose, as you walk around. 

The best way to get a tour of this maze-like food market is with the help of a local travel guide. And that’s exactly where Locaguide will come to your rescue. Create an itinerary and book a guided tour of Penang with Locaguide, and get to explore places like Gurney Drive!

0
Locale

Climb up Penang Hill on a Funicular Train

shutterstock_171744539

Located at Air Itam, Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera is a mountain retreat and one of the most popular places to visit in Penang. Covered in lush green tropical forest, the surroundings of Penang Hill will truly bring you some peace of mind. The hill qualifies for a perfect getaway with family or friends.

How to get to the Penang Hill?

The most fascinating way to go up and down the hill is to take the funicular train. A fairly fast mode of transport, the rail track cuts through the forest taking just 5 to 10 minutes to reach. For adventure, try grabbing the seats at the bottom-most and topmost cabins while going uphill and downhill. Witness the city emerge before you as you go uphill and experience a roller coaster-like ride while going downhill.

Funicular Train taking you uphill
Funicular Train taking you uphill

Board the train at the base station of Air Itam and take in the views of the surrounding valleys as you go up. Once at the top, breathe in crisp cold air and immerse into the beautiful setting of the hill. You can also sip on some fresh juice or grab a bite at the restaurants on top of the hill. With a Skywalk and a few walking trails, the Penang Hill forms a good photographic location. Take a leisurely stroll to visit the temples and gardens or use the toy train service to go around.

Other attractions at the hill include a love padlock area, a viewing deck and a Curtis Crest, a walkway.

Vie from Penang Hill
A view from Penang Hill

Create a personalised Penang itinerary with Locaguide and talk to your designated travel guide on including a trip to Penang Hill. During your Penang city tour, do make it to the top of the hill with the funicular train ride. Make this your much-awaited place to visit because the journey seems as beautiful and exciting as the destination!

0
CultureLocale

Discover Penang’s history at the Clan Jetties

Clan JettiesSeries of Clan Jetties

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. 

A view of clan jetty at dusk
A view of clan jetty at dusk

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.

0
Locale

An evening at Jonker Street Night Market

Jonker Street Night Market 1

The perfect end to a day-long city tour of Malacca is shopping and dinner at Jonker Street. With the setting sun, the street starts bustling with life. The square lights up filling the air with mouthwatering smells as hawkers start shouting to sell their wares. It goes from being a quiet street in the day to resembling a party at night. 

Things to do at Jonker Street

The night market at Jonker Street on the weekend proves to be the perfect setting for the locals and tourists to mingle. So, enough varieties in the food will help you eat like a local. Sample and nibble at the multiple hawker stalls and restaurants around.

The night market at Jonker Street
The night market

The quirky presentation and aromatic smell of the food will make you want to taste everything that catches the eye. The entire street turns into a stage with live performances and music events set up. The setting seems magical and will truly make you feel like a local.

Among locals, Chicken rice balls, Satay Celup, Nyonya Laksa and Gula Melaka cendol stay on the top of the list.

Shop till you drop

On your walk along the street ensure to keep an eye out on the merchandise available for sale. You can buy anything and everything during the night market. The street is lined with antique shops, shops selling handicrafts, local art pieces, jewellery and a lot more. The night market offers a whole variety of street shopping so haggle for the best prices.

Opt for a local travel guide if the chaos and the bargaining overwhelm you. Connect with a local tour guide from Locaguide before planning a trip to Malacca. Make sure to take suggestions and tips from your guide while purchasing stuff on the Jonker street. An evening at Jonker Street takes you on a completely different note because of its infectious energy.

2
Language

Visit the mighty Seven Wells Waterfall of Langkawi

Seven Wells Waterfall 1

Telaga Tujuh, locally known as the Seven Wells Waterfall, signifies the occurrence of seven wells that overflow into each other. Almost like seven natural infinity pools, they combine to give birth to one big waterfall. Located a short trip from Langkawi town centre, this collection of pools will take you back to your childhood days. 

The way uphill to Seven Wells Waterfall
The way uphill

How to get to the Seven Wells Waterfall

Like all things good, to truly enjoy the brilliance of the Seven Wells Waterfalls you have to go that extra mile. Rest assured, your walk uphill is worth it once you reach the top and slide into the higher pools. The exploration through the rainforest lets you experience the beauty of the place and get up close with nature.

The rocks polished and smoothened due to the flowing stream of water constitute to form a slide into the pools. After all the climbing and trekking, you can’t resist but slide into one of the shallow pools. Take a refreshing swim and soak into the beauty of nature. While the surrounding flora makes up for most of the view, you can also spot the blue waters of Buara Bay!

The water pools

The view atop and the adrenaline rush from the trek makes you realise why Telaga Tujuh occurs on every tourist’s list. But here’s a word of caution when you visit this waterfalls. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, so make sure you take care while getting in and out of the pool. Also, look out for rocks near the cliffs as they can be very slippery. Hire a local travel guide to pay a visit to this natural wonder who can guide you at every step. With Locaguide you can hire a guide to explore the Seven Wells Waterfall. A perfect person to take care of all the needs and to ensure your safety throughout the trip. Also, keep the pesky monkeys, at a distance because they cause inconvenience to the climbers.

0