Lively Penang Hotels

Penang is Malaysia’s ‘Pearl of the Orient’ to the world. The island city is an attractive holiday destination well appreciated for its natural beauty and unparalleled cultural splendor. Penang is the Malay translation of betel nut ‘Pinang’ from which the city has derived its name.

It is no mean measure that today it is considered to be the second busiest city of Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. Penang is a 285 sq. Km island connected to 760 sq. km of mainland through a 13 km bridge. The island city is dotted with temples and historical sites scattered at many places. The beautiful picturesque beaches are mostly concentrated in the northern area of the city.

Thousands of tourists throng this absolutely gem of an island city every year to experience the distinctive heritage and fabulous scenery. The striking aspect of this city is that though the populace is multi-racial, the culture adopted by the people has a somewhat of a Chinese touch. First timers will be surprised to see Malays and Indians speaking the Hokkien language alongside the large 65 percent Chinese population of Penang. The city inhabitants love to eat out which has become a very popular past time. The hawker stalls of Penang have assumed legendary status among the Malaysians and are renowned for their excellent food and vivacious atmosphere.

Penang’s official history dates back to 1786 when the Sultan of Kedah ceded the state to Francis Light in lieu of British military protection from the Siamese. Penang flourished as a centre for trade of tea, spices, china and cloth and became part of Malaysia in 1957. Today, Penang is fast developing into an even livelier city. Enter into any of the many hotels in Penang and you shall be amazed at the graciousness with which the hotel staff treats their guests.

This is a first hand glimpse the first time visitors get to know about the hospitality to follow. Tourism and hospitality are, in fact, crucial in turning the fortunes of this fabulous city. This is a fact well understood even by the local population. That explains why an extra effort is put in by the people as well as the Government to ensure that the city attains its old status as a glorious city.

It is said and also an accepted fact by most tourists who have had the good fortune of visiting Penang that it is very difficult for one to get bored on this exciting island! Though it is a small island there is no dearth of cultural sights and beautifully attractive natural scenery to delight in. The variety of relaxing holiday activities one can actually indulge in Penang adds a certain distinctive charm to the island city. One can simply walk along the sandy beaches if one so desires or admire the landscape from the summit of Penang Hill. There are opportunities galore to playing with vipers in the famous snake temple or go shopping for merchandise. With so much to indulge in, is there time to get bored! Make advance room reservations in Penang hotels to enjoy some exquisite hospitality and fine ambiance of hotels Penang.

What to know about traveling in Singapore – Part 1

Singapore

The country I live in is called Singapore. It is only presented by a small dot on the world map, slightly above the equator at the Southern tip of Peninsula Malaysia and north of the Indonesian Island, Java.

A small tropical country, summer all year round, we have a population of about 4 million currently. Multi-racial as we are called, the main races of Singaporeans staying here consist of the Chinese who are the majority, the Malays, Indians and other minority groups. We are a diverse group of people, each with our racial difference and culture, yet living together in religious and racial harmony. We were taught by our leaders about harmonious living, though in the midst of many fundamental differences.

As a country, we lack natural resources. Human capital is all we have and depends on. Our leaders believe in having an educated and continually upgraded workforce to propel the country economically.

Singapore is a modern and organized city, with a central district where many business and shopping activities are carried out and numerous satellite towns surrounding the central and further to facilitate housing and daily needs of our residents. If you visit Singapore, you will find modern, tall high rise buildings peculiar here as compared to our neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

English is one of the main languages spoken widely here, though you may find a tinge of colloquialism, as we call Singlish’. This phenomenon came as a result of language contact with many other different local languages like Chinese, Chinese dialects e.g. Hokkien and Cantonese and even Malay. Many times, words and articles like ah’, er’, loh’, ma’, meh’, seep into the English language that we speak here subconsciously. However, the Standard English is taught in schools.

Sure enough, Singapore has much to offer as a tourist spot. Though you don’t really get to see scenic, pristine beaches, we have a place of uniqueness to offer. Food glorious food is what we often boast about and enjoy. Inexpensive hawker food is available at nearly everywhere you go in Singapore. We offer a variety of specialty foods from Chinese, Malay, Indian to a mixture of hybrid style from various racial groups e.g. Peranakan. I encourage anyone to try from our local food outlets, hawker stalls Better still, if have someone local to bring or guide you around to taste from the best. You will not regret it!

We have many places of interest for the tourist or traveler. Must visit places include our resort island, Sentosa, Zoological Gardens, Jurong Bird Park for appreciation of nature and wild life, Orchard Road, Chinatown for shopping and retail and of course, island wide for food sampling, best through recommendations.

If you are looking for something special for your wedding needs, we can help you make special arrangements, from booking and decorations of wedding venue, bridal gowns, and make-up to photography and others. You may want to consider to be wedded overseas in Singapore and proceed with honeymoon destinations to our neighboring countries. You can expect something special and memorable for your special day. There are numerous resort styled, idyllic and relaxing destinations nearby ideal for further honeymoon or holiday getaways.

Further inquiries about wedding arrangements can be forwarded to: kim_eleanor@yahoo.com

In short, if you wish to visit Asia, visit Singapore.

Travel destinations: Singapore – Part 2

Stopping over in Singapore has now become a rite of passage for backpackers and first-time travellers to the Far East. When one speaks of visiting Singapore, it usually means a transit through the vast air-conditioned halls of Changi Airport, browsing through its plethora of shops affording the weary traveller a little retail therapy. Singapore is rarely seen as a travel destination in itself; it continues to be viewed principally as a pit stop to Australia and New Zealand; and as a gateway to exotic and intriguing getaways in Peninsular Malaysia and Indo-China. However, Singapore’s facade as a modern metropolis belies its charms as an Asian enigma.

Devoid of natural resources, the island’s economic fortunes can be attributed mainly to the sweat and toil of its people. Although the majority of its citizens are Chinese, they co-exist in harmony with Malays, Indians and Eurasians, which have resulted in a melting pot of cultures, which is exemplified most wonderfully in the country’s unique cuisine. Although the lingua franca is English, Singlish, a meld of local languages and English, is spoken widely, and is an intrinsic part of Singapore’s identity.

The image that Singapore projects on the world stage as a progressive cosmopolitan city state is just but one aspect of this fascinating country. To really get to know this country one has to move beyond its well-trodden attractions. The real Singapore lies outside glitzy Orchard Road; the lights of Boat Quay; and the lush greenery of the Singapore Zoological Gardens.

Approximately six kilometres east of the country’s financial district, sits a quaint, often overlooked district. Although it has received some accolades in international travel guides, few tourists venture to Katong on their own. The area is awash with Straits Chinese shophouses, rendered in elaborate designs and patterns, reminiscent of those found in Victorian England. Here, one can also find the precious few seaside villas that have yet succumbed to the wrecking ball. Katong is a showpiece of Peranakan culture, its shops purveying arts and crafts on the verge of extinction. It is in this enclave that one can pick up colourful Nonya kebayas (traditional dress of female Peranakans), exquisite handmade beaded slippers and handbags, as well as antiques. Along the main thoroughfare East Coast Road, you will come across three retail-cum-cultural establishments featuring the many fascinating facets of Straits Chinese culture – Rumah