Some good friends of mine saved up their frequent flyer miles and are winging off to Georgetown, Malaysia this summer. They asked that I “get on that message board of yours” and get some tips for things to do and see in that fair city or on the island of Penang.
Hear that? This is MY message board now! So while I’m off transferring your renewal monies into my checking account, I ask the globetrotting Dopers among us for advice and recommendations for stuff do in Malaysia. What say ye?
I have been to Georgetown and Penang, though it was a few years ago now.
Malaysia is a beautiful country, I made wonderful friends there and found the people unfailingly helpful and warm.
As for Georgetown and Penang, what I remember the most is all about the food. Penang is famous for its laksa, a sort of unique form of curry made with coconut milk. But I recall eating more than laksa. And it was all good.
Of course both of these places are filled with wonderous temples and beaches that are worth seeing, for me though, I remember eating and eating. I ate like a boatload of crab, curried, chillied, steamed.
I also remember staying in old style chinese hotels, traditional coffee house downstairs and hotel rooms above. There was always a nightmarket within walking distance that was worth looking through. I remember it as charming and beautiful. I recall riding around in a pedicab down wide avenues with gracious colonial buildings, enormous trees and lovely gardens, on our way to some embassy or other.
I"m certain we have Dopers in Malaysia, though I’m not sure if they are Malay. They will no doubt have more current info than I can offer. But I’m certain your friends will enjoy themselves. It is exotic and lively, colourful and captivating, rich in culture and inviting of guests.
I have to go now, I’m soooo hungry 