Author: William Chai

A villa linked to the ‘Father of Modern China’

Underrated tourist gem with rich history Taiping, a charming old tin-mining town in Perak, is an idyllic plactoe for a leisurely stopover vacation for travellers to northern Malaysia. While not known as a popular tourist spot, historic gems are aplenty in Taiping, including a lesser-known coffee factory that links to

Penang — Island full of attractions

Penang, the only island-state in Malaysia, is known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ to many, and attracts to its shores a multitude of visitors every year. In the final of this two-part series, writer William Chai details his experiences visiting Penang, the Pearl of the Orient. From sightseeing to

Penang Pearl of the Orient

Penang Island, the only island-state in Malaysia, is known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ to many, and attracts to its shores a multitude of visitors every year. It is not hard to imagine why, as Penang possesses many charms. In the first of this two-part series, writer William Chai

A town built from roots and rhizomes

When someone mentions Bentong, Pahang, there is a high chance that ginger would slip into the sentence, especially if you are a food enthusiast. The sleepy town, located in the Western part of Pahang, is synonymous with the rhizome that is more pungent, spicer and pricier than ordinary ginger. During

Colmar Tropicale — Authentic French experience

To experience French culture, you no longer need to go to France anymore. Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed resort in Pahang, was modelled after a real 16th-century village in Alsace, a city in France, and provides a realistic sense of a French countryside. French, but a little closer to home Located

Bau’s Unique Water Sport

Despite the passage of time and the introduction of new and exciting competitions such as motorboat racing, radio-controlled model boat racing, motocross, and so on, the Jong Regatta has never failed to attract participants and visitors to the Tasik Biru Festival. Jong Regatta — highlight of Tasik Biru Festival The

Hakka Green Lions — The Kings from down South

Lion dancing is a Chinese cultural art form steeped in symbolism. In Chinese culture, this auspicious beast symbolises power, wisdom and superiority. It is meant to bring good luck to those celebrating Lunar New Year and is also traditionally performed at other special occasions such as weddings or the opening

Immerse yourself in nature at Serembu Eco Park, Bau

Serenely located at the foothills of Mount Serembu and built among the lush green jungle, the Serembu Eco Park in Siniawan is one of the latest additions to the list of tourist attractions in the Bau district. Located about 28km from Kuching, it features unique accommodations, a floating restaurant and

Discover Melaka from the river cruise

In the second part of his journey in Melaka, writer William Chai details his experience discovering the historical city through a river cruise ride along the Melaka River, the only river journey in the country that takes you back through 600 years of history. Set adrift along historical treasure troves

Melaka City of Heritage

Melaka is renowned for its unique historical and cultural heritage, with influences from the Portuguese, Dutch and British. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Georgetown, Penang in 2008. Despite being one of Malaysia’s smallest states, this quaint little port city in Malaysian is a popular weekend