Things to Do When You’ve Only Got 24 Hours to Explore Penang

I don’t know why you’ll give yourself only 24 hours to tour a whole island. Maybe you’re doing multiple city visits in a limited time or this is just a spontaneous trip. Whatever it is, it’s done. So how can you fully experience the perfect mix of the cosmopolitan and heritage in a place such as Penang?

Well, we’ve got a few ideas.

Choose the most ideal Penang accommodation

One of the first things you need to do is find a hotel with access to all the most important destinations in Penang. For instance, Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort is minutes away from restaurants, shopping centres, and heritage sites. You can’t afford to lose time commuting long distances.

Temple run

Picture from Picture from http://www.constructionplusasia.com/cheah-kongsi/

Start your tour early in the morning, and do it with temples. The reason being that it can get completely overcrowded and might not get to appreciate the architecture and the spiritual significance of the differing temples.

Make sure to visit Kapitan Keling Mosque, Penang Khoo Kongsi, and Kuan Yin Temple.

Memorials and ancestral mansions

From morning to mid-day, make your way to the memorial sites and the preserved mansions. Places like the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Peranakan Museum,  Fort Cornwallis, and the Queen Victoria Memorial.

Restaurants and the Clan Jetties

At mid-day, around 11:00 AM at least so it’s not exactly lunchtime, treat yourself to some local delights. The reason you want to grab lunch early is so you can get seats before the rush.  Visit Penang’s best hawker centres like New Lane Hawker Centre, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, or the Long Beach Food Court.

Then just as the food centres are thick with people, you can jettison out of there and visit the Clan Jetties. Take a relaxing stroll and see rustic houses standing on stilts over water. There are at least 6 jetties you can visit here, named after the surnames of Chinese families who owned them before.

Shopping centres

By this time, it’s already evening, and you’re probably tired of touring. You can start draining your remaining adrenaline by shopping!

Make your way to Gurney Plaza Shopping Mall or Paragon Mall for your unique bargains.

Explore the Penang nightlife

Now that the day is drawing to an end, you can just chill at the local bars and pubs to get a dose of Penang’s nightlife. Head over to the Penang Upper Road and check out all the places lined along the street.

Drop by Slippery Senoritas, Three Sixty Rooftop Bar, or Soho Free House.

That’s your 24-hour itinerary! Make your Penang trip extra special when you take advantage of Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort's website exclusive offers!

Enjoy taking that odd trip!

5 Ways to Enjoy a Quiet and Relaxing Holiday in the Bustling City of Makati

Although Makati City is one of the busiest places in Metro Manila, Philippines, anyone can still enjoy a laid-back retreat here. And this is possible by trying different activities, such as visiting spas, museums, and churches.

For many, a quick stay in a serviced apartment in Makati City amounts to being enveloped in the lively spirit of the bustling metropolis. Since it is among the most important financial and commercial areas in the country, this is highly expected. However, what others don't know is, any traveler can have the opportunity to savor some peace and quiet during their visit to the city. And they can experience this by trying these different activities and things to do in Makati.

1. Taking a walk in the park
Ayala Triangle Gardens – easily the most charming park and one of the best places to visit in Makati – is a sight to see if you desire to spend a laid-back day. Here, you'll find yourself cradled in an arboreal retreat, which, although seated in the heart of the Central Business District, is sure to let you savor some quiet time.

2. Visiting a church
If wanting a place where you can reflect for as long as you desire, then it is a good idea to visit a church. An ideal choice is Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church, a Baroque building that is located along Bernardino Street in Gudalupe Viejo – one of the oldest parishes in the city. Indeed, the peace and quiet that this Makati attraction lends to its visitors makes it a must-visit site.

3. Entering museums
If you fancy hopping from one gallery to another, then the city will be just right for you, since it has museums to fill your fancy. An example is Yuchengco Museum, which is found within RCBC Plaza at the intersection of Ayala and Gil Puyat Avenues. It features a collection of works from renowned local artists, such as Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Carlos “Botong” Francisco. You may also head over to the corner of Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa Street, and enter Ayala Museum, where you'll find more galleries that embody Philippine art and culture.

4. Shopping spree
Makati is home to some of the best shopping malls in the country, and most of them are in the CBD. Greenbelt is where you will find luxurious restaurants, cafés, and boutiques set in a lush green landscape. If you're searching for the best place to watch movies or knock some pins down in game of bowling, you should head over to Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center. And if it is affordable yet quality apparel that you want, then The Landmark should be your destination.

5. Spending a few hours at the spa
What better way there is to end a fun-filled day than by entering an establishment that promises nothing but relief? Whether it is a full-body massage, your much-desired pedicure session, or a soothing aromatherapy bath, you can have it in Makati. And among the most well-known places that deliver these services is Aegle Wellness Center, the on-site integrative health and wellness center of The Alpha Suites. To get an exclusive access to this facility, book a room in this serviced apartment in Makati.

Keep Your Nightlife Alive in Gurney Drive With These Must-Visit Destinations

Combing through the eateries, restaurants, and hawker centres in the seafront promenade of Gurney Drive is the ultimate gastronomic experience. And you know when’s the best time to do it? At night of course!






The night is always young in Gurney Drive, and you shouldn’t just take my word for it! Here are some of the most visited establishments around Gurney.

Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar

A place that literally takes you high while enjoying a couple of drinks with friends. The Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar is a two-level penthouse lounge with e revolving dining hall and an open-air lounge.

A post shared by •••••• ѕнαяσи 💜•••••• (@lm__sharon97) on Jul 21, 2017 at 7:36am PDT

The dining hall does a slow 360-degree turn so that guests can be treated to a different view of Georgetown. One moment you might have been looking at a view of the harbour, the next, it’s their notable colonial-era buildings. But if you prefer just to lounge comfortable with a single view, the outdoor hall is fitted with bucket armchairs for ultimate comfort.



The bar is also known for their varied tunes; playing jazz in the dining hall, while R&B and hip hop are blaring through the speakers outside.

Soho Free House Penang

Soho Free House Penang is considered to be a city institution. This pub offers all day Happy Hour beer promotions so that both locals and tourists can enjoy a good pint of beer any time of the day.



This two-storey pub dons a colonial heritage decor, making it look like an actual British pub. But the vibe remains casual and relaxing, never pretentious.

Slippery Senorita

A dance club that offers more than just an amazing clubbing experience, Slippery Senorita is the ultimate destination for party people.



It’s known to feature an eclectic repertoire of music, allowing people with various tastes moment to enjoy. Slippery Senorita is also the only nightclub which has flair bartenders — these are bartender entertainers who execute synchronised juggling and fire-breathing performances ever night.

Monkey Bar

If you just want a quiet night out with friends, you can go directly to Monkey Bar.

A post shared by •••••• ѕнαяσи 💜•••••• (@lm__sharon97) on Jul 21, 2017 at 7:36am PDT

Its heavy, dark wood interior will transport you to Europe itself, with their iconic pubs. And true to its vibe, Monkey Bar offers the best beers and stouts in Penang. You can also try out their cocktails and tuak, their extensive local and international menu, all at an affordable price.



Are your ready for that evening Penang pub crawl? Well, before you add these to your list of nightly destinations to visit, you must choose your Penang accommodation first.



Luckily for your, Evergreen Hotel Laurel Penang is offering a 17% discount when you book at least 7 days before your check-in date.



It comes with both the Advance Purchase Deal – with Breakfast and the Room Only option.



Just book your stay directly on their website, and their exclusive Penang promo discount is yours!



If you’re looking for the best night of your life, don’t miss out on this Penang, Malaysia experience.



*Promo details and policies may change without prior notice, but published information at the time of booking will still be honoured.

Keep Your Nightlife Alive in Gurney Drive With These Must-Visit Destinations

Combing through the eateries, restaurants, and hawker centres in the seafront promenade of Gurney Drive is the ultimate gastronomic experience. And you know when’s the best time to do it? At night of course!






The night is always young in Gurney Drive, and you shouldn’t just take my word for it! Here are some of the most visited establishments around Gurney.

Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar

A place that literally takes you high while enjoying a couple of drinks with friends. The Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar is a two-level penthouse lounge with e revolving dining hall and an open-air lounge.

A post shared by •••••• ѕнαяσи 💜•••••• (@lm__sharon97) on Jul 21, 2017 at 7:36am PDT

The dining hall does a slow 360-degree turn so that guests can be treated to a different view of Georgetown. One moment you might have been looking at a view of the harbour, the next, it’s their notable colonial-era buildings. But if you prefer just to lounge comfortable with a single view, the outdoor hall is fitted with bucket armchairs for ultimate comfort.



The bar is also known for their varied tunes; playing jazz in the dining hall, while R&B and hip hop are blaring through the speakers outside.

Soho Free House Penang

Soho Free House Penang is considered to be a city institution. This pub offers all day Happy Hour beer promotions so that both locals and tourists can enjoy a good pint of beer any time of the day.



This two-storey pub dons a colonial heritage decor, making it look like an actual British pub. But the vibe remains casual and relaxing, never pretentious.

Slippery Senorita

A dance club that offers more than just an amazing clubbing experience, Slippery Senorita is the ultimate destination for party people.



It’s known to feature an eclectic repertoire of music, allowing people with various tastes moment to enjoy. Slippery Senorita is also the only nightclub which has flair bartenders — these are bartender entertainers who execute synchronised juggling and fire-breathing performances ever night.

Monkey Bar

If you just want a quiet night out with friends, you can go directly to Monkey Bar.

A post shared by •••••• ѕнαяσи 💜•••••• (@lm__sharon97) on Jul 21, 2017 at 7:36am PDT

Its heavy, dark wood interior will transport you to Europe itself, with their iconic pubs. And true to its vibe, Monkey Bar offers the best beers and stouts in Penang. You can also try out their cocktails and tuak, their extensive local and international menu, all at an affordable price.



Are your ready for that evening Penang pub crawl? Well, before you add these to your list of nightly destinations to visit, you must choose your Penang accommodation first.



Luckily for your, Evergreen Hotel Laurel Penang is offering a 17% discount when you book at least 7 days before your check-in date.



It comes with both the Advance Purchase Deal – with Breakfast and the Room Only option.



Just book your stay directly on their website, and their exclusive Penang promo discount is yours!



If you’re looking for the best night of your life, don’t miss out on this Penang, Malaysia experience.



*Promo details and policies may change without prior notice, but published information at the time of booking will still be honoured.

5 Useful Mobile Apps for All the Travellers Out There That Might Come in Handy

There’s nothing like being able to travel to a new city. Getting lost while commuting and seeing how locals go about their business is truly a unique experience. Given, of course, that we can go back to our Kuala Lumpur hotel. However, there is a fine line between navigating a foreign city for the thrill and being unprepared.

Mobile Travel Apps

So, what’s the best way to prepare other than doing actual research of the city? Well, downloading apps! We never go out without our phones, so we might as well use it as our travel companion.

Google Maps

If there’s a map app you should download, it obviously has to be Google Maps. It records even the smallest alleys you can pass through and tells you how long it will take you to get to your destination. Whether you’re walking, driving, or biking there, this is the navigation app to have.


You’ll need to be connected to the Internet, though, to get accurate, real-time updates. But you can download maps for offline use. You can also the GPS function even if you don’t have a cell signal, and the transit directions even if you’re offline.

Tripit

Tripit is the ultimate itinerary buddy. Once you’ve made your Kuala Lumpur accommodation booking, for instance, or have arranges a car rental, you can just forward the confirmation email to the app. The app will automatically update your itinerary so you won’t have to type your details manually.


Once you’ve forwarded everything, just let it download all the necessary updates. After that, you can use the app offline. There’s a paid version for extra features, but the free version is more than enough.

XE Currency

Out of all the currency conversion apps, XE Currency is the most popular. This is mostly because of ease of use. You can choose all the currencies you’ll need for your travels like the Malaysian Ringgit, Philippine Peso, US Dollar, and so on. Enter the amount you want converted and the app will show you its value in all the currencies you’ve loaded on one screen.

Snapseed

When VSCO and the Instagram editing isn’t enough, you can rely on Snapseed to edit all your travel photos. Just like the aforementioned apps, Snapseed comes with pre-set filters. But the best way to maximise the use of the app is through its customisation options.


Whether you want to colours to be more vibrant or you want an image to look a little washed out, this is a useful mobile editing software to have.

Sit or Squat

Here’s an app that may sound a bit weird to have at first. Sit or Squat tells you where the nearest public restroom is on our location.


It scans about 100, 000 restrooms that were reviewed and rated good (sit) or bad (squat) by its users. Granted, it’s not an app that you might use every time you go out of your hotel, but you’ll never when it might come in handy.


And while we’re on the subject of awesome mobile phone benefits, why not check out if you can get discounts for your Kuala Lumpur accommodation?


If you’re planning a trip now, count yourselves lucky because one of Malaysia’s premier hotels is offering a huge mobile discount.


For a limited time only, get 25% off your accommodation when you book on Royale Chulan The Curve’s website through your mobile.


You may choose between the Mobile Deal – Breakfast and Dinner Inclusive or just the Mobile Deal – Breakfast Included.


Go on and load up all these apps, book your hotel stay, and get ready to conquer Kuala Lumpur!

How To Prioritize Your Summer With These Great Travel Saving Tips

Though the start of the year is slowly moving towards the middle, summer is already starting to sink in. Time certainly flies by quickly, doesn't it? The residents and the tourists in Manila are starting to feel it too but that doesn’t stop us from sticking to our daily habits like going around the city or outside. It's inevitable to that we all want to go somewhere or try something new without hurting our wallets.

If you're not going anywhere for the summer like going to a faraway island or an exclusive beach resort, staying in the city can still feel like a vacation from our busy work schedule. Here are a few saving tips when it comes to travelling, even it's within the Manila area only.

1) Go on a food trip in Binondo with your loved ones. If you're not expecting, you'll find plenty of affordable places to eat in this area. Don't mind the heat but there will be treats that will fill your foodie appetite. If you wish to cook, you can head to the market and find some fresh goodies for your meals.

2) Reserve a room preferably ahead of time in a city hotel in Metro Manila. Accommodation hotels, that are not far from Luneta Park and Intramuros, are suitable to your budget and has value to what you are spending. For something that's cozy and convenient for an overnight stay would be places like Cherry Blossoms Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

3) If you're driving a car, try to save on gas by reducing the use of air-con and put it on full blast later on, especially when you're stuck in the icky heavy traffic of Manila. If you do a staycation in Manila and parked your car somewhere, you have the option to walk or take a tricycle somewhere nearby that will fulfill a day out with your friends or family.

Travelling doesn't have to be expensive if you know how to spend while you're going around the place you've been living in for years or maybe for the first time. To know more about hotels in Manila like Cherry Blossoms Hotel, you can visit their official website at https://www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph/

A Tourist's Compact Guide to Palawan's Top Attractions

We're taking you on a trip down Puerto Princesa, so by the time you set foot on a Palawan beach resort, the locale's nooks won't be as strange to you. If you want to know more about the city's top tourist attractions, then keep on reading. After all, you can't go wrong with trying to know more about a place that possesses so much character. 1. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center This wildlife facility features a crocodile farm and a mini-zoo that features various species endemic to Palawan. 2. Plaza Cuartel This historical site gives travelers a glimpse of the second World War. A bronze marker that contains the name of eleven prisoners of war who managed to survive a massacre is found in the plaza. 3. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Just across Plaza Cuartel stands this magnificent edifice that was built during the Spanish era. Unlike the old churches in some parts of the country that is made of limestone, this cathedral is predominantly made of cement. 4. Mitra's Ranch Set in the hill of Sta. Monica Heights, this place is famous for the triangular-shaped mansion built in the middle of a spacious picnic grounds. The ranch commands a panoramic view of Honda Bay. 5. Honda Bay A 45-minute drive from the city proper will bring you to the port of Honda Bay. This is home to various virgin islands like Pandan Island, Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island. 6. Dos Palmas Island Resort Philippines This all-inclusive Palawan resort offers day tours for tourists. In here, you can engage in water sports, commune with nature, or simply partake in scrumptious food. 7. Ugong Rock Those who love thrilling adventures will surely enjoy a trip to this place that offers activities like ziplining, spelunking, and trekking. 8. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this world-renowned attraction features an amazing limestone or karst landscape with the most complex cave system. Whether you've been to Puerto Princesa several times, or it's your first time to explore it, the city is truly a remarkable place to discover. So, while booked in a Palawan beach resort, keep this guide in mind for a vacation that is truly unforgettable.