So what do the locals do during night time? There are many activities across the island and here are some better known ones: Students or locals who do not intend on spending that much will frequent the beach in Tanjung Bungah  area and have a gathering of some sort, with some drinks, snack food and a guitar. There are also barbeques by the beach where food is brought and enjoyed under the night sky. Then of course, for those who prefer a brighter spot, will frequent the local hawker centers and Indian-Muslim shops for some food and drinks while watching a soccer live telecast, or simply just chit-chat about things that have happened over the week.

There are many entertainment outlets across different areas of the island as well. Smaller bars and coffee outlets can be seen frequented by the older crowds or those who just like to have a more relaxing night out. The concentrations of pubs and hang-out spots in the town area at the Upper-Penang Road section is known as the more happening place where patrons will come to meet up friends and to be seen. What is spectacular about this place is that the area is made up of pre-war buildings which are renovated to stylish looking outlets. In fact, the center building that houses three clubs currently, used to be a garage and showroom for British cars such as Morris, Austin and Jaguar. This section also overlooks the majestic Eastern & Oriental Hotel which was built back in 1885. The row of bars and restaurants on one side serves delicious food and lower priced alcoholic beverages. Bars like D’Joint and Zenzi Bar have a variety of offers for draughts and cocktails. These bars also have a karaoke area on the upstairs for those who like to sing.

There are three clubs in the Upper-Penang Road area consisting of Slippery Senoritas, Fame and Mois. The younger crowd that are made up of college students and working adults will frequent the clubs like Fame and Mois. These two clubs have a majority of local Chinese patrons, whereas Slippery Senoritas tends to be frequented by more westerners.

It is also a practice by the locals to have meals after clubs at the late night food outlets for some curry or local food.

1. Go visit a night market. You can search the listed days and location of these night markets on Google or at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g298283-c96268/Langkawi:Malaysia:Nite.Market.Pasar.Malam..html Try to be there about 6pm as some of the stalls actually close rather early. When you’re there you should sample the fresh ikan bakar (barbequed fish) and some of the local kampong delicacies like satay (skewered barbequed chicken or beef with turmeric and peanut sauce) and ayam rending (thick curry chicken). All food here is takeaway only, so bring some disposable utensils, paper plate and paper cups (if you don’t intend on eating with your hands!) then head down the beach and watch the sunset!
2. Spend an evening at Telaga Harbour. There is a row of restaurants there serving all kinds of food like Russian, Italian, Spanish and other stuff. The food isn’t something to shout about and the prices aren’t that cheap either. However, the al fresco dining under the moonlight, overlooking the marina and being surrounded by the flicker of candle lights is something not to be missed!
3. Take a drive up Gunung Raya. This hill here commands a great view of the island and it is said that former Malaysian prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad used to enjoy going up here in his 4-wheel drive. The road finishes at a dead end where there is a communications tower zone which is gated up.
4. Look for a secluded beach. There is a secluded pebble beach which I came across by accident on the way up Teluk Datai. I can’t specifically remember the location but it is after the Datai golf course area with a small opening amongst the bushes that leads you to a beach with really clear water with pebbles beneath. Step on the pebbles in the water and try a natural food reflexology!
5. Visit a real paddy field. Something that all the city folk should actually do! There are several paddy fields across the countryside of the island.
6. Try flying a kite by the beach. Best time to do it would be sometime in October where the winds are strong.

Urban Life

Kuala Lumpur

The capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is located in the heart of Selangor state, in Peninsular Malaysia.

Some interesting places to visit:

Petronas Twin Towers (Suria KLCC), KL Tower, Petaling Street (Chinatown), National Museum, Central Market

Estimated population: 1,887,674

Geographical coordinates: 3° 7′ N, 101° 42′ E

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Putrajaya

Located south of Kuala Lumpur, this newly developed city is the home to most of Malaysia’s government offices.

Interesting places to visit:

Perdana Putra, Putra Bridge, Putra Mosque, Seri Wawasan Bridge

Estimated population: 50,000

Geographical coordinates: 2°55′ N, 101°40′ E

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Culture and Historical

Penang (or Pulau Pinang)

Located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it is a paradise for culture and food lovers. Be sure to try the famous Asam Laksa, Chinese Dim Sum, and other Chinese food.

Interesting places to visit:

George Town, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Bridge, Snake Temple, War Museum, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill

Estimated population: 1,503,000

Geographical coordinates: 5° 25′ N, 100° 19′ E

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Malacca (Melaka)

One of the oldest cities in Malaysia. It is famous for its rich history and multi-cultural community. Don’t forget to try some of the unique food such as Chicken Rice Ball, Satay Celup and other Peranakan delicacies.

Interesting places to visit:

A’ Farmosa Fort, St. Paul Hill, Jonker’s Walk, Portuguese Settlement Village, Muzium Budaya, Poh San Teng temple

Estimated population: 733,000

Geographical coordinates: 2° 11′ 49 N, 102° 14′ 53 E

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Islands & Underwater World

Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian)

Located in the state of Terengganu, it consists of 2 islands – Big Perhentian and Small Perhentian. Both the islands are part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means this place is a heaven for scuba divers and snorkelling fans.

Interesting things to do: Sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkelling, turtle and shark watching.

Geographical coordinates: 5° 55′ 0 N, 102° 43′ 60 E

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Sipadan Island (Pulau Sipadan)

Located to the east of Tawau in Sabah state, this island was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcano. This island has ample rare diving scenes and there is also a mysterious turtle tomb underneath the island. Voted by many divers as one of the best diving spots in the world.

Interesting things to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, sunbathing

Geographical coordinates: 4° 6′ 52.86” N, 118° 37′ 43.52” E

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Back to Mother Nature

National Park (Taman Negara)

Encompasses 3 states in Peninsular Malaysia namely Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. This park is home to some rare mammals such as Indonchinese Tiger, the highly endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, and Asian Elephant.

Estimated area: 4,343 km²

Interesting things to do: Enjoy the tropical rain forest, jungle trekking, bird watching, river views

Geographical coordinates: 4° 7′ N, 102° 46′ E

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Kinabalu National Park (Taman Negara Kinabalu)

Located in Sabah, it covers around 750 square kilometres, surrounding the tallest mountain in Malaysia and South East Asia – Mount Kinabalu. One of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia.

Estimated area: 754 km²

Interesting things to do: Enjoy the tropical rain forest, jungle trekking, mountain climbing, plants watching (home to rare plants such as Nepenthes rajah and Rafflesia)

Geographical coordinates: 6° 09′ N, 116° 39′ E

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Gunung Mulu National Park (Taman Negara Gunung Mulu)

Located near Miri of Sarawak, it is the home to many incredible cave systems including world’s largest cave chamber. It is the favourite spot for cave adventurers, bat lovers and jungle trekkers.

Estimated area: 754 km²

Interesting things to do: Enjoy the tropical rain forest, jungle trekking (required for certain cave systems and the wondrous Pinnacle), cave adventuring, bats watching

Geographical coordinates: 4° 03′ N, 114° 56′ E

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