dixonthum

Penang has always been a place rich with culture and tradition. Peranakan, also known as Baba-Nyonya, is a cultural group commonly found in Penang, originating from Chinese immigrants who settled in the region and intermarried with local Malays, Indonesians or Thais. This fusion of Chinese, Malay, and sometimes European influences has given rise to a distinct hybrid culture characterized by unique language, cuisine, attire, and customs.

To understand better about the Peranakan heritage, we went to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, located in the bustling streets of Georgetown, Penang. It is also fondly referred to as the “Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum,” an enchanting destination beckons travelers and locals alike to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of Peranakan history.

Finding the Mansion
Located on Church Street, the mansion is easy to spot with its grand facade. Getting in won’t break the bank either; the entrance fee is pretty reasonable, making it a great stop for anyone curious about Penang’s past.

Adult	RM25/pax
Child (6 to 12 years old)	RM12/pax
Child (below 6)	Free

Entrance Fee to Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Guided Tour
I lucked out and joined a guided tour led by Mr. Stanley! He had a knack for storytelling, turning the tour into a mix of history lesson and stand-up comedy. His jokes had us chuckling while we learned about the mansion’s past. Guided tour is free, but it is scheduled according to batches. You may check with the counter for the full schedule timing.

Dress-Up Time
If you are feeling adventurous, you can opt to rent a Baba Nyonya costume. It wasn’t very pricey and it add-on value to the whole experience! I saw many lady visitors wearing the traditional Nyonya costume that day, and that’s definitely a pretty sight. More info here.

A Scene from TV Drama
Here’s a fun fact: ever watched the internationally-acclaimed Singaporean TV drama, “The Little Nyonya”, that featured Jeanette Aw, Joanne Peh, Qi Yuwu, Pierre Png, Yao Wenlong and Dai Xiangyu? Well, guess what? Some scenes from this popular drama were filmed right here! Walking through the mansion, you might feel like you’re in the show, adding a cool twist to your visit.

Preserving History
More than just a tourist spot, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is like a time capsule, preserving the stories and traditions of Malaysia’s Peranakan community. It’s a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Penang so special. There are many replicas and real antique items, like furniture, costumes, vase, treasure boxes, accessories, and paintings, to name a few, on display in the huge mansion.

Lady is Always Right
In the Peranakan culture, there’s a traditional practice where during photographs, men typically sit or stand on the left side of their wives, symbolizing leadership or power. However, in one particular photograph on display, this convention is reversed. The couple chose to do so because it was believed that the man had married into the woman’s family, a practice known as “入贅” (rù zhuì).

Kingfisher Feather Jewelry
There was a set of stunning accessories—a headdress, earrings, and necklace—that are noteworthy. Kingfisher feather jewelry, a traditional adornment, features the iridescent feathers of the kingfisher bird crafted into decorative pieces like hairpins, earrings, brooches, and pendants. Originating in China during the Qing Dynasty, this style gained popularity across East Asia and beyond. The vibrant blue and green hues of the feathers add a luxurious touch to the pieces. However, modern versions often use synthetic materials to mimic the feathers, addressing concerns about wildlife conservation. Mr. Stanley, our guide, mentioned that typically only 2-3 feathers were used per accessory, ensuring no harm to the birds.

Overall, my wife and I had a pleasant time visiting this mansion and learned new things about the Peranakan culture from this visit. I would suggest you to pay a visit in your next trip to Penang and join in the guided tour for a more wholesome experience.

📍Pinang Peranakan Mansion
29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operation hours: 9.30AM to 5PM (Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/pinang_peranakan_mansion/
Website: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/

Lifestyle, Shopping

Celebrating ‘The Luminous Raya’ at Atria Shopping Gallery

March 22, 2024March 22, 2024 dixonthum

I had the pleasure of attending the grand unveiling of ‘The Luminous Raya’ celebrations at Atria Shopping Gallery, a renowned mall nestled in Damansara Jaya, dating back to the mid-1980s. The event was a delightful fusion of Malaysian and Middle Eastern cultures, aiming to spread joy and illuminate the festive spirit among shoppers.

The festivities commenced with a vibrant media launch at the center court, where Mr. Seth Lim, the COO of Property Investment, led the event with warm opening remarks. The highlight was the ceremonial lighting of Middle Eastern lamps, symbolizing the official launch of the campaign. This was followed by captivating performances of Middle Eastern Arabic dance and instrumental music, setting the stage for an inclusive “buka puasa” session with underprivileged children from Rumah Suci Rohani.

Mr. Seth Lim emphasized the importance of inclusivity and community support, expressing gratitude to the participating tenants for their generous contributions towards the CSR activities. The children were treated to a range of enjoyable activities and gifts, ensuring they had a memorable experience.

As I stepped into Atria Shopping Gallery, I was greeted by the enchanting sight of contemporary Middle Eastern lamps adorning the center court, creating a picturesque backdrop for photo enthusiasts. The elegant courtyard, featuring a private lounge area and a majestic fountain, added to the ambiance of the event.

The theme of ‘The Luminous Raya’ truly came to life with a myriad of activities and offerings throughout the mall. From traditional musical performances to workshops on Malay kite-making, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, shoppers were spoilt for choice with a wide selection of booths offering essential items and delightful treats to enhance their Raya celebrations.

With its diverse range of restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, Atria Shopping Gallery provided the perfect setting for families to come together and celebrate the joyous occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I left the event feeling uplifted and excited for the festivities ahead, knowing that Atria Shopping Gallery had truly captured the essence of ‘The Luminous Raya’.

Here are some interesting activities during this Raya period you wouldn’t want to miss!

Prosperity Rewards
Aildilfitri Treats I 21 March – 21 April 2024 I 10.00am – 10.00pm I Concierge Counter, Ground Level Shoppers will be rewarded with exclusive RM10 Atria Shopping Voucher when they spend RM150 and above in two accumulated receipts on the same day for Atria Friends, RM250 for non-Atria Friends and RM20 Atria Shopping Voucher with a minimum spend of RM300 and above for Atria Friends and RM400 for non-Atria Friends in a maximum of two accumulated receipts on the same day.

Vibrant Raya Bazaar at Center Court, Ground Level (21 March – 21 April 2024) & Concourse Level (21 March – 7 April 2024), Ramadhan Bazaar, South Entrance
(30 & 31 March 2024)
From a variety of Raya booths, browse and select the perfect gifts from apparel, Turkish carpets to fashion accessories. You can also choose from an array of Raya cookies, hampers also other Raya essentials.

Ketupat Drop I 24 March, 31 March, 6 April 2024 I 5.00pm I Centre Court, Ground Level
Be the lucky one to pop and grab exciting prizes up to a total prize of RM10,000. Just be there to join the excitement. No spending required.

Arabic Night Costume Competition I 21 April 2024 I 2.00pm – 5.00pm I
Centre Court, Ground Level
Mark your calendar and watch your little one rock on the runway in Arabic Costume. Get Ready to be bold. Registration is free and opens from now till 18 April 2024.

Aidilfitri Hunt I 21 April 2024 I 3pm – 5pm I Mall-wide
Are you ready hunters? Join Atria Aidilfitri Hunt and hunt for the clues at the mall wide to stand a chance to win amazing prizes. 15 prizes await you!

Buka Puasa Deals
Amazing deals are offered by F&B outlets in Atria Shopping Gallery Break Fast season.

Snap & Win Digital Contest
Got what it takes to get your Raya OOTD with the in your Raya outfit at The Luminous Raya decoration? Capture your amazing moments and select your best picture for submission to win a RM30 Dave Deli Voucher for 5 winners!

Have a good time at the Raya Centre Court, Ground Level, share it on social media, and hashtag #TheLumniousRayaAtAtria #AtriaDJ.

The Weekly Showcases of Cultural Performances and Workshops
Look forward to incredible performances ranging from Egyptian-Arabic belly dances to Malay traditional Raya dances. Without forgetting about musical recitals and special performances, be prepared to be entertained throughout the Raya season.

For more information, kindly contact Atria Shopping Gallery’s Concierge at 03-7733 5156 or visit www.atria.com.my or www.fb.com/atriadj.

Travel

My Day at Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi Exploring Nature’s Wonders

March 21, 2024March 22, 2024 dixonthum

Have you ever imagined going on a big adventure surrounded by nature’s beauty? Well, that’s exactly what I got to experience at Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi, and let me tell you, it was amazing! The entrance fee was RM15 per Malaysian adult and RM8 per Malaysian child. For international visitors, the price is RM40 per adult and RM25 per child.

	Adult (13 years old and above)	Children (4-12 years old)
International (without MyKad)	RM40	RM25
Malaysian (with MyKad)	RM15	RM8

Entrance fee

We were welcomed by the officers there and the day kicked off with a super fun buggy ride through the park. Along the way, we saw all sorts of plants like pomelo trees, mango trees, durian trees and flowers like sunflower, lilies, hibiscus, each one more colourful than the last.

One of the coolest things we did was planting trees. Our reps got their hands dirty digging a little hole and popping in a tiny tree sapling. They told us it was a “miracle fruit” tree, which sounded pretty magical to me! Apparently, it makes sour things taste sweet. How cool is that?

Then came the hiking part. We trekked through the forest, crossing streams and walking up hills. It was a bit tiring, but totally worth it for the amazing views and all the cool plants we saw, like tongkat ali and some wild mushrooms.

Upon exiting the forest, we reached Mirror Lake. You could see fish swimming around and we even got to feed them, which was a lot of fun. They splashed around and gobbled up the food—it was like they were having a little party!

For those looking for a bit more excitement, you should try this flying fox. Basically, you get to zip-line 150 metres through the trees and over the Mirror Lake. I didn’t try it myself, but watching others soar through the air was pretty cool. The cost is quite reasonable, and you can purchase tickets in advance at the entrance counter or directly at the flying fox station.

	Adult	Children
Local	RM30	RM20
Tourist	RM40	RM30

Adventure Flying Fox

After the activities under the sun, we were serve with a fruit buffet! Imagine a table filled with all kinds of delicious local fruits like watermelon, starfruit, jackfruit, mango, and papaya. It’s all you can eat, all included in the entrance fee! During durian season, there’s even the chance to savour this exotic fruit, though a small additional fee applies for those opting for durians.

To top it all off, we visited Bunny’s House—a place where kids could play with bunnies and hares. It would be adorable seeing the little ones laughing and petting the animals.

From my visit here, I learnt that Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi isn’t just a fun place to visit—it’s also doing some really important work to promote sustainable agriculture and planting. Sustainable agriculture is all about growing food in a way that’s good for the environment, the people who eat the food, and the people who grow it.

One of the things they’re doing at the park is planting lots of trees. Trees are like the superheroes of the plant world—they help clean the air, provide homes for animals, and prevent soil erosion. By planting trees, MARDI is not only making the park more beautiful but also helping to protect the environment.

They’re also big on something called agroforestry, which is a fancy way of saying they’re growing crops alongside trees. This helps make the soil healthier and more fertile, which means better crops and less need for harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. Plus, it provides habitats for all sorts of creatures, from birds to bugs.

So, the next time you’re munching on a juicy mango or taking a stroll through a shady forest, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that goes into making it possible—and maybe even think about how you can do your part to support sustainable agriculture too.

I’m doing my part with sustainable planting and helping the environment by growing herbs like aloe vera and oregano at home. We use them for cooking and making soap. What about you?

📍Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi
1, Jalan Padang Gaong, Lubuk Semilang,
Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operation hours:
8.30AM – 4.30PM (Saturday – Wednesday)
8.30AM – 3PM (Thursday)
Closed on Friday
Tel: 04-953 2550
Email: lgkagro@mardi.gov.my
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mardilangkawiofficial
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MARDILangkawi/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mardilangkawi

The Replanting (Green Tourism) Program for Langkawi Green Week 1.0, organized by MARDI Langkawi, will take place on May 26, 2024. This program is open to everyone and offers various exciting activities related to agriculture and environmental conservation. One of the highlights is the opportunity for individuals to create lasting memories in Langkawi by contributing to reforestation efforts buy purchasing a package starting from RM150 only. Your name will be immortalized alongside the tree you donate. Imagine the satisfaction of showing your friends and family the tree you helped plant when you visit Langkawi again. Let’s all participate in greening our planet once more. Replanting, Go Tourism for Langkawi Green Week!

_____
Like what you read and intrigued to incorporate nature-based travel, immerse in Malaysian cultures, and embark on thrilling adventures into your itinerary? Reach out at 017-407 9734 or 019-303 6008, or email qttgroup.management@gmail.com for additional details and quote referral code QTTNBT-07.

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Travel

Sunrise Serenity: My Captivating Retreat at Noba Resort Langkawi

March 21, 2024 dixonthum

A day before we bid farewell to Langkawi’s tropical paradise, we indulged in a night’s stay at the exquisite Noba Resort Langkawi. Tucked away on the tranquil shores of Pulau Dayang Bunting, about 15 minutes ride from Jeti Pulau Tuba, I felt irresistibly drawn to the enchanting ambience of the resort. As the sun gently ascended above the horizon, casting its comforting glow upon the serene waters, I sensed that I was about to embark on a truly unforgettable experience, steeped in the nostalgic charm of Malaysia’s cinematic history. The sunrise view from our haven was truly captivating, standing out as one of the most mesmerizing I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing so far.

Stepping into the whimsical atmosphere of Noba Resort Langkawi, I couldn’t help but be greeted by a warm smile at the sight of the brightly coloured chalets, each bearing the name of a classic P. Ramlee movie or song. Whether it was “3 Abdul” or “Madu Tiga,” every chalet felt like a page lifted from a beloved childhood storybook, evoking feelings of happiness and nostalgia. The room I had the pleasure of staying in was aptly named “Ibu Mertuaku.”

This cozy chalet provided me with everything essential for a comfortable stay, from a refreshing hot water shower to a television for evening relaxation. Additionally, the resort offered amenities such as BBQ pits and a vast outdoor field for recreational activities, ensuring there was never a dull moment to be had. Moreover, a serene swimming pool was available, ideal for a refreshing dip while admiring the picturesque surroundings.

Notably, nestled at one of the seaside decks, there was a striking red-coloured boat named “Kapal Layar Bahtera Samudera,” which is available for overnight bookings! This boat comes fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. I couldn’t help but wish I had the opportunity to stay aboard for a night, adding an extra layer of excitement to my Langkawi experience. In fact, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to witness the sunrise from the “Kapal Layar Bahtera Sahmura”. It was a genuinely tranquil and serene experience, as I patiently waited and observed nature’s magical moments unfold before me.

In summary, my time at Noba Resort Langkawi was nothing short of enchanting. From the charming P. Ramlee themed chalets to the serene natural surroundings, every moment felt like a dream realized. Noba Resort Langkawi provided me with an unforgettable experience that I will treasure for years to come, particularly the captivating sunrise just outside my chalet.

@dixonthum
Beautiful sunrise at Noba Resort Langkawi. #QttGroupTravel #BestTuba #JupeterHolidays #KembaRojak #NaturallyLangkawi #LangkawiBestWey #JomMaiKedah #NatureBasedTraveler #EscapeToBeautifulNature #Langkawi99MagicalIslands #NobaResort  @KembaRojak @QTT Group Plt @qttravelsgroup @resortnoba
♬ golden hour – minlee remix – JVKE & minlee

For booking or enquiry, check out Noba Resort Langkawi platforms:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/resortnobalangkawi
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Resortnobapulaulangkawi/
Website: https://nobaresort.com/

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Travel

Exploring Tuba Island, An Unforgettable Adventure with BesTuba Langkawi

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 dixonthum

On my recent adventure to Tuba Island, a secret spot just a short boat ride from Langkawi, I had a blast exploring with BesTuba, a travel service provider managed by Koperasi Komuniti Kepulauan Tuba dan Selat (KOPTUBAS). Let’s dive into the fun stuff we did:

Braved through the forest before reaching the peak

Hiking to Wang Buluh Cave Geosite (Geotapak Gua Wang Buluh)
I’m really proud of us for hiking through the mountains again, this time on Tuba Island. Remember our adventure in Baling, Kedah? Well, this time we explored the island’s forests to reach Geosite Gua Wang Buluh, a fascinating cave full of ancient limestone and natural formations like stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, and pillars.

There’s even one formation that looks like the Chinese deity, Guanyin Goddess! Wang Buluh Cave sits about 110 meters above sea level in the northern part of Tuba Island. It was formed millions of years ago, during the Ordovician-Devonian period (490-390 million years ago). During our hike, we even saw bats flying around the cave’s entrance, adding to the excitement of our journey.

A villagers demonstrating the weaving technique

Visiting Local Artisans
We went to a village where folks craft lovely bags from mengkuang (screw pine) leaves. The villagers were super friendly and demonstrated us how they weave these leaves into all sorts of things like handbags, clutches, bookmarks, and more. They sell these items in nearby local markets or specialty shops to make a living. It was really cool to see their talents and hear about their cultural customs.

Enjoying Traditional Performances
During our visit, we enjoyed watching a local group called Kumpulan Seni Budaya Harapan perform. They sang, danced, and played music that shared tales from the past. Some were about love, while others were about their own experiences. It was a blast dancing along with the rest of the group!

Island Hopping
We hopped on a boat to check out nearby islands around Tuba. Each island had its own unique beaches and sights. We saw tall cliffs, mysterious caves, and even spotted some wild animals like monkeys, eagles, and hornbills. We visited islands like Pulau Ayam, Pulau Lima, and Pulau Dua, among others. One stop that got me really excited was Batu Reban on Pulau Dayang Bunting. Our guide, Abang Alias, explained that “Reban” means collapsed in Malay. Legend has it that there’s hidden treasure in the cave, but it’s blocked by collapsed rocks. It was awesome exploring the wild from the sea and learning about the island’s stories.

Buggy Ride and ATV Tour
Apart from motorcycles, we have the option to rent a buggy or ATV to get around the island. There are different packages available, so you can choose the one that best fits your group. We decided to add some excitement to our trip by taking a buggy and ATV ride around the island. Despite the hot sun, we had a blast exploring various interesting spots and experiencing local life. One of the highlights was visiting Lekoshow, where they make a popular snack called keropok lekor. It was fascinating to see how they cook and prepare it. We also had the chance to visit a padi field where we snapped some photos with a group of water buffalo!

Squid Jigging at Night
One night, we tried squid jigging. We went out on a boat with fishermen who taught us how to catch squid using a simple fishing string. They used colourful lights like red and green to attract the squid. The sea sparkled with tiny lights from other sea creatures, making the night feel enchanting. When we caught squid, everyone cheered! After doing this, I really admired fishermen for being so patient during the whole thing.

These are just a few of the cool things we did on Tuba Island. Just think about how much fun you could have experiencing them for yourself! Check out the packages BesTuba offers by visiting their social media pages.

BesTuba ferry rides are available daily according to this schedule (to date of posting).

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_bestuba
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Chalet-Terapung-BesTuba
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebestuba

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

dixonthum

Exploring Penang’s Peranakan Heritage: A Journey Through the Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Celebrating ‘The Luminous Raya’ at Atria Shopping Gallery

My Day at Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi Exploring Nature’s Wonders

Sunrise Serenity: My Captivating Retreat at Noba Resort Langkawi

Exploring Tuba Island, An Unforgettable Adventure with BesTuba Langkawi

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