If you’re anything like us at Kosan then you’ve got a touch of the travel bug… Okay maybe more than a touch and maybe more than a bug… At this point we’re aching for it. For us, half the fun of travelling is planning where we’re going and then counting down the sleeps until we’re there. There’s nothing like that feeling of researching travel destinations and getting so excited about the food you’re going to eat, the sites you’re going to see, and the adventures you’re going to go on. If Malaysia and Singapore are on your list of adventures then we’ve got the perfect guide for you. This is Malaysian born Joyce Lay Hoon Ho aka Arty Guava‘s list of must see’s and must eats in Singapore and Malaysia!

Malaysia

  1. Take a stroll around Georgetown, the heart of the city and soak up the old world charm and explore the numerous street art around the area.
Georgetown, Penang
  1. Hike up Penang Hill and explore the gardens and historical structures left behind from the British Colonial Period
Penang Hill, Malaysia
  1. Visit Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest Buddist temple in Southeast Asia. It is quite a large complex with interesting architecture and embellishments.
Kek Lok Si Temple

Singapore

  1. Garden’s by the Bay – home to the iconic supertrees 
Gardens By the Bay
  1. Marina Bay Sands Complex (hotel, casino, mall with canal running through it, art museum)  – iconic building with 3 towers and a ship on top of it. You can get an amazing view of Singapore at the observation deck. 
Marina Bay Sands
  1. Sentosa Island & Universal Studios – resort island with lots of activities and attractions. 
Sentosa Island

Where and What To Eat

Paya Terubong Nasi Lemak (Penang, Malaysia) – Nasi Lemak, the unofficial national dish of Malaysia. Basically fragrant coconut rice with an assortment of side dishes, (usually a curry, hard boiled egg and fried anchovies) 

Address: 200, Jalan Paya Terubong, Paya Terubong, 11060 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Air Itam Laksa (Penang, Malaysia) – also known as asam laksa, is made with mackerel soup and its main distinguishing feature is the tamarind which gives the soup a sour taste. 

Address: Jalan Pasar, Ayer Itam

Siam Road Char Koay Teow(Penang, Malaysia) –  is a dish of flat rice noodles fried in garlic, sweet soya sauce and lard, with ingredients such as egg, Chinese waxed sausage, fishcake, beansprouts and cockles.

Address: Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Tiong Bahru Market (Singapore) –  it is a complex made up of many many stores. Look for HarriAnns Delights for an assortment of traditional nyonya cakes and pastries. I also enjoy Min Nan Prawn Noodle, a combination of noodles, pork ribs and prawns in a hearty broth.

Char Koay Teow

There are few things we love more than authentic street eats. If this doesn’t have you craving travel and all of its tasty treats than nothing will.