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http://www.geylangadventures.com/

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Explore Geylang's mix of vice, migrant culture, great food, and complex social issues rarely seen by visitors - and support the disadvantaged.

Explore the unexpected in a red-light district

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Getting there

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The meeting point for the Geylang walks is usually Aljunied MRT station (indicated in the map) on the East West Line. For Dakota, the meeting point is Mountbatten MRT station on the Circle Line.

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Geylang walk meeting point

https://goo.gl/maps/2RjaBwQcHzTK7F9h6

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Dakota walk meeting point

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Traveller's Notes

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The walk involves some three hours of walking, so dress light and comfortable, put on walking shoes and bring a smile with you!

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Bookings can be made through their Facebook page, or over Airbnb.

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Do note that tour prices exclude the cost of any food and drinks purchased during the tour.

A pottery workshop with a social mission

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Founder Joan Huang is doctor by training, who decided to channel her interest in pottery towards developing its potential to improve mental wellness, after noticing a rise in conditions like stress and anxiety among her peers. The curriculum at Center Pottery was developed together with two psychologists.

Center Pottery

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A pottery workshop with a social mission

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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Sales of their handmade ceramic wares fund programmes for the elderly and the underprivileged. Subsidised rates are provided for people with mental health conditions to aid in their recovery.

Read our Weekend of Good Singapore guide for more travel tips and ideas!

Learn pottery from a social enterprise that uses the sensory experience of moulding clay to teach a craft and promote mental wellness.

Sales of their handmade ceramic wares fund programmes for the elderly and the underprivileged. Subsidised rates are provided for people with mental health conditions to aid in their recovery.

Read our Weekend of Good Singapore guide for more travel tips and ideas!

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https://g.page/3artspottery?share

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Learn pottery from a social enterprise that uses the sensory experience of moulding clay to teach a craft and promote mental wellness.

A pottery workshop with a social mission

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Getting there

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Center Potter has two locations, one in the heritage district of Joo Chiat in the east of Singapore, and the second with a dragon kiln – one of the last few in Singapore.

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To get to the Joo Chiat studio, take the MRT to Kembangan or Eunos station on the East West Line, and catch a bus (15, 33, 150 or 155) and alight near Parkway East Hospital.

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Or, take a bus to Still Road (13, 15, 55, 150, 155, 585, 966). Alight at Aft Lor G Telok Kurau stop or Flora East stop.

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To get to the Jalan Bahar studio, take the MRT to to Boon Lay station on the East West Line. Walk to Boon Lay bus interchange and take 172 ot 199, and alight near CleanTech Loop.

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https://www.pottery.sg/

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Joo Chiat Place studio

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Jalan Bahar Dragon Kiln

https://goo.gl/maps/tDgYt9ssPnd2tUyQ7

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Traveller's Notes

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The studios do not have air-conditioning, so dress comfortable and light, and bring mosquito repellent.

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Private workshops need to be booked and fully paid for at least seven days before your visit.

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If you visit the Joo Chiat location, make the most of your trip by exploring the district, which is home to beautiful Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses, and numerous eateries.

A pottery class in a historic dragon kiln

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Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle

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Enjoy a pottery class in a historic dragon kiln at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. Photo by Lin Yanqin

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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is one of the last keeping the trade alive, and the Tan family has made it their mission to educate visitors on the history of pottery in Singapore and how it contributed to Singapore’s growing economy in the 1960s. You visit supports them in their efforts to spread awareness about the art of wood-firing kilns, and keep the flame alive for future generations.

Read our Weekend of Good Singapore guide for more travel tips and ideas!

Visit one of the last dragon kilns in Singapore, and browse for intricate tableware, or get your hands dirty in a pottery workshop.

Read our Weekend of Good Singapore guide for more travel tips and ideas!

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https://thowkwang.com.sg/

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Visit one of the last dragon kilns in Singapore, and browse for intricate tableware, or get your hands dirty in a pottery workshop.

A pottery class in a historic dragon kiln

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Getting there

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Take a train along the green East West Line to Boon Lay (EW27) and switch to a public bus 199 from the Boon Lay Interchange, and alight at the stop before Lor Danau (bus stop number 27171). The pottery school is about a 10-minute walk from thebus stop.

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It is not the easiest place to find, so follow these useful directions from the potters: Here

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Consider taking a taxi if you are short on time.

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https://goo.gl/maps/qVLCWshENy7EyYRa8

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Traveller's Notes

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It will be hot. Dress comfortable and light, and bring your mosquito repellent.

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Email or call them in advance if you intend to take up a pottery lesson.

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Check out their Facebook page to see if a dragon kiln firing is on the schedule - the Tan family stick to traditions by making offerings and prayers as they start the kiln.

A cemetery walk of history, art and nature

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a.t.Bukit Brown (All Things Bukit Brown)

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Take a cemetery walk of history, art and nature at Bukit Brown. Photo by Lin Yanqin

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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

The memory and sigificance of Bukit Brown is being kept alive by the efforts of dedicated volunteers, who share their knowledge at no charge.

Your visit helps to spread the word about one of Singapore's most vulnerable historic treasures and promote awareness of conservation, so that heritage can co-exist with urban redevelopment.

Read our Weekend of Good Singapore guide for more travel tips

Take a fascinating walk in Bukit Brown Cemetery, a spot so rich in Chinese immigrant history, it was placed on the World Monument's Watch list in 2014.

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Take a fascinating walk in Bukit Brown Cemetery, a spot so rich in Chinese immigrant history, it was placed on the World Monument's Watch list in 2014.

A cemetery walk of history, art and nature

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Getting there

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To get there via public transport, take a train to Botanic Gardens MRT Station and walk to the bus stop at Adam Road in front of Singapore Bible College (bus stop code: 41121). Then take any of these buses: 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855. Alight two stops later before Singapore Island Country Club (bus stop code: 41141) on Adam Road. Cross the overhead bridge and walk towards Sime Road.

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http://bukitbrown.com/

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https://goo.gl/maps/YFje32UvDnZhyu6u9

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Traveller's Notes

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Walks are usually held twice a month on weekend. To find out the exact dates, check https://peatix.com/user/617188.

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Please note that there are no bathroom facilities at Bukit Brown.

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You will head into a forested area so grab your caps, insect repellent, and dress light, with walking shoes. Pack a poncho or umbrella in case it pours.

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Due to ongoing construction, the entrance to the cemetery may change from time to time. Check this website http://bukitbrown.com/ for the latest updates and directions.

Trek in the Himalayas for a lofty purpose

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Himalayan Ecotourism suits anyone who enjoys nature and the outdoors, whether you are looking to trek or just looking to relax in the mountains.

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Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the region has seen few cases, but tourism has come to standstill. Consider channelling your travel budget towards offsetting your carbon footprint, by buying carbon credits from Himalayan Ecotourism. The fund will be used to reforest eroded areas in the eco zone.

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If you do visit, set aside one day to acclimatise to the altitude, which starts at 1,300m above sea level.

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Owing to its altitude, the region receives snow during the winters (December to January) and heavy rainfall during the monsoons (July to September), and may be inaccessible during this time.

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The temperatures during the rest of the year are pleasant during the day while the evenings can get quite cool, especially in October and February.

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Utmost attention is paid to ensure that the treks — especially the multi-day treks - are comfortable. The team at Himalayan Ecotourism are equipped and adept at managing emergency situations, and the guides pace the treks based on the ease and agility of the group they’re accompanying.

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Homestay experiences can be arranged before or after completing a trek with Himalayan Ecotourism.

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Trek in the Himalayas for a lofty purpose

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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Himalayan Ecotourism, through its cooperative model, engages locals as shareholders — and not as passive workers — with a two-fold agenda: a) a means to livelihood, and (b) as conservators of a fragile ecosystem that has been experiencing the side-effects of human activity.

When you travel with Himalayan Ecotourism, you not only ensure that money from tourism in the region empowers locals who are dedicated to protecting the land they call home but can also opt to neutralise your own carbon footprint.

Meet Stephan of Himalayan Ecotourism, and Sanju of the GHNP Community-Based Ecotourism Cooperative, which works with Himalayan Ecotourism to improve livelihoods through ecotourism and sustainability initiatives.

In the Himalayas, a national park cost locals their livelihoods. With Himalayan Ecotourism, explore the mountains and help communities thrive again.

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India

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Himachal Pradesh

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In the Himalayas, a national park cost locals their livelihoods. With Himalayan Ecotourism, explore the mountains and help communities thrive again.

Trek in the Himalayas for a lofty purpose

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Getting there

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Website: https://www.himalayanecotourism.in/about-us.html

https://www.himalayanecotourism.in/about-us.html

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Himalayan Ecotourism is located in Gushaini, near the Tirthan Valley. It is 100km from Manali and 180km from Shimla — two of the most famous hill-station destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

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To reach GHNP, take a Volvo bus (2x2 AC semi sleeper) from New Delhi’s Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate to Aut in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley. The overnight journey takes around 12 hours and costs about Rs1,000 to 1,500 (US$14 to 20).

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From Aut, either take a local bus to Banjar bus station or request a pick-up with Himalayan Ecotourism. If you are thinking of driving to Gushaini, refer to the directions outlined here by Himalayan Ecotourism.

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An ikat collective that weaves memorable journeys

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For Watubo weavers, ikat is as much an ancestral devotion as it is a profession. Supporting weavers’ livelihoods through contemporary iterations of the craft can provide resources and renew weavers’ interest in the traditional form.

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Counterfeit ikat is unfortunately common, made in factories in Java. These factories mass-produce either mechanically woven or printed fabrics bearing ikat motifs from all over Indonesia, and sell them at a fraction of prices of original pieces. Rosvita calls this a desecration of cultural ancestry, stolen for profit.

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Travellers to Sikka can observe the prominence of ikat motifs at places of interest, which were pointed out to me by Watubo during our guided tour. For example, ikat is painted onto sacred buildings, such as church interiors and on the footstool of Mary, Mother of AllNations.

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As is the case in many parts in rural Eastern Indonesia, Watubo weavers appreciate gifts of areca nuts (pinang), betel peppers (sirih) and ground limestone (kapur). Easily bought in local wet markets, a few dollars’ worth of sirih-pinang makes an effective icebreaker.

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Virgensia demonstrates weaving on a loom. Just like meditation, weaving is a practice for presence and mindfulness. Photo by Andra Fembriarto

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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

By shopping Watubo products, you support the development of Sikkanese ikat as a sustainable livelihood for Watublapi residents. To date, Watubo has worked with 25 weavers, most of whom are women under the age of 50, as well as a few men.

Supporting demand for vegetable-dyed ikat also encourages weavers to stick with dyeing processes that are safe for people and the environment, and to conserve culturally important plants such as morinda and indigo.

Supporting ikat as a sustainable profession in Watublapi would encourage their young people to stay in the village and contribute to the community. A strong ikat business also encourages other collaborations, such as working with Watublapi graduates who have left the village but whose business skills and connections to the outside world can benefit weavers.

You can find Watubo's original creations on Noesa's website. Look out also for ikat items made with fabrics from Watublapi by Noesa.

Noesa can be contacted for further enquiries about Watubo via WhatsApp at +62 81315556670.

Meet Rosvita of Watubo

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Indonesia

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East Nusa Tenggara

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COVID-19 has cast a pall over the tapestry of empowerment woven by Watubo, but the collective is steadfast in its vision of ikat that lifts lives

An ikat collective that weaves memorable journeys

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Getting there

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https://goo.gl/maps/da5yydcCWSyx4ia58

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Noesa's website

http://noesa.co.id

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Watublapi is a 45-minute drive from Maumere, the largest city in Sikka regency.

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Maumere’s Frans Seda Airport is 18km away, and has incoming flights from Denpasar (Bali), Labuan Bajo (West Flores), Kupang (West Timor) and Waingapu (East Sumba).

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A canopy walk in an ancient rainforest

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The Habitat Penang Hill

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Take canopy walk over an ancient rainforest at The Habitat Penang Hill. Photo by Alexandra Wong

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Perched above the virgin rainforest of Penang Hill, The Habitat is no ordinary park, with its spectacular canopy walks and thrilling zipline.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Profits from the park fund the work of the The Habitat Foundation, a non-profit that supports initiatives in conservation, education, research and sustainable tourism. The foundation offers research grants and funds initiatives like the building of sustainable forest trail loop to Gunung Perlis, in partnership with the local forestry department. A visit to The Habitat at Penang Hill supports these efforts.

Check out our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel ideas and tips!

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Penang

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Perched above the virgin rainforest of Penang Hill, The Habitat is no ordinary park, with its spectacular canopy walks and thrilling zipline.

A canopy walk in an ancient rainforest

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Getting there

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Take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app from George Town to the railway base station at Jalan Bukit Bendera, Air Itam, where you can then take the funicular to the top of Penang Hill. The ride from George Town takes about 20 minutes. You can also take the Rapid Penang 204 bus (Weld Quay [jetty] and Penang Hill Station).

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https://thehabitat.my/

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https://goo.gl/maps/keX9hge6crbW1qFA7

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Buy your funicular and park entrance tickets in advance online to avoid long lines, especially at the funicular base station.

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Take advantage of the free guided tours by trained naturalists to make the most of your visit.

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Bring mosquito repellent to ward off bites.

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As part of its efforts to discourage use of single-use plastics, water stations are available in the park. Visitors who forget their bottles can buy stainless steel ones in the park.

An arts community in an old bus depot

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Hin Bus Depot

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Wifi

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Wheelchair-accessible

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Hin Bus Depot is a thriving arts community breathing new life into an old bus depot. Photo by Alexandra Wong

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This 60,000 sq ft old bus depot is now bustling with cafes, artist studios, and an art gallery — alongside the original coffee shop, hardware shop and motorcycle repair shop.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Aside from supporting the arts in Penang, Hin organises a Pop Up Market to serve as a platform for small business owners, performers and makers, to build local community and economy.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

Aside from supporting the arts in Penang, Hin organises a Pop Up Market to serve as a platform for small business owners, performers and makers, to build local community and economy.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

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https://hinbusdepot.com/index.html

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Penang

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This 60,000 sq ft old bus depot is now bustling with cafes, artist studios, and an art gallery — alongside the original coffee shop, hardware shop and motorcycle repair shop.

An arts community in an old bus depot

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Getting there

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By public transport, take the Rapid Penang Bus (11, 201, 203, 204 or 502). Hin Bus Depot is steps away from Gama Supermarket and Komtar Bus Terminal.

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There is limited parking on the grounds, and street parking nearby.

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https://hinbusdepot.com

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Check their calendar for exhibitions and pop-up markets.

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If you’re feeling peckish, check out the in-house vegan café Wholey Wonder, opened by a couple who want to debunk the misconception that vegan food is boring – think scrumptious chickpea-crust pizza and almond-and-date-based “Snickers”

A living museum of Penang’s herbaceous heritage

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Tropical Spice Garden

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Tropical Spice Garden is a living museum of Penang’s herbaceous heritage. Photo by Alexandra Wong

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With over 500 varieties of fauna and flora, Tropical Spice Garden is a lush showcase of Penang’s rich natural heritage as a spice hub, and its culinary and medicinal uses.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Tropical Spice Garden’s meticulously maintained grounds help to preserve Penang’s biodiversity and natural heritage for future generations.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

Tropical Spice Garden’s meticulously maintained grounds help to preserve Penang’s biodiversity and natural heritage for future generations.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Penang for more travel tips and ideas!

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https://tropicalspicegarden.com/

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Penang

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With over 500 varieties of fauna and flora, Tropical Spice Garden is a lush showcase of Penang’s rich natural heritage as a spice hub, and its culinary and medicinal uses.

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Getting There

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Take a taxi or book a ride through a ride-hailing app like Grab.

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You can also take the bus; either Rapid Penang 101 (Weld Quay to Teluk Bahang) or Rapid Penang 102 (Penang International Airport to Teluk Bahang)

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https://goo.gl/maps/XiBLfndW754XGHLp7

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Traveller's notes

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Look out for the night walks to see Penang’s greenery in a different light. Dates are posted on their Facebook page.

Tours empowering locals, by locals

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LokaLocal

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The enterprise customises tours for its travellers. Let them know if you have specific requirements, or are keen on certain activities or sights.

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Their tours and activities range from cultural immersion, food tours to heritage sights. Regardless of your stamina and taste for adventure, you’ll be sure to find something you like.

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LokaLocal connects you to Malaysian experts like Elena of Bike with Elena, who will take you to hidden gems in the city, like this traditional house in quaint Kampung Bahru right in the middle of the the city.

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LokaLocal provides travellers with honest and authentic experiences, created by locals who support local culture and empower communities. For example, go on a bike tour with Elena, who will show you quaint gems like Kampung Bahru (pictured), right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

LokaLocal seeks out small businesses, sunset industries, sustainable programmes and passionate local guides to offer experiences, so they benefit directly when connected to travellers. When you book a tour on LokaLocal, you give local experts a chance to share their culture and earn from it too.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur and Penang for more travel tips and ideas in Malaysia.

Check out Bike with Elena in Kuala Lumpur - one of the experiences offered on LokaLocal - and read about its founder Elena Mei Yun.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur and Penang for more travel tips and ideas in Malaysia.

Check out Bike with Elena in Kuala Lumpur - one of the experiences offered on LokaLocal - and read about its founder Elena Mei Yun.

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