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A canopy walk in an ancient rainforest

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The Habitat Penang Hill
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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!

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

Meals that rebuild refugee lives

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About the host

PichaEat's refugee hosts come from a diverse range of countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar. 

PichaEat's refugee
PichaEats
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Engage and converse with refugees over traditional meals at the PichaEats' Open House, which help refugees earn a livelihood.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

You provide refugees with an opportunity to not just showcase their culture, food and heritage, but also give them a chance at a sustainable livelihood. PichaEats pays its chefs 50 per cent of the sales from each meal. 

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

Watch our story on PichaEats to see their impact in action.

You provide refugees with an opportunity to not just showcase their culture, food and heritage, but also give them a chance at a sustainable livelihood. PichaEats pays its chefs 50 per cent of the sales from each meal. 

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

Watch our story on PichaEats to see their impact in action.

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Engage and converse with refugees over traditional meals at the PichaEats' Open House, which help refugees earn a livelihood.
PichaEats
Meals that rebuild refugee lives
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PichaEats provides the addresses of the Open Houses when bookings are confirmed. Locations vary and it may be best to book a Grab if you are unfamiliar with the city. 

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Traveller's Notes
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Use the opportunity to converse with the refugees and seek to understand their culture, food and lives. 

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Respect the privacy of the hosts by not sharing their identities when you're taking photographs of your delicious meal! 

Enjoy tasty Malaysian fare that pays it forward

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Owner Desonny wanted to open a restaurant where diners could help give back to society, and hit upon the idea of pay-it-forward vouchers after coming across a video of a similar concept being done somewhere else. 

Meet Desonny of Charlie's Cafe

Owner Desonny
Charlie's Cafe
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This cozy joint doesn’t just satisfy diners with Malaysian favourites. Diners can buy a meal for those in need through “pay-it-forward” vouchers. 

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Every RM5 (US$1.20) voucher buys a catered-and-delivered meal for someone in need. In addition, owner Desonny Tuzan supports the livelihood of indigenous Hulu Langat farmers by sourcing agricultural produce from them.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Malaysia for more travel tips and ideas. 

Every RM5 (US$1.20) voucher buys a catered-and-delivered meal for someone in need. In addition, owner Desonny Tuzan supports the livelihood of indigenous Hulu Langat farmers by sourcing agricultural produce from them.

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Malaysia for more travel tips and ideas. 

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This cozy joint doesn’t just satisfy diners with Malaysian favourites. Diners can buy a meal for those in need through “pay-it-forward” vouchers.
Charlie's Cafe
Enjoy tasty Malaysian fare that pays it forward
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Getting there
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Consider taking a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Grab as there are limited public transport options and street parking. 

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Traveller's Notes
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Don't miss the Sarawak laksa or the fried chicken chop.

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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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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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.
Hin Bus Depot
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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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 heritage shophouse of cake and culture

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China House
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Spread over three heritage shophouses, China House’s legendary cake spread features up to 50 varieties at any time. The space is also a hub for poets, musicians and other creatives.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

China House’s painstakingly restored premises help keep Penang’s rich heritage alive. Its mission to foster the arts and its enjoyment also helps creativity thrive in the city.

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

China House’s painstakingly restored premises help keep Penang’s rich heritage alive. Its mission to foster the arts and its enjoyment also helps creativity thrive in the city.

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

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Spread over three heritage shophouses, China House’s legendary cake spread features up to 50 varieties at any time. The space is also a hub for poets, musicians and other creatives.
China House
China House
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Getting There
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Like many places in George Town, China House is best accessed on foot if you are within the area. Street parking is available but limited. 

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Take advantage of MBPP Rapid Penang CAT, a free shuttle that connects major attractions in George Town.

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Traveller's Notes
Traveller's Notes
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Explore and savour  the nooks and crannies in this recommended order: Start at the 155 Beach St entrance, wander through Kopi C Espresso Cafe & Bar. See BTB & Restaurant and Bon Ton the Shop II at 153 Beach Street. Further along, walk through the Reading Room with its sections of magazines, books and CDs 

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Check out Art Lane, China House’s latest initiative a few doors away — the entire interior of a building has been turned into a canvas for budding artists

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See China House’s Facebook page for latest happenings

A living museum of Penang’s herbaceous heritage

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Tropical Spice Garden
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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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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.
Tropical Spice Garden
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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)

Traveller's Notes
Traveller's notes
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Sign up for a cooking class that makes use of the spices found in the garden.

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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.

A souvenir trove where history meets shopping

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41 Living Story
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Don’t miss exhibits of the original equipment used by the goldsmith who once occupied this space during the 1950s

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Penang’s storied past comes alive in this former goldsmith’s shop-turned-kitschy-souvenir-trove. The owners have painstakingly included exhibitions in the store so that visitors can take in the history of Chinese immigrants while browsing gifts made by artisans. 

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Apart from preserving artisanal craft and the heritage of the city, the store also sells items made by Stepping Stone Work Centre, which employs people with special needs.

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

Apart from preserving artisanal craft and the heritage of the city, the store also sells items made by Stepping Stone Work Centre, which employs people with special needs.

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

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Penang’s storied past comes alive in this former goldsmith’s shop-turned-kitschy-souvenir-trove. Take in the history of Chinese immigrants while browsing gifts made by artisans.
41 Living Story
A souvenir trove where history meets shopping
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Take advantage of MBPP Rapid Penang CAT, a free shuttle that connects major attractions in George Town.

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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 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

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

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Lokalocal strives to provide travellers with honest and real experiences through their tours, all while working with local businesses and sustainable programs to promote ethical tourism.
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.
Real tours that empower the community
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A resort with a royal flair for conservation

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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Terrapuri Heritage Village is more than just a resort — it is a conservation and restoration project breathing new life into centuries-old Terengganu houses that otherwise would have been demolished or would have fallen into ruin. Saving the architecture means preserving the cultural motifs, history, folk tales and values behind it.By booking a stay at Terrapuri, you promote heritage conservation and cultural stewardship of traditional Terengganu architecture. You also provide additional stable income for the local community. 

Amid COVID-19, you can make advance bookings to help Terrapuri to continue its projects and keep its staff employed, and enjoy your stay when travel restrictions are lifted. 

Or consider bringing a taste of Terengganu culture to your homes — shop local crafts and snacks via Terrapuri’s online stores on Shopee and Lazada (Malaysia only).

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A resort of restored palaces takes you back in time while breathing new life into a sleepy seaside town
A resort with a royal flair for conservation
A resort with a royal flair for conservation
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A private island resort with an eco heart

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THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Be a guest at Batu Batu Resort – a stay supports important conservation work on the island. In 2019, about 10 per cent of Batu Batu’s profits went towards funding Tengah Island Conservation, which has a team of five full-time marine biologists and environmental scientists stationed on the island.

Alternatively, adopt a turtle nest, or make a donation to Tengah Island Conservation.

Batu Batu also practices and champions sustainable tourism practices:

  • Low-density development (just 22 villas) to limit human population on the island

  • No disposable toiletries/single-use items (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner are in large refillable bottles; no toothbrush, shower cap, cotton buds)

  • No single-use plastics (no plastic bottles; glass bottles and glasses provided)

  • Solar panels that will fulfil 30 per cent of the resort’s energy needs 

  • Water treatment systems to treat sewage (so no dirty water is discharged into the sea)

  • Weekly recycling – all recyclable items are sent by boat to Mersing’s Clean & Happy Recycling 

  • An organic garden that supports guest and staff kitchens

The team has also opened KakakTua in Mersing town. KakakTua is a guesthouse, cafe and community space that aims to grow local appreciation for the town’s unique heritage, and eventually encourage them to develop initiatives to help Mersing’s tourism scene thrive.

 

Meet Cher and Zam of Batu Batu, and Poo Ker of Clean & Happy Recycling

 

As the only resort on Tengah island off the coast of Johor, Batu Batu’s wooden villas and eight private beaches are a sunseeker’s dream.

But this isn’t just another good-looking holiday destination. This pristine piece of paradise in the South China Sea also serves as a refuge for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles, a centre for environmental conservation and a model of responsible tourism.

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As the only resort on Tengah island off the coast of Johor, Batu Batu’s villas and private beaches are a sunseeker’s dream - and a refuge for endangered marine life
Batu Batu is a private island resort with an eco heart
A private island resort with an eco heart
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Getting there
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Batu Batu is located on Pulau Tengah, a 20-minute boat ride from Mersing. The resort arranges return boat transfers for guests at RM150 per adult and RM100 per child (as of 2020). There is no charge for children under four years old.

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Mersing is a four-five hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, and about 2.5 to three hours’ drive from Singapore. Travel times will be longer if traffic conditions are poor. The nearest airport is Johor Senai Airport, about 135km away.

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Batu Batu does not arrange land transportation for guests but they do have a list of taxi companies recommended by previous guests. It also provides a list of parking locations for those who drive themselves. Details can be found on its FAQ page.

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Batu Batu website

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KakakTua's Facebook page

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View location on map

Travel Inspiration
Traveller's Notes
Traveller's notes
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A stay at Batu Batu may challenge conventional expectations of its five-star price tag. Bring your own toothbrush and shower cap, as disposable toiletries are not provided.

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Beachfront villas along Sunrise Beach are guest favourites. Direct beach access, more privacy, and they come with a spacious annexe.

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Poolside villas  are suitable for larger groups, but note that the toilet and shower facilities are fully outdoors and might not be comfortable for some.

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Jungle villas will involve climbing a few flights of stairs.

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Wifi is spotty around the resort, so be prepared to disconnect and enjoy nature.

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Monsoon season in the area lasts from late-November to February. Batu Batu is open year-round, but be prepared for rain and rough seas, which can cause boat delays or cancellations.

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Although the cost of a stay at Batu Batu may seem higher than other resorts found in the area, do consider that operating an off-grid resort includes considerable costs in extracting and treating water, as well as generating electricity.