Getting A Cheap Holiday In Penang And Exploring The Rich Culture

By Author: tilden marsh
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Exploring the local culture is one of the ways you can get a cheap holiday in Penang and other parts of Malaysia. The country is rich in culture that a lifetime probably won’t be enough for you to fully comprehend the diversity of the ethnicities that merge as one nation. Penang is one of the melting pots of culture in the country. Many religious and cultural activities are still carried out on the island and you can explore every single one of them provided you stay on the island long enough. Of course, prior to that it is advisable that you book your preferred budget hotel room to ensure that although your vacation remain cheap, you won’t have to compromise on the level of comfort and security.

You can start your cheap holiday in Penang by visiting the island during the Chinese New Year celebration. Chingay is a part of the Chinese New Year festivities ...
... where flag bearers balance tall flag poles on their shoulders and foreheads during a procession. If processions are not your thing, you may divert your attention to the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival where competitors from all over the world compete in the waters to win the race. As Penang is also culturally diverse, you may bear witness to the commemoration of the Lord Murugan over demons during the full moon celebration of Thaipusam. Devotees from all over the state will gather at the Chettiar Temple bearing kavadis as an act of atonement.

Your cheap holiday in Malaysia will not be complete unless you put Kuala Lumpur in your itinerary as well. The nation capital also has many culturally rich places that are sure to mesmerize any visitor. One such place is the famed temple of Batu Caves. This limestone hill consists of several Hindu shrines deep within the three major caves and some smaller ones. This famous tourist attraction is one of the most visited places in the country. The highlight of this place is the 272 steps leading up to the caves. If you have the energy for it you can scale the steps all the way to the deep recesses of the cavern to explore the shrines and temples. Otherwise you can stop halfway for a decent photo op.

Another culture that you will be glad to explore is the shopping culture. Of course, no shopping malls will make your cheap holiday in Kuala Lumpur memorable. You have to explore the likes of Petaling Street, the Masjid Jamek area and Little India to get the full scale of the diversity of the Malaysian race. Another infamous landmark is the Chow Kit Market. This is where many Malaysians get together to get their hands on local and ‘imported’ goodies ranging from sweets and savouries to handbags and clothes. You may want to bear in mind that when you explore the nooks and crannies of these places you will have to have considerably thick skin to ensure that you get the best bargain for your purchases.

All in all, the Malaysian culture does not only involve religious and ethnic festivities but also the daily routines. Your shopping experience here in the country will definitely be different than that of any other country, as will your dining experience. Of course, all that exploring can get you all tired and longing for a good night rest. Therefore, expert travellers may advice that you stay at a reputable budget hotel where you can recharge your energy and wake up refreshed for another day of cultural excursion.