Malaysia
Restaurant Reviews
Breakfast by the Paddy Field: Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis
There isn't a better way to experience Perlis than to have a local breakfast by a paddy field. After all, the main economic activity at the northernmost state in Malaysia is rice farming, so Perlis has nothing short of the most beautiful views of expansive paddy fields and the best rice dishes to offer its visitors.
Read also: Malaysia's Most Unique Restaurants
All the dishes offered here are authentically local - using locally sourced ingredients and cooked the local way. If you are hoping to try dishes that can only be found in this region of the world, be sure to order Roti Peknga - a type of soft coconut flatbread that is dipped in either curry or sambal, as well as Roti Lenggang which is a type of thin savory pancakes very similar to crepes - also to be dipped in curry or sambal. (You'll soon notice that most Malay dishes in Malaysia are wonderfully accompanied by flavorful dips and sauces!)
Read also: Malaysia's Most Unique Restaurants
 |
| Breakfast by the Paddy Field: Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis |
 |
| Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis is located right by the main road |
 |
| Beautiful view at Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis |
 |
| Warung Tepi Sawah gets filled up really quickly, so be sure to get here early! |
Breakfast by the Paddy Field: Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis
We arrived at Warung Tepi Sawah a little over 10 in the morning, but it was already brimming with people. Cars of customers were parked on both sides of the road, causing a mild congestion but the food and view that await you will definitely be worth the obstruction and delay.
Once inside, you need to search high and low for a vacant table or stand around and wait until there is one. A server will come to take your orders (although you might need to catch their attention with either a wave or an eye contact as everyone is pretty busy) and everything in the menu except Nasi Lemak will be brought to your table. For Nasi Lemak, simply make your way to the counter up front to grab your own portion.
 |
| The making of Warung Tepi Sawah's signature Roti Bakar Telur Gedik |
 |
| Roti Lenggang with sambal at Warung Tepi Sawah |
 |
| Capati Peknga station at Warung Tepi Sawah |
 |
| Menu Warung Tepi Sawah |
 |
| One of the many skillful cooks at Warung Tepi Sawah |
 |
| Menu Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis |
Menu Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis
We had to try everything on the menu.All the dishes offered here are authentically local - using locally sourced ingredients and cooked the local way. If you are hoping to try dishes that can only be found in this region of the world, be sure to order Roti Peknga - a type of soft coconut flatbread that is dipped in either curry or sambal, as well as Roti Lenggang which is a type of thin savory pancakes very similar to crepes - also to be dipped in curry or sambal. (You'll soon notice that most Malay dishes in Malaysia are wonderfully accompanied by flavorful dips and sauces!)
|
| Nasi Lemak at Warung Tepi Sawah comes with beautiful green rice steamed in fragrant pandan leaves and coconut milk |
 |
| Breakfast by the Paddy Fields: Warung Tepi Sawah |
 |
| Nasi Lemak at Warung Tepi Sawah Rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with fried anchovies, peanuts, chili sambal and egg. |
 |
| Pulut Ikan Masin at Warung Tepi Sawah Glutinious rice with salted fish and grated coconut |
 |
| Every Malaysian meal must be accompanied with local black coffee Kopi-O and Teh Tarik |
 |
| Peknga or soft coconut flatbread served with curry and sambal |
 |
| Roti Bakar Telur Gedik Margerine toasts topped with runny eggs |
 |
| Our breakfast at Warung Tepi Sawah, Kangar, Perlis |
 |
| Roti Lenggang with sambal - one of the top favorite at Warung Tepi Sawah |
 |
| Warung Tepi Sawah opens at 7am, so be sure to arrive early to secure a table! |
 |
| The crowd at Warung Tepi Sawah in the morning |
South Korea
Travel
Naganeupseong Folk Village at Suncheon, South Korea
Located in the southwest of South Korea, the historic 59,504㎡ Naganeupseong Folk Village (낙안읍성) of Suncheon is notable for its beautifully conserved cultural landscape and traditional lifestyle stemming from the Joseon Dynasty which existed from 1392 to 1910. The former administrative town has successfully preserved its fortress, a clutter of traditional houses and government quarters.
It was estimated that in the past, there were 96 town fortresses known as eupsong across 334 villages in this region. However, most of them were destroyed during the Japanese colonisation between 1910 to 1945. Naganeupseong is one of the only few villages of its kind to survive the destruction and has the best preservation of its original landscape and properties.
The fortress walls protecting Naganeupseong were built using square stones that are approximately 4 metres in height and width that filled a total length of 1,410 metres around the town. Within the south, east and west part of the fortress, there are 98 families still staying there today. Many ancient rituals have been passed down till this day including a recurring annual ritual that is held during the first full moon of every new year to honor and celebrate the respected General Im Kyeong-eop - a prominent Korean general during the Joseon Dynasty who fought against the Manchurian invasions in the 17th century.
Gayageum Music Performance, Tea Ceremony, Blacksmith’s Workshop, Silk-farming, Seodang (village school) Experience, Ugwi (Traditional Wedding) Parade, Funeral Rite, International and Traditional Customs, Folk Movie Theater, Filming Site of Daejanggeum, Natural Dyeing Experience, Weaving, Traditional Musical Instrument Experience, Wish-paper and postcard writing, Straw and Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper) Making, Fishing, Tofu and Fermented Soybean Lump.
*There could be a participation fee for selected programs. Please call prior to your visit to learn about which program is available for the day.
If you are coming from the Suncheon Bus Terminal, look out for bus number 16, 61, 63 or 68. The journey will take approximately one hour.
If you are starting your journey from other places, simply look out for 낙안읍성 on the route of the public buses to see if Naganeupseong Folk Village is on the way! (I usually just ask the driver directly!)
February, March, April & October: 9.00am-6.00pm
May, June, July, August & September: 8.30am-6.30pm
Adult 4,000 won
Child 1,400 won
For Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheonman National Garden, Suncheonman Wetland, Recreational Forest & Deep-Rooted Tree Museum
Adult 12,000 won
Child 5,500 won
For more information, click here.
Phone: +82 61-749-6052
For related articles, click here.
 |
| A Village Where Time Stands Still: Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon |
Naganeupseong Folk Village at Suncheon, South Korea
The village of Naganeupseong was built on a level field encircled by hills and mountains. As it was an administrative core, the area was equipped with both public and private facilities that were used by the authorities to govern the Nagan-eup county as well as for villagers for cultural activities and rites such as musical performances and important communal rituals.It was estimated that in the past, there were 96 town fortresses known as eupsong across 334 villages in this region. However, most of them were destroyed during the Japanese colonisation between 1910 to 1945. Naganeupseong is one of the only few villages of its kind to survive the destruction and has the best preservation of its original landscape and properties.
The fortress walls protecting Naganeupseong were built using square stones that are approximately 4 metres in height and width that filled a total length of 1,410 metres around the town. Within the south, east and west part of the fortress, there are 98 families still staying there today. Many ancient rituals have been passed down till this day including a recurring annual ritual that is held during the first full moon of every new year to honor and celebrate the respected General Im Kyeong-eop - a prominent Korean general during the Joseon Dynasty who fought against the Manchurian invasions in the 17th century.
 |
| The Fortress Town of Naganeupseong in Suncheon |
 |
| The beautiful and well-preserved houses built during the Joseon Dynasty at Naganeupseong Folk Village in Suncheon |
|
| Every house in Naganeupseong is thatch-roofed, making it the only fortress village with such architecture. |
 |
| At the entrance to Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon |
 |
| An administrative building at the Naganeupseong Folk Village |
Daily Programs, Activities & Performances for Visitors at the Naganeupseong Folk Village
Curious travellers visiting the Naganeupseong Folk Village can participate in a series of experience programs on any day of the week, including:Gayageum Music Performance, Tea Ceremony, Blacksmith’s Workshop, Silk-farming, Seodang (village school) Experience, Ugwi (Traditional Wedding) Parade, Funeral Rite, International and Traditional Customs, Folk Movie Theater, Filming Site of Daejanggeum, Natural Dyeing Experience, Weaving, Traditional Musical Instrument Experience, Wish-paper and postcard writing, Straw and Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper) Making, Fishing, Tofu and Fermented Soybean Lump.
*There could be a participation fee for selected programs. Please call prior to your visit to learn about which program is available for the day.
 |
| Traditional singing and musical performances at the Naganeupseong Folk Village |
 |
| You can rent a Hanbok - a traditional Korean dress for photography around Naganeupseong |
 |
| Kids in their rented Hanbok posing for a photograph at the Naganeupseong fortress |
 |
| You can learn pottery at Naganeupseong or just buy ready made ones! |
Fun Facts about the Naganeupseong Folk Village
- Today, it is home to 228 inhabitants across 98 households.
- Every house in Naganeupseong is thatch-roofed, making it the only fortress village with such architecture.
- The site showcases 10 national cultural heritages and 15 provincial cultural heritages.
- Registered in the tentative list of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage on March 11, 2011.
- Also known as the Historical site No. 302.
How to Get to Naganeupseong Folk Village
If you are coming from the Suncheon Train Station, take bus number 68 or 16 from the bus stop on the same side as the train station. Alternatively, you can walk to Bus Stop #2 (순처역시측) located opposite the train station to take bus number 63 or 61 in order to get to the Naganeupseong Folk Village. The journey will take approximately one hour.If you are coming from the Suncheon Bus Terminal, look out for bus number 16, 61, 63 or 68. The journey will take approximately one hour.
If you are starting your journey from other places, simply look out for 낙안읍성 on the route of the public buses to see if Naganeupseong Folk Village is on the way! (I usually just ask the driver directly!)
Opening Hours of Naganeupseong Folk Village
January, November & December: 9.00am-5.30pmFebruary, March, April & October: 9.00am-6.00pm
May, June, July, August & September: 8.30am-6.30pm
Ticket Price for Naganeupseong Folk Village
For Naganeupseong Folk Village onlyAdult 4,000 won
Child 1,400 won
For Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheonman National Garden, Suncheonman Wetland, Recreational Forest & Deep-Rooted Tree Museum
Adult 12,000 won
Child 5,500 won
 |
| The juicy and nutty Beondegi - silkworm pupae stewed in soy sauce sold as snacks at Naganeupseong |
 |
| Chapssal-tteok or glutinous rice balls coated with crushed peanuts sold by a vendor at the Naganeupseong Folk Village |
 |
| A Village Where Time Stands Still: Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon |
 |
| Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon |
 |
| The fortress of Naganeupseong |
 |
| Every house in Naganeupseong is thatch-roofed, making it the only fortress village with such architecture. |
Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon
513-25 Suncheonman-gil, Dosa-dong, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, South KoreaFor more information, click here.
Phone: +82 61-749-6052
For related articles, click here.
Malaysia
Travel
Bajau Laut: The Sea Gypsies of Pulau Mabul, Sabah in Borneo Malaysia
Before 1980, Pulau Mabul and its surrounding islands were untouched and unaffected by the outside world. All that has changed when the development for eco-tourism started taking place.
Read also: 10 Best Things To Do In Mabul Island
As their welfare is not being taken care of by any party, they continue to live unmoored and adrift with zero access to formal education and without a national identity or even birth certificates. The Sea Gypsies are just a very small fraction of the estimated 12 million stateless people around the world today.
Lucky visitors traveling to this part of the world may still see the Sea Gypsies living in wooden houseboats or stilt huts carefully built the coral reefs - making this an attraction not to be missed. Today, it is estimated that there are 3,000 Sea Gypsies left in Borneo.
Sea Gypsies are exceptional divers. They have mastered free diving in order to make a living out of hunting for sea cucumbers, lobsters and other marine life that can be sold to the locals as food. They are capable of holding their breath and free diving to depths of over 20 meters without assistance. The ocean bears their resources, and they have been making a living out of it for centuries.
Bajau Laut: The Sea Gypsies of Pulau Mabul, Sabah in Borneo Malaysia
The islands were once inhabited solely by the small, dispersed Bajau and Suluk families - also known as the Sea Gypsies. These ethnic groups are “stateless” people - moving from islands to islands between Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines (and they still do today) as they are not afforded a citizenship status by any of the countries. Due to this, they reside freely but only on the waters of the Celebes Sea and Sulu Sea either on boats or houses skillfully built on stilts.As their welfare is not being taken care of by any party, they continue to live unmoored and adrift with zero access to formal education and without a national identity or even birth certificates. The Sea Gypsies are just a very small fraction of the estimated 12 million stateless people around the world today.
 |
| A Bajau Laut child |
 |
| The Bajau Laut lives on the waters of the Celebes Sea and Sulu Sea either on boats or houses skillfully built on stilts. |
 |
| Bajau Laut: The Sea Gypsies of Pulau Mabul, Sabah in Borneo Malaysia |
 |
| Bajau Laut: The Sea Gypsies of Sabah |
 |
| Bajau Laut: Young mother and her son |
 |
| Bajau Laut: The Sea Gypsies of Sabah |
 |
| Houses built on stilt over the sea where the Sea Gypsies live |
 |
| The Bajau Laut lives on the waters of the Celebes Sea and Sulu Sea either on boats or houses skillfully built on stilts. |
The Sea Gypsies of Sabah
The Bajau Laut tribes of Sabah are fondly called the Sea Gypsies thanks to their nomadic and seafaring lifestyle. They are one of the few communities on earth with a profound bond with the ocean, spending almost their entire lives at sea and rarely setting foot on land. They have roamed the Coral Triangle for decades, constantly moving about the waters of Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia where resources are rich and plenty.Lucky visitors traveling to this part of the world may still see the Sea Gypsies living in wooden houseboats or stilt huts carefully built the coral reefs - making this an attraction not to be missed. Today, it is estimated that there are 3,000 Sea Gypsies left in Borneo.
Sea Gypsies are exceptional divers. They have mastered free diving in order to make a living out of hunting for sea cucumbers, lobsters and other marine life that can be sold to the locals as food. They are capable of holding their breath and free diving to depths of over 20 meters without assistance. The ocean bears their resources, and they have been making a living out of it for centuries.
 |
| A Bajau Laut fisherman returned from the sea to sell his catch |
 |
| Beautiful crabs caught by the fisherman |
The Transition: Bajau Laut to Bajau Darat
Due to development, many Sea Gypsies have now made the Semporna islands of Sabah their home, namely Mabul, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Selakan, Omadal, Bohey Dulang and Maiga. Those who have made this permanent transition have evolved to become the Bajau Darat.
Several small-scale areas on selected Malaysian islands have been allocated for native settlement with the help from local NGOs and affluent communities. Pulau Mabul, in particular, has two main villages including Kampung Mabul and Kampung Musu that were handed out for the occupation of the nomadic tribes from the nearby island clusters including Bajau Laut and the Suluk Muslims.
 |
| Bajau Laut of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| The Bajau people staying in Kampung Mabul and Kampung Musu of Pulau Mabul |
 |
| Bajau Laut father and son at Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| A young Bajau Laut boy of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| A Bajau Laut family at Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| Bajau Laut of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| Kampung Mabul during the day |
 |
| Grilled seafood at Kampung Mabul of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| Bajau children flying kites on the beach |
 |
| Bajau Laut of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| Bajau and Suluk villagers mending a boat at Kampung Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| Beautiful Bajau Laut children of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| Bajau Laut of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| Once Sea Gypsies, they have evolved to staying on land for survival and residence |
 |
| Bajau Laut children of Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
 |
| An elderly woman of the Bajau Laut tribe at Pulau Mabul, Sabah |
Semporna islands such as Pulau Mabul may have gained popularity as a gateway for world-class diving, but the top attraction here remains to be the beautiful, mysterious and dexterous Bajau Laut or Sea Gypsies. Always pay your respect to the indigenous people when you step on their soil.
How to Go to Mabul Island from Kuala Lumpur?
From Kuala Lumpur (or anywhere you are from), take a flight to the Tawau Airport (TWU). Almost every resort on Pulau Mabul offers a free transfer from Tawau to Semporna (which is located about an hour and a half away or approximately 90 kilometres) where you will then hop onto the resort speed boat in order to arrive at Pulau Mabul.
- From Kuala Lumpur, take a flight to the Tawau Airport.
- From Tawau, find your way to Semporna by hiring a private transfer, taking a mini bus or taking the free transfer provided by your resort.
- Once you have arrived at the Semporna Jetty, take the speed boat (provided by your resort) or a ferry to get to Pulau Mabul.
Remember to call your resort prior to your arrival in Sabah to arrange the pickup time!
For related articles, click here.
Free Resources
Travel
Packing can get stressful, especially when it’s done last minute!
Use these absolutely free printable complete travel packing checklists to remind you of all the important travel necessities to bring - even down to the most minute and easily forgettable items.
Happy packing and don’t stop exploring!
Free Printable Complete Travel Packing Checklists
 |
| Free Printable Complete Travel Packing Checklist by Rollinggrace |
Use these absolutely free printable complete travel packing checklists to remind you of all the important travel necessities to bring - even down to the most minute and easily forgettable items.
Free Printable Complete Travel Packing Checklists
Let’s cut to the chase and get you started on packing. To download the travel checklist, simply click on the design that catches your eyes to save and print it. If you’d like to download a PDF version instead so you can customize the list to make it uniquely your own, simply drop me an email at gracehuey92@gmail.com and I'll send over a copy right away.Happy packing and don’t stop exploring!
For other free resources, click here.
 |
| Complete Travel Checklist (Backpack Background) |
 |
| Complete Travel Checklist (Sea Background) |
 |
| Complete Travel Checklist (Clean-No Background) |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Trending Posts
-
World’s Highest Rope Course at The Gravityz, Penang Photo by Danial Saad Adventure seekers - this one's for you! Located in Malaysia... -
Looking for the best rooftop restaurants in Kuala Lumpur with stunning views, affordable drinks, amazing ambiance and good food? This list c... -
A Truly Authentic Local Market: Nat Pokok Getah, Arau, Perlis Malaysia is truthfully one of the most beautiful destinations in the worl... -
Subang Jaya has long been known to be a paradise for shisha lovers. If you are looking for new shisha places, then this list is perfect for ... -
Looking for good, smooth & flavorful shisha? Here is a list of the top 33 shisha places in Kuala Lumpur created just for you! Explore fu... -
Located in Kepong, Bukit Sri Bintang is just a short drive away from Desa Park City. It makes the perfect hiking spot for those seeking for ... -
Housed within the artistic precinct of Penang's George Town is the Jawi House Cafe Gallery - the island's first Peranakan Muslim her...
-
Full house at Icescape on Christmas 2015 Icescape is recognized as the first and only Olympic size ice-skating rink in Malaysia which wa... -
Just can't seem to get enough of shisha? You should definitely bookmark this page for the top 12 shisha places in Petaling Jaya! Explore... -
Attractions at Kota Kuala Muda Tsunami Memorial, Kedah What Happened at Kota Kuala Muda in 2004? Just Another Usual Day December 26th, 2004 ...
