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Penang is one of Malaysia’s most well-known destinations. Because the majority of the state of Penang is located on an island, you can enjoy beaches, sparkling waters, and a laid-back island vibe combined with a big city experience.

Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Penang:

Explore the Tropical Spice Garden

The Tropical Spice Garden on Jalan Teluk Bahang is one of Penang’s highlights, especially if you want to get out of the city centre.

The garden is an ode to all the beautiful herbs and spices native to this part of the world, and it sits on the site of what was once a rubber plantation.

Learn some history at Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis, which dates from the 18th century, is one of Penang’s most famous landmarks. It was built by the British East India Company under the direction of Sir Francis Light, the founder of Penang, and was intended to defend the city from a sea attack.

The fort is still in good condition, and there is a famous statue of Francis Light at the fort’s entrance and a collection of original cannons.

Make a visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is well-known for being one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, and as such, you should not miss it if you visit Penang. Many Buddhist devotees regard this as an important pilgrimage site, and you can see the beautiful towering Kek Lok Si Pagoda and the Guanyin statue. The statue is built in the shape of the Goddess of Mercy and stands 36.5 meters tall, while the entire temple complex is built in various styles.

Bathe in the sun on Batu Ferringhi Beach

There is a long stretch of golden beaches here, some of which are open to the public and some used by the resorts that line the coast. Sunbathing and swimming in the calm waters are popular beach activities, simply relaxing and sipping a coconut while looking out over the water. If possible, try to come here at sunset because the views are breathtaking.

The isolated position of Machu Pichu, high on a mountaintop in the Sacred Valley, precludes easy access by car, so you’ll have to take the train to or from Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu. Along with this, there are other two options too to go to Machu Pichu. They are as follows.

The Inca Trail

• Going to Machu Pichu by the Inca trail is a good option if you are fond of long trail walks.
• This trail hike is considered one of the five best hiking trails on the planet.
• If you choose to go to Machu Pichu by the Inca trail, it would approximately take you four days and three nights to travel.

The Route by Hydroelectric

• If you are looking for a much cheaper way to get to Machu Pichu, the route by Hydroelectric is the best for you.
• This route includes a short walk through rich vegetation.
• By opting for the Hydroelectric route, you can reach Aguas Calientes by walking within 2 hours or take a train from there and reach your destination within 20 minutes.

If you are planning a day trip, you should book a tour. I suggest a small, private tour so that you can go at your own pace. A tour guide will also offer a personalized perspective of the deep history and unique culture of the region. The river culture and lifestyle are truly fascinating and may not be truly understood in one day on a self-guided tour. 

Because the Mekong is a delta, you will need multiple boats to transport you from one island to another. You can’t waste precious moments on the Mekong searching for directions or wandering too, looking for transportation.

If you have not yet been convinced to book a tour, consider staying overnight in order to explore on your own. Not to mention, an overnight stay is the best way to see the famous Cai Rang floating markets at dawn!

We could go on and on about what Mexico has to offer the modern traveler, such as discovering ancient ruins, wandering around fascinating museums, sampling some of the best dishes in the world, dancing to mariachi music, sunbathing on breath-taking beaches, and exploring mysterious archaeological sites.

GO TO ANCIENT RUINS

A trip to Mexico isn’t complete unless you spend a day exploring one or two of the country’s ancient Mayan ruins. These sites delve into the depths of Mayan culture, allowing visitors to marvel at the near-prehistoric architecture. At the top of our list of things to do in Mexico is to visit at least one ruin site.

GET OUT AND GO TREKKING

Taking to the trails is one of the best things to do in Mexico. While trekking or hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering things to do in Mexico, setting aside a day or two for the great outdoors is undoubtedly worthwhile.

ENJOY NATURAL BEAUTY

Mexico’s lush, pristine landscape beckons visitors away from the tourist trail and into pure natural beauty. Waterfalls can be found from northern Mexico to the Deep South. Agua Azul is a popular cascading beauty in southern Chiapas, Basaseachi towers 246 meters over a swimmable pool within Copper Canyon, and kayakers are left speechless by Tamul’s raw beauty.

EXPERIENCE MEXICAN FOOD

If you want to try unusual dishes like grasshoppers or more traditional favorites like tacos, Mexico is the place to go. Eating is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Mexico. Colors, flavors, and spices rule Mexican cuisine, from street food to cantina dining.

Mexico greets visitors with a frenzy of energy, encouraging them to indulge in everything the country has to offer. Whether you’re a foodie enthralled by tacos or a history buff enthralled by the ancient past, you’ll never have a problem finding things to do in Mexico.

Don’t let the crowds prevent you from experiencing authentic, awe-inspiring beauty at Ko Phi Phi. While you will experience some over-tourism, the sea is expansive and vivid turquoise. Above you are towering limestone cliffs and formations. The islands are truly breathtaking and worth seeing. 

With that being said, the Thai government has shut down a large portion of the islands since 2018 to repair the damage tourists cause to land and sea life. The government is luckily building 10,000 corals off the most famous beach which remains closed. 

I suggest that you take a day tour rather than book a complete stay. There are other islands with comparable scenery, such as Koh Lanta. This island is also more relaxed and not overly developed. 

The Amazon Forest is huge. It is the largest globally and is spread over more than 6 million square kilometres. It’s great if you and your friends have got a thing for reconnecting with nature. It is also pretty daring to stay the night at the Amazon Jungle.

The animals at night make their appearance in the jungle, and the trees are swayed away by the wind.

If you are not sure where and how to spend a night in the Amazon Forest, we have got a list of safe places for you.

Set a camp in the Amazon night

Although the Amazon Jungle isn’t safe to be out at night, if you are with a large group of friends, it will be one unforgettable experience. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to set up a tent in a safe location and hang hammocks with mosquito nets from the trees. Furthermore, you may fish your meal and cook it over a bonfire on the beach while watching the sunset over the forest.

Sleeping inside huts in the Amazon

Throughout the Amazonian forest, there are many lodges and huts to provide safe accommodation to visitors. These are huts with facilities incorporated into the environment while respecting the natural habitat of the animals who live there to reduce environmental effects.

• Juma Lodge
• Amazonat Jungle Resort
• Anavilhanas Lodge
• Amazon Tupana Lodge
• Amazon Village Eco-Lodge
• Amazon Lodge Amazonas

Spending the night in a treehouse in the Amazon Jungle

Staying in a treehouse at night, that too with some of your most favourite people, is an experience of its own. Amid the Amazon jungle, Treehouse Lodge is located in Yarapa River, Maynas. You may spend the night surrounded by greenery and nocturnal creatures floating above the treetops and beneath the starry sky.

Moreover, when you stay with your friends overnight in the treehouse, you will get to experience the natural beauty of the Amazon forest. From seeing the jungle from the heights to fantasizing about the wildlife there, you can do it all.

Disney is the ultimate family-friendly holiday. Each of the four parks is suitable for all ages and interests. The most famous park is Magic Kingdom, home to Cinderella’s iconic castle and all of your favorite Disney characters. While this park is particularly appealing for young kids, your teens won’t want to leave Splash Mountain and the other rollercoasters. Equally accommodating is Animal Kingdom, Disney World’s largest park. Your youngsters will love the huge array of exotic animals and your teens will love the World of Avatar. 

While Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have plenty of attractions for the kids, these are the parks your teens will likely enjoy the most. Epcot is a futuristic-themed park with a lot of rides and popular attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy. Hollywood Studios also has a lot of rides and thrillers, such as Tower of Terror or Star Wars Park. However, it is also home to Mikey and Minnie Mouse’s train trip, a journey your little ones are sure to love. 

Tipping is extremely important in American culture for reasons you may not have known. In the US, servers are paid well below the minimum wage, as little as $2 an hour! They depend on tips to pay the bills which is why the standard for tipping is also higher than in the UK. If you eat at a sit-down restaurant, plan to tip 15-20% of your total bill. If the service is awful, consider a 10% tip. If you choose to not tip at all, don’t be surprised if the server runs after you to ask why. 

Keep in mind that some restaurants add a gratuity at the end of a bill. You are not expected to tip beyond that unless you are very impressed with the service. Similarly, you don’t have to tip at a fast-food restaurant or for takeaway unless you wish to. A delivery driver does however expect a tip. 

Other services you should tip for include taxi drivers and any type of salon service (manicure, haircut, massage). The standard is less stringent than restaurants and can be anywhere from 10-20%. Bartenders and bellmen are usually $1 per bag or per drink. Beyond that is up to you! 

Vietnamese street food is mouthwateringly tasty and 100% safe but the number one precaution you can take is, eat as the locals do. It is not uncommon to find two food stands in close proximity where one is packed with customers, and one is not. Go to the busier stall because of the higher turnover of food. 

Additionally, don’t eat raw vegetables and diced fruit. The water in Vietnam is not potable so the vegetables and fruit may not be properly washed. Similarly, pay attention to how the food is being prepared and note for any unhygienic practices. 

If you still feel uneasy, start out slow and begin with some vegetarian dishes or desserts. As you gain confidence, work in some simple staples such as a Banh Mi (famous sandwich) or Mi Xau Bo (stir-fried noodles and beef).

There are a plethora of fantastic road trips recommended for you from Sydney. Load up your car with snacks and good friends and explore the natural beauty that New South Wales has to offer. Make sure your car is ready for the summer and that you comply with any current government regulations before you leave.

Grand Pacific Drive

The Grand Pacific Drive, located less than an hour south of Sydney CBD, is a stunning 140-kilometer coastal drive that rivals Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. This journey includes all of the best parts of Sydney, from rainforests to coastal cities and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.

This road trip has something for everyone, including families and groups of friends, and we recommend planning your itinerary ahead of time to avoid missing out! This is an NSW road trip you won’t forget, whether you want to skydive and surf in Wollongong or take in picturesque coastlines and sample delicious food and wine.

Blue Mountains

Any Sydney-sider should not miss a visit to the magnificent Blue Mountains. Drive to this well-known World Heritage Site and then explore its splendor on foot. With one million hectares of eucalyptus trees, tall forests, sandstone cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls, the area’s natural beauty is nothing short of enchanting. The Blue Mountains are approximately a two-hour drive west of Sydney.

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay, located in the Shoalhaven region about three hours south of Sydney, is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good beach. It is one of Australia’s most popular seaside destinations because of its powder-fine white sand and clear turquoise waters. Relax on the beach or try your hand at scuba diving or paddle-boarding, and soak up the natural summer charm that Jervis Bay exudes.

Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, is only about a two-hour drive north of Sydney. Visitors can drink and dine at some of the region’s best wineries and restaurants, or they can take a sunrise hot air balloon ride. The Hunter Valley is ideal for a three-day road trip for those long romantic weekends.

Sydney’s Northern Beaches

There are plenty of beaches to choose from in Sydney’s north, and you could spend a day (or a weekend) lazing on beautiful beaches and sampling the local cuisine. Working your way through Manly Beach, Shelly Beach, Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Freshwater Beach, and more is ideal for those who don’t want to spend too much time driving.