I geared up for a long day of travel. I took the ferry back from Ko Samui island to the mainland and continued by private vehicle to cross the border into Malaysia and on to George Town, Penang. Then, I had a full day in Penang. I explored the busy streets and checked out the colorful famous street art. There’s bustling local culture and colonial history. Founded as a free port, George Town was settled and colonized by the British. Though in 1946, the Straits Settlements were dissolved and Penang was merged into the Federation of Malaya. Nicknamed the “Pear of the Orient,” Penang is well known for its soft sandy beaches and is thought to be a hub for all kinds of food. There’s some must have dishes including Char Koay Teow (signature flavor ‘wok hei’), Penang Assam Laksa (rich and spicy fish-based soup with noodle broth), Penang Rojak (thick syrupy peanut sauce with fruit), Mee Goreng (chili noodle stir-fry dish), and Chendol (shaved ice coconut dessert) to name a few. I even tasted some slimy durian, which isn’t like any other fruit I’ve tried. Old George Town is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and has fascinating history as well as pubs, artsy boutiques, cafés, and studios. I visited some of the tourist attractions and included the highlights in this video. I had a very memorable and reflective experience at the Kek Lok Si Temple and surrounding Buddhist temple complex. The Penang Botanic Gardens were also stunning. When you visit Penang you’ll see how much there is to see and explore. Thanks so much for watching my vlog! I had a great time visiting Malaysia and hope you enjoy more of my explorations.