Packet of national interest: At street stalls along the roads, on a table under the shade of trees or at the breakfast table at coffee shops, you will see little pyramid-shaped packets. Some are green in colour as they use the original wrapping of banana leaves, while others are brown as they're wrapped in oiled paper, or newsprint lined with plastic. This frequently seen item happens to be a favourite breakfast or any time-of-day snack: NASI LEMAK. This is the most basic yet fondly sought-after version of one of our national foods.

From primary school-goers to office meeting refreshments and elderly friends gathering, it’s part of the list of foods of choice.

It's rice cooked in coconut cream, pandan leaf and salt (more elaborate versions are available too) and is served with some anchovy sambal (or basic sambal sauce with fried fish) and half of a hardboiled egg. It brings satisfaction to most Malaysians from all walks of life. Some of these packets may have different combinations of condiments, like dried fish curry, prawn sambal, roasted peanuts with a slice of cucumber or deep-fried anchovies too, but every packet most definitely has its namesake, that is coconut cream rice. You must try it!

A Siamese (Thai) temple founded in 1845, which is an oasis of the Siamese culture and way of life here in Penang, Malaysia. Festivals and cultural practices are observed throughout the year, such as Songkran, Loy Kratong, and Khatina to name a few. Tasty Thai Coconut ice cream can be enjoyed here too!

It was in 1948 when the temple officially came to be known as Wat Chaiya Mangalaram.

Niches for the ashes of the departed are found beneath and near the serene 33-m-long Reclining Buddha statue which ensures a constant stream of visitors not only for sightseeing but for very personal reasons, too. Initially, when the statue was crafted in 1958, it was in the open, but later a building was constructed to keep it from the effects of the elements.

A visit to this temple means removing your footwear and hats when entering. However, you are permitted to take as many photographs as you like and participate in its daily rituals.

Another must-visit cultural landmark in Penang.

This is my current favourite night market and operates only on Mondays. It isn’t as crowded as some others, but it has a wider representation of food from all communities. My favourite is the snack called Lekor. It’s a popular deep-fried fish-based finger food that is either a crispy cracker or like a sausage, eaten with a yummy sweet and spicy sauce. It's prominent in the Malay community and originally from the Eastern Coast state of Terengganu, which faces the South China Sea.

Here are some of my recommendations when visiting night markets: 

- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Most of the markets are located on tarred roads, therefore it isn’t even terrain.

- Although it's an island, we do not have people walking around in beachwear unless it’s the Batu Ferringhi night market. Wear shorts and t-shirts.

- Payment for most items is in cash (Malaysian Ringgit), but some traders use the cashless Touch & Go system. Most things sold at night markets are not expensive.

- As it's crowded, do be aware of your personal belongings. Avoid wearing jewellery.

- Photography is generally ok, but do ask permission.

- Bring wet wipes and tissues if you intend to have a meal.

- Prices are displayed as per trade law. So, even if you can’t speak the local language, you will know the price.

- Each night market has a slight variation in the cost of things as per their target market. Batu Ferringhi has what we call “tourist prices,” while the others are for the locals.

- Haggling is not usually practised here.

- If there is a storm, chances are very high that the night markets will not operate.