PicsArt Monthly December Issue 2013 | Page 53

Feature: Destination Travel to Malaysia The most unique shots in Malaysia and where to get them If you’re thinking about where to take your next photography vacation and you want somewhere with stunning natural beauty, a fascinating mix of cultures and gorgeous islands too, look no further than Malaysia. Bordered by Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, not only is Malaysia a hotbed of cultural diversity, it also has a strong personality of its own. Although you will find something extraordinary on every trip to this scintillating country, here are some photographers’ tips for where to go to capture the most unforgettable shots. Penang Island Though Penang is a state, it’s the island of the same name that should be the focus of your Malaysia photo tour when you’re in the north-west of the country. The easy-going nature of the people of Penang Island and their truly phenomenal food, including the eponymous curry, might distract you from the fantastic architecture and the many other opportunities to build a fascinating travel photo gallery, but a short photo walk around the capital of George Town will yield some amazing results. If you’re lucky enough to visit Penang during the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, you’ll see many Chinese Malaysians burning huge piles of fake “hell money” and leaving offerings of food and drinks outside their homes to appease the souls of people who weren’t properly mourned when they died. Chinese Malaysians are the second largest ethnic group in Malaysia after the ethnic Malay, so seeing and capturing their culture up close and personal is an exciting opportunity that you won’t want to squander. @hp1986