Author: ExpatGo Freelancers

Tucked away along the coast of Melaka lies the Portuguese Settlement, one of the city’s most distinctive heritage enclaves. Established in the early 20th century, but rooted in a much older colonial history, this small coastal community still carries the traces of Portuguese life, where traditions, language, and food have blended into something unique. This article contributed by Sabine Ferrão Portuguese explorers first arrived in Melaka (then Malacca) in the 16th century, leaving behind not only churches and fortresses, but also a lasting influence on language, food, music, and traditions. The first explorer to arrive in Melaka was Diego Lopes…

Brickfields, KL’s vibrant Little India, is a cultural enclave brimming with history, bustling markets, and iconic temples, standing resilient amid rapid urbanisation. Brickfields, known to locals as the ‘Indian part’ of Kuala Lumpur, is a modern-day cultural village nestled among the bouquet of vibrant and happening towns that make up the city center. Despite its old age, its beauty has not been lost on anyone—you know you’re in Brickfields once you see a plethora of colours at every corner, coming from their famous sidewalk arches and intricately-carved temples between corporate silvers and blues of glass skyscrapers. Still at the mercy…

For those embarking on a culinary adventure in Melaka, exploring the city’s rich Nyonya heritage is a must. From rich curries to sweet desserts, here’s a guide to the essential dishes that define authentic Peranakan cuisine. When friends talk about going on a food trip to Melaka, I always think, “Ah well, that should be an easy enough trail to plan.” Being a Melakan girl myself, I never really considered how challenging it was to fit everything you had to try in Melaka into a weekend. My list usually starts out simple enough – visitors have to taste the naan…

In Southeast Asia, the pleasures of the palate are inextricably linked to culture and heritage, no matter the country you’re in. One food-focused writer found her time in Cambodia to be both illuminating… and indulgent! Last year, after editing a dear friend’s cookbook, I wrote the following in dedication to the opportunity: “My few short years as a budding freelance travel writer have taught me that the power of food extends beyond what is served on the table in front of you; it is most potent when combined with a story of origin and the person behind the recipe.” As…

Some expats move abroad with their families, but plenty more embark on their time as a global citizen in solo mode. Violet Lim, the founder of Asia’s largest dating company, reveals seven key points for expats to keep in mind if they’re looking for love. As a professional matchmaker, I have met tens of thousands of singles across Asia over the last 15-plus years. The dating company I founded, Lunch Actually, has had a growing number of single expats enquiring about our services as well. For personal or work reasons, it is now common for people to choose to leave…

Penang Thaipusam is a grand blend of devotion, tradition, and celebration. From sacred kavadi rituals to dazzling chariot processions and endless South Indian delicacies, this is a festival like no other. Clad in bright yellow and chanting “Vel Vel,” devotees carry milk pots on their heads and kavadis harnessed to their bodies to fulfil their annual vows. Any thoughts of distance, weight, or weather fade against the rhythmic beat of traditional percussion, the vibrant surroundings, and the heavenly scent of rose water and sandalwood. Barefoot yet unfazed by the scorching path, Hindus of all ages and abilities undertake this spiritual journey, just as their Tamil ancestors…

Virtual, cloud, or ‘ghost’ kitchens have reshaped Malaysia’s food scene, offering convenience and innovation, but not without controversy. While some operate transparently as shared kitchens, others mislead consumers with duplicate brands and questionable practices. It’s hard to believe that we’re nearing the five-year anniversary of that first fateful ‘Movement Control Order’ that effectively began the long pandemic period here in Malaysia. Since that first lockdown, though, my family has gotten a little attached to food delivery apps. And I can safely bet many Malaysians are subscribed to at least one service, too. At times it could be more entertaining browsing…

Manglish, Malaysia’s unique fusion of languages, is more than just quirky grammar and slang. This fascinating blend reflects the country’s rich multicultural identity, and for expats, learning even a little can be a game-changer in fostering deeper connections and understanding. Do you speak Manglish? Even if you’ve never heard this word before, chances are you’re been exposed to it on a daily basis. A portmanteau of ‘Malaysian’ and ‘English,’ Manglish can be heard in the odd grammar of phrases such as how many you want or where got? or its famously cryptic series of lahs and mahs slapped to the end of sentences. (The Singaporean variant of this…

In history-rich Malacca, stories of secret subterranean passageways have long been whispered. Historian Dennis De Witt takes a closer look with his well-researched exploration of myths, legends, and lost treasures in Malaysia’s historical cradle. Back on the 10th of June 2017, local social networks – at least those focused on history and heritage – were abuzz with excitement after a popular local daily published an article with the news that an old secret tunnel linking St Paul’s Hill to St John’s Hill at Malacca (Melaka) had been found. It was reported that an official from the Malacca State Museum Authority…