In the morning, as the Sultan is about to be driven to the air show, we head to the airport. The 30-minute flight in a propeller plane is delayed because of the air show, but we do get a glimpse of the powerful engines and see the planes dropping colourful stars, a substitute for the bombs they usually carry. Once we take-off the breathtaking vista of blue and green, the multitude of islands and the sparkling sun is breathtaking.

In Penang we visit the mansion of Cheong Fatt Tze, a Chinese merchant whose motto was: Whatever people need, I will provide for them. Indeed he did. The mansion, highly-praised for its successful renovation, was built according to the rules of feng shui and was featured in the 1993 Academy Award-winning film Indochine starring Catherine Deneuve. For 60 euros a night, guests have the privilege to wander around, so long as they heed the guide's sharp warning not to peep into private spaces.

We head to Georgetown, a unique UNESCO site blending Chinese, Indian and British colonial buildings. A group of students ask what we are doing there, where we come from and so on, and they are pleased to hear that we are writing about Malaysia and recommend a visit to the tropical spice garden, which we do; I know have an idea about how cloves grow and how cinnamon looks.

Located on the beach, our hotel features a newly-opened swimming pool area for families, a jacuzzi, sunbeds, bars and exquisite food, while on the beach is an array of water sports, horse riding and spa treatments offered by locals. It would be rude not to, so we pamper ourselves before heading back to the night market to purchase a smart blend of handicrafts and local art.