World music lovers take note, The Penang World Music Festival returns Mar 30-31 at the Penang Botanic Gardens and promising 12 different acts. Among the performers are folk band Mu from Portugal, West African singer Kimi Djabate, ethnic music performers Inka Marka from South America, pop-rock group Kalayo from the Philippines and Malaysian band Akasha. A project of the Penang State Tourism Development and Culture Office, tickets are RM80 (B772) per day. Penang offers a host of new boutique hotels to stay at while in town, including 23 Love Lane, an estate comprising buildings constructed at various times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries: The Anglo Indian Bungalow, The Straits Eclectic Building, The 1920s Jack Roof Annex and The Indian Shophouse. Rates start at RM500 (B4,825).

www.penangworldmusic.gov.my