Selamat Datang to Penang, Malaysia! I am a native Malay (Melayu) from Penang, Malaysia. I, too, am a frequent traveller. I am currently employed as an occupational therapist/ ergotherapist at Penang General Hospital, where I serve patients with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. I don't drink alcohol/party, nor do I smoke/use recreational drugs.

My home is located on the mainland, very close to the Penang Second Bridge, which makes it easy to travel to the island using Grab or public transport. It’s a convenient spot for exploring both sides of Penang. As much as I love spending time with my guests, I do have a busy weekday work schedule. I usually leave for the office around 6 AM and return around 6 PM—sometimes later, depending on the day. That said, I always make it a point to have dinner with my guest whenever possible. That shared time is precious to me—it’s when we get to connect, reflect, and exchange stories. If you’re staying on a weekday, you’re welcome to follow me to the island in the morning. I can drop you off at the bus station, where you can catch a bus to Georgetown or other parts of Penang. On weekends, I’m more flexible and can spend more quality time with you. If schedules align, I’d be happy to take you around the island and show you places that are close to my heart. Now about me....I’m just an ordinary guy with a slightly different way of seeing life and the soul. I believe that every moment in our lives is deeply interconnected—that nothing happens by chance. Whether it’s a long friendship or a brief encounter through Couchsurfing, I cherish every soul connection I make along the way. And I'm a vegetarian since Jan 2020, after my return from India when I suddenly lost the urge to eat meat. To me, the universe has its own quiet language, and I’ve come to trust its rhythm. I see blessings in every twist and turn, even when they’re hidden at first. Life is a journey not just of places, but of people and presence—and I’m grateful for every step and every soul I meet.

CURRENT MISSION See the world, live my life to the fullest, get along with people and be happy:) ABOUT ME I'm an open and likable person. I love traveling and meeting people from different countries and of different ethnic origins. Sometimes I'm afraid that I will not live long enough to see everything I'd like to see in the world :)

*Not hosting currently but I'm good to meet up for meal or coffee* I host the Couchsurfing Penang Friday meet up (since 2014). Occasionally organize hikes, roadtrip, foodtrip or charity road tripping. Born and raised in Georgetown, Penang. I like photography, food, and world cultures. I have been to all 14 states in Malaysia and has traveled to more than 14 countries so far. I have special interest on culture and weddings of the world. I hope to get invitations to different types of cultural events or even weddings as a cultural experience. If you are keen to extend an invitation, I'd be more than happy to join! If you happen to be in my hometown, I can show you around and suggest some places to eat Malay food and activities to do for the best memorable experience in Penang. If I'm able to I'll invite you to some family and friends' weddings, festive open houses, charity road trips in rural Malaysia, or just food hunting if I am available.

Born in the little island of Penang, a place where you can experience diverse culture, people and amazing foods of Malaysia. Like to travel and started my first travel out of the country was to Taiwan few years ago. Since then, I have been addicted deeply in travel and planning trip for myself from time to time. I'm hoping that one day I could get off from desk and step on backpacking journey to explore the world, meet with local and learn their culture. My Insta: austintobe

Update 2026: Hey! Its me Nabel !! I was born and raised in this little island Penang .Started CS when im still a student and already working now .I'm an engineer by profession but but of course Traveller by Passion! To be sincere,its really hard and awkward to describe myself but i can tell you that I am Simple and Open to talk on any topics!! I would definitely love to make new friends from other nation and hope to learn their cultures.Currently I’m not hosting because of some reason, and I’m not always in Penang but if you want to write to me please do ,I’ll try to reply as soon as possible if I’m not busy. If you're new to CS, Dont Hesitate to ask me about stuff I'll be very happy to help, I was once a new guy in CS and I've met some of the best people here that came to my life, I'm keen to show that CS is good and safe place to all! Not to forget, I'm a foodie and yes if you're coming to Penang,LET's go for food huntingg, and If you're coming to Penang on the month of Ramadhan, let's do the Ramadan Bazaar food hunt! Lately I'm into drone video/photography, capturing mosque architecture videos is my fav now! Some Advice: 1.Please do not Treat CS like tinder 🙏 (I'm tired of guys not wanting to hangout and also if you had one that's another world of living) 2. I DONT DRINK, SMOKE OR PARTY🎉 because of my religious beliefs as a Muslim, It's not that we can't have fun , but there's a thousand more things to do than get drunk and parties.

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION IF YOU WANT TO GET HOSTED. If you are currently living in russia or travalled to russia after 24.02.2022 or support the russian war against Ukraine, do not contact me. I am currently living in Kuala Ketil - a small village in Kedah, and working for a condom manufacturer. The weekends I spend in my apartment in Penang, so I’m able to host in both places. If you want me to host you in Penang I can only do it on FRIDAY and/or SATURDAY. Please make sure that you arrive before 9pm. If you would like me to host you, here are some simple rules: -Travelling in a group? Please link to your co-travellers' profiles. If I accept you I am going to ask for one request per person. This means I can give each of you an individual reference, and vice-versa. -I do appreciate it when couchsurfers try to be nice and bring me souvenirs but unfortunately I can't accept any material gifts since I'm trying to live with as little stuff as possible. If you’ve made it this far, please start your request with “Slava Ukraini”.

Currently in Penang for my dad’s medication