Penang - Qiblat

Malaysia is a muslim country. The religion was introduced to the region centuries ago by visiting Arab traders. The whole country is dotted with beautifully decorated, elaborate mosques. I didn't expect to find one in my room though! Well, not quite a mosque, but on the ceiling is an arrow pointing out to sea, labeled "Qiblat".

It's a handy sign for muslim people when they pray. As they need to pray in the direction of Mecca, this is a handy arrow that takes the guess work out of praying in the right direction. Very useful. I'm not sure what the average drunken yob staying in the room would make of it though...