Top 10 - What to See and Do Soak in the sun at one of the many beaches, explore the quaint nooks and crannies of George Town, feast on delicacies from hawker street stalls, shop at the many quaint night markets and much more. Offering the best of Asia, Penang 's sights and sounds reflect the colourful heritage of her many races and the pride of her people. Be it lush tropical gardens or ornately designed temples and unique heritage buildings, Penang will give you a glimpse into a world where nature, tradition and history blend into a rich cultural tapestry.Live like a local and see what laid back Penangites love to indulge in - travel in trishaws and shop at the many quaint night markets. Be adventurous and explore! Though there are definitely more than 10 interesting things to do in Penang, here's our Top 10 picks of “must-dos” when visiting the Pearl of the Orient.
no.1 The Streets of George Town Experience the unique charms of Straits eclectic architecture and sights from our colonial past that has earned George Town a place in Unesco‟s heritage site listing. Here, every clanhouse and building represents a page of Penang‟s colourful history and every street corner has a tale to tell. Better still, join the guided walking tours organised by Penang Heritage Trust (from RM50/person) or do with „green wheels‟ – via a bicycle or trishaw package tour by Metro Bike www.metrobike.com.my (from RM88/person).
no.2
Penang famous hawker fare Penangites love to eat – that is a fact. And as the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do! Penang street food encompasses Chinese, Malay and Indian “fast food” all served in a matter of minutes! Eating by the roadside stalls and coffee shops is an experience second to none as you watch locals of all races indulge in their favourite past time – food!
no.3 Penang Hill At 821m above sea level, Penang Hill visitors will be privy to some of the grandest colonial mansions (which are now restaurants and guests houses) while enjoying the cool, refreshing air and panoramic views of the island. Take a short 30-minute cable car ride up Penang Hill from the funicular station in Air Itam or trek up the hill via the Botanic Gardens – a three-hour hike through lush foliage of the rainforest.
no.4 Places of worship Grand churches, elaborate Buddhist and Indian temples and magnificent mosques are all part and parcel of the local culture. Be it the St George‟s Church (built in 1816), Kapitan Keling Mosque, Kek Lok Si Temple, Snake Temple (yes, there are live snakes inside!) or Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the different races often converge at these places of worship to practice their faith and it is indeed, a sight to be hold.
no.5 National Park (Muka Head) While Penang‟s National Park in Pantai Acheh may be the smallest in the country, it is by no means less impressive. Eco-attractions like the pristine Pantai Kerachut beach and meromictic lake (a body of sea water and fresh water that do not mix) provide the perfect spot for picnics and fishing, swimming and trekking. Boat rides can also be arranged or those who want to visit the nearby islands. Also, do look out for the old lighthouse which was built in 1883 – it is still operational and visitors are welcome!
no.6 The Weld Quay Clan Jetties The clan jetties perched on the backwaters of George Town are home to five main Chinese clans – Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee and Yeoh. Today, the young ones, who no longer depend on the sea for a living, have moved out of the settlement while their elders continue to enjoy the wooden jetties‟ laidback lifestyle. These humble, rickety jetties are a living heritage that serves as a reminder of the island‟s stature as an important maritime port and the pioneer Chinese immigrants who came to seek their fortune here more than a century ago.
no.7 Flea markets, pasar malam and modern shopping malls From the Lorong Kulit and Rope Walk flea markets to the Campbell Street, and Little India traditional shopping areas and modern shopping malls like Gurney Plaza and Queensbay (just to name a few), Penang is a shopper‟s paradise. Even if shopping is not your thing, do spare a few hours browsing (especially at the local antique shops and handicraft centres) because it‟ll be worth your while! Bargaining is a skill that is best honed in Penang where the traders are quite a friendly lot.
no.8 Batu Ferringhi Beach With its sandy shores and vast open sea, Batu Ferringhi offers an amazing respite from the hustle and bustle of town. Check into any one of the resorts that line the stretch and spend your afternoon soaking in the soothing sound of lapping waves and bright sunny rays of this tropical paradise. At night, the popular tourist belt comes to life as traders hawk their wares while eateries bring out their best menus to satiate even the most discerning of palates. The Batu Ferringhi night market offers some eye-catching knick-knacks including wood carvings, silver jewellery, crockery and display items.
no.9 Upper Penang Road and Chulia Street For those who love to drink and party, the Upper Penang Road party hotspot in George Town comes alive when the sun descends on the horizon. Here, you will find pubs, karaoke lounges and clubs with live bands where the drinks keep flowing and the beat keeps thumping! At nearby Chulia Street, backpackers chill and bond in little budget motels, coffee shops and watering holes that serve relatively cheap(er) beer and drinks.
no.10 Butterfly Farm This tropical butterfly farm in Teluk Bahang is so famous that it was visited by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife when they came to Penang for a private holiday in 2008. A live museum with winged beauties fluttering about as well as a breeding research centre, the farm is an eco-tourism gem indeed.
A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.
Top 10 What to Eat
Top 10 What to See and Do
Top 10 Where to Stay
Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but her myriad of flavours are definitely unique to the island state. Learn More
Offering the best of Asia, Penang 's sights and sounds reflect the colourful heritage of her many races and the pride of her people.n Penang , the journey never ends and the excitement never stops. Learn More
The hotels listed here are selected as the best in their respective categories – having set the standards for others to follow or simply trailblazers who have carved their very own niche in the competitive hospitality industry. Learn More
Penang, MICE Destination Penang‟s alluring charms and unique attributes together with its many-faceted cultures make it a favourite of many as a Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) destination. The easy going lifestyle on Penang is a result of the melting pot of cultures, religions and food. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town in particular, is a total fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races, evidence of which is apparent everywhere, from cuisine to architecture. The fascinating culture is complemented by golden beaches and tranquil seas. One would have to search far and wide to find an island blessed with so many natural attractions. It is truly a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone, from historical buffs and nature park enthusiasts to those just wanting to relax on a sun-drenched beach. Read more...
Water Babies... The Weld Quay Clan Jetties Waterfront Settlement The houses used to have atap roofs but these have since been replaced with zinc sheets. The six clan jetties may be located at the backwaters of George Town but the 6ha area is home to a priceless piece of Penang‟s history and a living heritage that serves as a reminder of one of South East Asia‟s most important maritime ports. Read more...
Malaysia My 2nd Home Programme Thinking of settling in Penang? The Malaysia My 2nd Home (MM2H) programme allows citizens of other countries to retire and reside in Malaysia with their spouses, children, parents and even in-laws. MM2H is promoted by the Government of Malaysia to allow foreigners who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a multiple-entry social visit pass. Read more...
Top 10 - What to Eat Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but her myriad of flavours are definitely unique to the island state. With each race offering their own traditional fare, foodies will be spoilt for choice. Although every culture has their signature dishes, they are also influenced by other cooking styles and have managed to come up with their own special creations that represent a beautiful blend of tastes and spices.
no.1 Nasi Kandar Rice served with an unending list of curries and dishes meticulously prepared with fish, chicken, squid, prawns and beef – a hearty meal for those who love aromatic spices!
no.2 Laksa There are two variations of the Laksa – one is sour and tangy while the other is cooked with rich coconut milk.
no.3 Char Koay Teow This flat, fried white noodle dish has been described as a taste of heaven and it is certainly no exaggeration!
no.4 Hokkien Mee The Penang version of this dish is craved by many including those who do not hail from the state. The yellow noodle cooked in tasty prawn soup is definitely a local favourite!
no.5 Nyonya dishes, deserts and kuih The Nyonya community‟s cooking skills are legendary. Infused with herbs and spices, the dishes are a perfect accompaniment to steaming white rice while the desserts and local cakes (kuih) are a sight to behold with their unique soft texture and colourful appearance – sinfully delicious.
no.6 Rojak A delicious mix of fresh fruits and vegetables like pineapples, cucumber and water apples with cuttlefish slices. Generously topped with a local prawn paste dressing, it is a heady combination indeed!
no.7 Bukit Tambun Seafood Bukit Tambun on the mainland is only a short distance from the Penang Bridge and serves some of the cheapest and freshest variety of seafood in the country! Indulge in succulent prawns, tasty crabs and your favourite fish dish without burning a hole in your pocket.
no.8 Pasembur A slightly different version of the Rojak, the Pasembur features a mix of deep fried items and shredded vegetables. The dressing is a peanutbased sweet sauce that will leave you hungering for more.
no.9 Eurasian food Sourcing for authentic Eurasian cuisine maybe a bit of a challenge because the community is dwindling in numbers. However, the Little Penang Street Market at Upper Penang Road (only on the last Sunday of each month) and a small Eurasian restaurant tucked away along Kelawai Road serve very good Eurasian specialties. Among the popular dishes are the Debel (Devilled) Curry, pickles, sweetmeat, roasts, patties, spicy Mulligatawny Soup,
kedgerees, stews and pies.
no.10 Bak Kut Teh Pork ribs simmered in herbal soup, Bak Kut Teh is a well-loved Chinese dish. Often, regulars will request for “extras” like pork intestines and pork skin. Eaten with white rice, nothing beats a steaming hot bowl of Bak Kut Teh!
Water Babies... The Weld Quay Clan Jetties Waterfront Settlement The houses used to have atap roofs but these have since been replaced with zinc sheets. The six clan jetties may be located at the backwaters of George Town but the 6ha area is home to a priceless piece of Penang‟s history and a living heritage that serves as a reminder of one of South East Asia‟s most important maritime ports. The birth place of many community leaders and successful merchants, Weld Quay is a crime-free settlement – a claim several residents attest to. Here, people consider their neighbours family and would bend over backwards to help each other – a rarity in this modern day and age. The settlement‟s oldest resident is 91-year-old great-grandfather Chew Boon Cheang. The friendly old chap doesn‟t speak a word of English but will flash the warmest smile whenever he sees a tourist visiting the settlement. His parents were pioneer immigrants who came to seek their fortune here more than a century ago. Lured by the promise of a better future for their poor families back home, Chinese immigrants from the different clans settled here and lived in groups according to their provinces. The five main clans at the jetties are Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee and Yeoh. There other immigrants stayed together at the Chap Seh Keo (Mixed Surname Jetty). In the old days, traders from Myanmar (then Burma), Acheh and Medan in Indonesia, and Kerabi and Phuket in Thailand would come to Penang, providing opportunities for the Weld Quay settlers who were mainly boatmen, fishermen, odd-job labourers and porters, to earn a good living. Today, the young ones, who no longer depend on the sea for a living, have moved out of the settlement while their elders continue to enjoy the wooden jetties‟ laidback lifestyle. During the Thee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor‟s birthday), Phor Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival) and Kew Ong Yeah (Nine Emperor Gods) festivals, everyone comes home to dutifully embrace their religion, culture and life at the settlement. Indeed, these are the best opportunities for foreign tourists to observe some of the most interesting local ceremonies in Malaysia! Note: The Chew Jetty residents are particularly busy on the ninth day of Chinese New Year. That is when they celebrate the Jade Emperor‟s birthday by making offerings on a 20m-long altar decorated with huge sugarcanes and colourful dragon and fish motive joss sticks. Roasted piglets, traditional cakes and fruits are offered to the deity as fireworks are lit at the stroke of midnight.
At the Lim Jetty, elaborate floats take to the streets during the Hungry Ghost Festival while stage performances are held for the wandering spirits and deities. To mark the end of the annual Kew Ong Yeah (Nine Emperor Gods) Festival, devotees who follow a strict nine-day vegetarian diet are let by mediums to the edge of the sea to “send off” the deities. Lost in a deep trance, these mediums perform mind-boggling feats like bathing in hot oil, walking over hot coals and piercing their bodies with long, sharp objects.
Penang, MICE Destination Penang‟s alluring charms and unique attributes together with its many-faceted cultures make it a favourite of many as a Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) destination. The easy going lifestyle on Penang is a result of the melting pot of cultures, religions and food. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town in particular, is a total fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races, evidence of which is apparent everywhere, from cuisine to architecture. The fascinating culture is complemented by golden beaches and tranquil seas. One would have to search far and wide to find an island blessed with so many natural attractions. It is truly a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone, from historical buffs and nature park enthusiasts to those just wanting to relax on a sun-drenched beach.
Discover Your Memorable Visits At Penang Tourist Attractions Penang Tourist Attractions A vacation to escape the chilling winter this season? Or to find a place to relax during long school holidays? Then, why not give Penang Island a try? Penang is a perfect place for all vacationist, young and old alike. And with the scores of Penang Tourist Attractions that showcase the culture, the beauty& the charm on this lovely island - It is a trip worth visiting and remembering. There are so much to tell about the places of interest in Penang that has developed into a unique & special characteristic.
No Way! Is the answer, if you say that you can explore the whole of Penang Island in just days or even in weeks. There are simply too many great places to go, to explore and to discover. And if you really scrutinize every nook and cranny of Penang, you'll find that it's amazing that Penang Tourist Attractions has it all - Exotic tropical beaches, famous heritage trail, exiting nature parks, multi-cultural worshippers places & of course - beautiful gardens & hills. Killing few birds in one stone is all I can describe.
When you walk along the corner of the famous Chulia and Beach Street, you'll get to see the colonial quarters such as Fort Cornwallis, Esplanade, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion & many others historical buildings. Just make sure that you wear a comfortable running shoes and a bring a bottle of mineral water cos', there'll going to be a lot of walking to do. If you found that the hot sunny weather of Penang is too much to bear, retreat yourself to a more cooler places at another Penang Tourist Attractions - The Penang Hills. With the temperature at around 20 to 25 degree Celsius, it is a place for you to rejuvenate your body by enjoying the cool and fresh air of the forested hill. You can also catch some of the great Penang view from here.
For the fun loving and outdoor enthusiast , there are numerous beaches that is worth to explore into such as Batu Feringghi, Teluk Bahang, Muka Head and etc. You won't get to see clear blue water like those in the distance island such as Redang or Tioman but all this can be compensated with an exciting water sports added with numerous adventurous activities: Parachuting, canoeing, horse riding and sailing just to name a few. And not forgetting - A FREE! Sun tanning for all.
Due to the fact that Penang is a multi religious society - Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Taoism can be preached here. That is why you will get to see in Penang, an abundance of worship places that cater for nearly every faith. Some of the popular ones which are the Penang Tourist Attractions will be Kek Lok Si Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Mahamariamman Temple, St. Anne Church, Khoo Kongsi and others. If you plan to visit these places, just make sure that you wear a decent attire and try not to bring any food or alcohol into the place of worship. Penang Tourist Attractions also consists of beautiful landscape parks such as botanical garden at Jalan Air Terjun - A great place to take picture. The flora and fauna of this parks are simply awesome. You'll get to see various species of birds, flowers, trees & butterflies that welcome your every visit. With so much to do and look forward to in one trip, what else could you ask for in a vacation? All you need is to find a nice and interesting place for a vacation - Why scratch your head and make things too difficult for you? Come and experience yourself the spectacular moments at Penang - The gateway to Asia's greatest travel destination.
The Little India of Georgetown Not many visitors and tourists to George Town's famous Little India enclave know that the area's name was adopted by the local authorities only nine years ago. But whatever it is named, visitors hardly fail to sense the remarkable nostalgic charm and almost innocent simplicity of the area. And no wonder, Little India breathes a rich living history that spans over two centuries. Culture here throbs with antiquity and tradition. The area has now become a magnet for heritage enthusiasts, international conservationists and tourists. Little India, with its intriguing inner city surroundings that comprise a copious collection of historic attractions of the colonial era such as a 19th century fort, courthouse, church, mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese clan enclaves, entices a great deal of fascination and interest. To the hundreds of residents and workers who ply here, the area bears a simple unspoken homeliness. For the people of Little India, the charming area has always been very much a part of their lives. The dynamism of the different trades renders a fascinating cornucopia of living activity depicting a rich, unique Malaysian culture.
Music stores blare movie songs in Hindi and Tamil next to shops bedecked with flowing silk sarees. Rows of pre-war terrace shophouses teem with seemingly everything Indian - from pottery and stainless steel cutlery to spices and sundries, from jewellery to flower garlands. There are barbers and astrologers, millers and grocers, money changers and fruit sellers, South Indian restaurants and herb dealers. The sheer colour, vestige and energy make the community stand in romantic defiance against the waves of industrialisation and development that have swept through most parts of Penang over the years.
One of the most imposing landmarks in the area is the 167-year old Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Queen Street, probably better known for the scores of fluttering pigeons that flock its entrance than for the fact that it is Penang island's first Hindu temple. Tucked away at a quiet corner of Little India, the temple's ornate sculptures depicting Hindu gods and mythology, and its peculiar solitude lend it an instant, poignant air of solace. "The area is not just important for heritage," says Penang Heritage Trust secretary Khoo Salma Nasution. "It contains a special living community that should not be displaced. What we have here is an existing historic community." "We have to adopt special incentives to encourage the community to stay on, or we risk having a special part of our culture and history disappearing." Khoo's fears are not unfounded. Some say the recent repeal of the Rent Control Act on New Year's Day 2000 offers the most critical turning point for Little India. Many worry that the rentals in the shophouses will skyrocket, leading to an exodus of tenants from the area.
Both local traders and heritage conservationists are urgently addressing the issue. The repeal threatens to disperse more than just the local economy - it may destroy an entire tradition. But many hope that the cultural and commercial draw of the area may still prove too robust for locals to risk moving away elsewhere. Little India remains an attractive place to invest in. There is
almost always a ready and lucrative market here. However, some senior citizens, such as 73-year old Harbans Singh Kalra, are apprehensive about the ability of Little India's current crop of young traders to maintain the rigorous business standards set by earlier generations. Kalra migrated here with his father in the 40s as a spirited 25-year old from Bangkok. They operated a business, importing and exporting betelnuts, at an office in Beach Street for many years. "In those days, people were willing to work hard and long for good business. But times have changed. Youngsters today are different. They want instant rewards and are less willing to work hard." Traditional herbal medicine dealer P.P. Govindan, who has operated in the area since 1962, also has a word of caution for Little India's new generation."Youngsters today indulge in excessive drinking and smoking. Such activities are harmful not only to the body, but also to mind and spirit," he says. Govindan offers "Ayurvedic" medicine for various ailments from his small ground-floor shophouse premise in China Street. Many people come to him, he says, because they find modern western medicinal treatment ineffective. "Foreign tourists and locals, including the Chinese, come for cures on ailments such as asthma, cough, hear failure, sinus, migraine and eye problems." Govindan is proud to make available an ancient science of healing to modern islanders from his old shop crammed with shelves of bottled medicines. "Ayurvedic medicines have been used by our people for thousands of years. They contain no chemicals and do not cause side-effects," he stresses, forefinger lifted in an arresting pose of elderly wisdom. Few of Little India's myriad personalities over the ages can match the striking character of the late Jivatram Binwani, a traditional palmist more affectionately known in the locality as "Kakaji" till his passing away last year. Enchantingly eccentric, Kakaji used to sit in an office stacked with scrapbooks of newspaper clippings, old magazines and astrology books, on the first floor of a creaky wooden shophouse in Penang Street. His clients, who included businessmen, housewives, lawyers and lottery seekers, were usually caught rooted to their chairs as he delivered advice in forceful, robust spurts. "If the government is serious about preserving Little India," he once said. "It should allow more Indian stalls and hawkers along the streets. The area must have a carnival mood at all times." "We should have more dance and music schools, fortune tellers and Ayurvedic centres. These are riches we have inherited from our forefathers." "So long as we do not forget our culture, our roots, Little India will always be very, very special in our hearts." Courtesy of www.tourismpenang.gov.my © All rights reserved
The History of Little India in Penang History of Little India This meticulously regimented network was among the earliest parts of George Town planned under the administration of Sir Francis Light, the English founder of Penang. The area is hence now referred to as the "Francis Light Grid" - a rectangular network bordered by Leith Street, Beach Street, Chulia Street and Pitt Street (now Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling). Streets within the grid were pertinently named to reflect the period during which they were built. Names such as Market Street, King Street, Queen Street and Penang Street - all now form the heart of Little India - are still used today. Heritage researcher and author Khoo Salma Nasution notes that Muslim sailors and stevedores from south India lived along parts of King Street which the Tamils call"Padavukara Tharuva" or "the Street of Boatmen".
Market Street, which now forms the heart of the Indian enclave, was called "Kadai Teru" or "Street of Shops". The British called it "Chola Place" or "Little Madras". Several other Indian communities, mainly merchants and traders, also arrived in large numbers over the years. These included the Gujaratis, Punjabis, Malayalees and Telugus. Many of these were traders who set up their businesses within the grid, contributing to the area's throbbing cultural milieu. It was in fact very common until only a few years ago, for folks to live on the top floor of their shophouses while operating their businesses on the ground floor.
According to Khoo, who is also Penang Heritage Trust secretary, George Town was a popular stop for Indians on their way to work in Kuala Lumpur and the rubber plantations in other parts of the peninsula. Many however stayed on, contributing to the gradual establishment of a large Indian community here. The early part of this century saw two major Indian village settlements sprouting up at Chulia Street, across the King Street junction. Veteran Tamil writer Anthony Muthu, 70, remembers the childhood days he spent at the two neighbouring villages of Kampung Yelai or "Village of Leaves" and Kampung Poyelai or "Village of Tobacco". "During the 30s, Tamil stage dramas were regularly performed at an open area next to the villages, attracting large crowds," says Muthu, who also fondly remembers electric trams and passenger rickshaws, more popularly then known as the jin-rickshaw, towed by Chinese runners with towels on their shoulders. The largest influx of Indians and their myriad trades occurred during the early part of the twentieth century. The area then briefly underwent a slight change during the Japanese occupation of the Second World War, when economic activities lulled a bit. The Japanese presence was very much felt in Little India. A few Japanese-owned shops were set up in China Street and King Street. The shops were novelties then. Elderly residents today still remember Japanese shopkeepers displaying dozens of small boxes filled with toys that were sold for between a quarter cent and one cent.
A gradual incursion of modern trades, albeit run by Indians, slowly seeped into the area during the next few decades, but many of the traditional enterprises remained. Spice and onion traders also featured prominently during the 40s and 50s. The streets used to be lined with rows and rows of betel nuts and spices laid out to dry in the sun. As development set in on the island, many traders moved on to deal in other commodities while their offsprings turned to other professions.
But perhaps the most pivotal sign - in true Penang style - that the area needed to reckon with the country's rapid development came sometime in the late 70s - the narrow streets of Little India were all turned one-way. Also situated in Little India is Penang’s oldest Hindu temple which was built in 1833. However, it was only in 1933 that the temple acquired its present form after undergoing extensive renovations. The temple features the Hindu goddess Mariamman in her various incarnations. Among the priceless possessions of this ornate building is a statue of Lord Subramaniam richly decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. During Thaipusam festival, the statue is taken on a chariot procession by Hindu devotees. The temple is open to visitors from 8:00am to 12:00noon and from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Courtesy of www.tourismpenang.gov.my © All rights reserved
Traditional Signboard Maker The traditional signboard maker – A dying trade? In this day and age of colorful and animated LED video billboards, digital displays for advertisements and other fancy forms of signage, one does wonder if there is a place, still, for the traditional, hand carved signboard - the sort of signboard that is found in some Chinese homes and business establishments. If one were to go by the fact that there is only one traditional, handmade signboard maker left in all of Penang (see accompanying story), it would seem that the future of such a craft is bleak. This sad reality is made all the more apparent when one acknowledges that there are, at present, other easier methods of producing carved signboards. Carved wooden signboards are commonly used by residential homes and business enterprises. In the former, signboards serve to display the district in China the owner originated from (hence identifying the family, dialect and clan). They are usually placed above the front door, as this entrance is especially significant as the main point of entry for Chi (positive energy). If this is not possible, signboards are placed in the common area. Business enterprises often use carved signboards to display the company name, in a way very similar to modern signboards. They are also presented to newly opened enterprises to bestow auspicious greetings of prosperity. Some business establishments place modern signboards outside the building but display the traditional ones in the interior.
Mr. Kok Ah Wah, 60, operates a 70 year-old traditional signboard shop in Queen Street which I thought somewhat resembled something out of Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop! Incidentally, a curiosity shop, was, in the 19th century, a place where one could buy second hand goods of a precious, ornamental or antique variety. But in the gloomy environs of the Kok Ying Chow Signboard Maker shop, what you will most likely find is the proprietor, Mr. Kok himself, bent over a wooden board, spectacles sitting on the bridge of his nose, his weathered hands dexterously knocking the outlines of Chinese characters with an old hammer and chisel.
He sits surrounded by completed and half-done signboards of all shapes and sizes, and his only entertainment while working seems to be provided by a radio nearby, softly playing the sounds of popular Chinese songs. A framed collage in the shop displays old photographs and press clippings of some of the more renowned signs he has crafted since he took over the trade from his Guangdong-born father, who started the signboard shop after the second World War. One that I could immediately recognise was a board for the Harper Gilfilan company. Yes, Mr. Kok does signboards in English characters as well.
The process of making a handcarved signboard is pretty straightforward. A piece of sandpapered softboard, cut to size and shape, is treated with a layer of glazing putty to smooth out the surface. When the glazing has dried, the characters to be carved are traced onto the board with carbon paper. This will provide an outline with which to work on. After the characters have been carved, another layer of putty, and thinner, is applied. Finally, the board is painted in two colours, one for the background (usually black, but red and green are also used) and gold for the characters. Completion takes about three weeks.
Nothing quite compares with the pleasure that comes with handmade things, and one should never under-estimate the importance of a well made signboard. Not only does it serve as an excellent advertisement for your business, it will also usher in good tidings and peace for households. Sadly, none of Mr. Kok's siblings, or his children, are interested in taking up the craft of handcarved signboards. A master of a dying trade, he could very well be the last of his kind, at least in Penang. Courtesy of www.tourismpenang.gov.my © All rights reserved
Kek Lok Si - The Majestic Temple Of Penang Kek Lok Si - The Temple of Supreme Bliss The Temple of Supreme Bliss that sits majestically at the hills of Ayer Itams is perhaps one of the remarkable gifts that Penang possesses today. The symbolic and unique characteristic of Kek Lok Si is made well known not only to locals but also to the mass population of Malaysia. It is like a name that closely related to history of Penang as a whole. Right now, it has became one of the top tourist attractions in Penang that is frequent by travelers all around the world.
The History Founded more than 100 years ago by benevolence Beow Lean, a devout Buddhist from Fujian province, the temple was once given the name of "Huock San" (Crane hill) due to the hills resemblance of crane spreading its wings Perhaps benevolence Beow Lean were right when he envisioned setting up a monastery here so that Buddhist traditions will be widely known and accepted by the public. And do you know what? He was right. A man of passion can move a mountain but a man who is deeply devoted can carved one. It is the diligence, determination and devotion of benevolence Beow Lean that bring to the existence of Kek Lok Si and a retreat place of Buddhist tradition in Penang. Impressed by Beow Lean deep devotion of the teaching of Buddhism, the trustee of Kuan Yin Teng (Goddess of Mercy Temple) in Pitt Street, offered him the position of Chief Monk in which he gladly accepted and at the same time he has been nominated as the first abbot of kek lok si. Between the year 1891 to 1905, constructions to build one of the greatest Buddhism temples in Malaysia has finally take shape that consist of series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples and beautiful landscaped gardens. Kek Lok Si Temple even received an imperial sanction Manchu Emperor Kwang Xi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras and some others relics that still exist today. A hand written scripts and calligraphy by His Majesty Emperor Kuang Xi and Empress Cixi of the Ching Dynasty has also been presented to the temple. As of today, these priceless heritage relics still exist in the temple archives.
The Pagoda of 10, 000 buddha
Kuan Yin Statue The Attractions The main attraction of the Kek Lok Si Temple is of course the impressive and striking Pagoda of Rama VI which was completed in the year 1930. It is known to be laid by the Thai Monarch himself. Widely known as Wan Fo Pau Ta or "The Pagoda of 10, 000 Buddhas", The Pagoda displays a collection of Alabaster and Bronze Buddha and it also contains a Chinese octagonal base with middle tiers of the Thai architecture and is tapped with a Burmese Temple crown. And towering over one hundred feet and seven storeys high, The Pagoda is currently the largest of its kind in Malaysia. At the Kek Lok Si Temple ground, it contains beautiful gardens and sacred pond. One of the famous ones will be of course "The Liberation Pond" (Sacred Turtle Pond). Chinese tradition believes that a turtle is a symbol of longevity, strength and endurance. It is an act of spiritual liberation when a turtle is captured and set free in this pond.
Liberation pond
Another interesting view that you can see there will the supreme statue of The four heavenly kings. Sited in the Hall of the Devas (Tian Huang Dian), each of the Mighty Kings controls one of the four points of the compasses. The Heavenly Kings consist of Kwang Mu (Guardian of the West), Tou Wen (Guardian of the North), Ch'i Kuo (Guardian of the East) and lastly Tseg Chang (Guardian of the South). Sitting at the center of The Heavenly Kings are the statue of Maitreya (The Laughing Buddha). It represents the center of the universe that brings happiness, hope and prosperity to the people.
The latest additions to the temple complex include the reconstruction / refurbishment of the huge 30.2 m bronze statue of the Greatly Compassionate & Sagely Kuan Yin Avalokitesvara, the completion of the Guan Tong Great Hall, the Aghast Hall and the installation of an Incline Lift to the statue of kuan Yin. The Kuan Yin statue was completed and opened to the public end of 2002. If you want to get a close-up look of the Kuan Yin statue, look for the signs of the "Incline Lift" that can brings you there. It is an elevated box sized lift mounted on rails. The cost for using the "Inline Lift" will be RM2 each way.
Gardens at the hill top
The Unforgettable View When you have the opportunity to visit Kek Lok Si during the Chinese Lunar New Year on the month of Jan or Feb, you will get to see the glittering and sparkling Buddhist temple that cannot
be found in another place. This is the period where the whole temple if filled with beautiful lantern that light up the hills during the night. It is like you are in a city that comes alive during the night. The fantastic view of the whole glittering temple can be seen clearly at Penang Hills, and don't forget to bring your camera. You would not want to miss the captivating view that will only appear once a year. Err... Not to forget..... Due to hot weather and the amount of walking needed, it is advisable to wear proper attire when you are exploring this temple. Bermuda's, T-shirt and sports shoes are excellent. Your journey will start at the foot of the hills. Along the path that is leading up to the temple, hawker will bombarded you with all kind of souvenir, T shirt and many others memorable. This where you can brings out your bargaining skills. Try to bargain until you can get a reasonable price and if it doesn't work out, you can always buy from another stores.
Stores alongside the pathway leading up to the temple
The 3 main section of the Kek Lok Si
Temple ground - The hill entrance, souvenir sellers, food and drinks, liberation pond. Mid Section - Temples and gardens, the pagoda, four heavenly kings. Hilltop - Statue of Kuan Yin, gardens and temples.
If you have any question that you would like to know about Kek Lok Si, do drop me an E-mail. I’ll reply back to you as soon as possible.
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Opening Hour: Kek Lok Si opens 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm.
Admission: The entrance to the Kek Lok Si Temple is free but the entrance fees to the Pagoda is RM 2.00 per entry. Incline Lift to see the statue of Kuan Yin is RM 2.00 each way. The Kek Lok Si parking fees is RM 2.00 per entry for a car and RM 0.80 per entry for a motorcycles. Taxi from George Town about RM20, from Batu Feringghi about RM30.
Getting There: Getting to Kek Lok Si is very simple. You can take a bus or taxi from George Town. Depending on your location, you can take Rapid Penang Bus U201, U203, U204, U206, T306 and U502. If you come from Batu Ferringhi, taxi is your best choice.
Alternatively, try asking from the hotel that you are staying whether or not they have hotel buses to drop you there. If you drive, look for the signboard that lead to Air Itam. Once you get into Air Itam, you should be able to see the signboard that can direct you to Kek Lok Si.
Wat Chaiyamangkalaram Temple Wat Chaiyamangkalaram (also known as Chayamangkalaram or Chaiya Mangkalaram) is one of the most resplendent Buddhist temples in Penang. It has an outwardly Thai architecture applying vibrant colors and designs. The Siamese temple was built on 1845 at a five-acre land donated by Queen Victoria to the Thai Communities in Penang and is located at the heart of Georgetown along Burma Lane (Lorong Burma) in Pulau Tikus. Although not the oldest, but Wat Chaiyamangkalaram is certainly the largest Buddhist temple in Penang. Its interiors are adorned with a great number of Buddha statues with the most prominent ones include the 33 meters (108ft) reclining Buddha. The colossal size reclining Buddha statue is reputed to be the longest in the world and takes pride of place alongside other famous Buddha colossi found in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and China.
The Wat Chaiyamangkalaram temple architecture is authentic down to the last bit of gold paint on the pagodas - so much so that you'll feel transported to another place and time when wandering about the sprawling grounds. Like the Burmese temple (Dhammikarama) across the road, one is likely to encounter mythical beings and religious icons which dot the grounds. Wat Chaiyamangkalaram reclining Buddha statue is made of gold leaf, while the white of the eyes and the toenails are composed completely of Mother-of-Pearl. Its hair is pulled to a point which symbolizes Buddha's greatest enlightenment. This is called the "enlightenment elevation" and is symbolic of the spiritual power as one strives toward heaven. Also, between the eyes is a dot or "third eye" symbolic of spiritual vision.
"I teach the path to immortality" - Saying ascribed to the Buddha You might not notice it, but the different posture assumed by Buddha signifies different meanings. The reclining Buddha status with serene look, relaxed pose, head resting in the palm of the right hand and the head pointing northwards all reflect the peaceful moment achieved when one achieves the highest state of being. It is the believe of Buddhist communities that the reclining Buddha statue signifies the enlightenment or Nirvana. The temple hall in which this Buddha is housed is also called the Hall of the Thousand Buddha's. You will see on the walls hundreds of little golden sculptures. Underneath the Buddha is a mausoleum, holding the ashes of cremated Buddhist worshipers.
Other attractions at Wat Chaiya temple include enormous dragon serpents, sprawling from the balustrades of the temple's entrance towards the meditation hall. According to legend, these serpents are the link between heaven and earth. Contrary to western beliefs, Oriental mythology holds that serpents and dragons are propitious beings, and are not to be feared. You will also come upon gruesome-looking looking, green-faced beings referred to as Dewas, standing guard before the temple entrance. A great time to visit Wat Chaiya temple is during the traditional Buddhist festivals, the Songkran and the Loy Krathong. Hundreds of Buddhist devotees throng the temple to pray and celebrate the yearly festivals. Visitor are generally welcome to the temple but like any other places of worship in the country, you'll need to keep your voice down, removing footwear before entering the meditation halls and avoid using foul language.
Photo courtesy of www.tourismpenang.gov.com.my © All rights reserved
The Tranquility & Charm Of Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple Standing tall among all the beautiful and mysterious temples in Penang is the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. As the first Buddhist temple to be built in Penang back in 1803, Dhammikarama is a temple filled with striking features and rich past.
It provides a historical evidence of Burmese occupation in Penang as well as the retreat for Buddhist devotees. The temple is located at the enclave of Burmah Lane in Pulau Tikus alongside another magnificent architecture of Wat Chaiya (A Thai Buddhist temple). According to history, the 200 years old Dhammikarama was formerly called Nandy Moloh Burmese temple as the land was originally purchased by a Burmese, Nonya Betong from the British. After receiving the land title, Nonya Betong donated the land for the construction of Dhammikarama temple. Even today, the lane that houses two distinctive temples Penang is named Burmese lane One of many streets and alleys in Penang Island that retained their old historical names until now. Here, you'll be able to see some of the mythical figures and religious icons that occupy the spacious temple compound that includes bell-bearing acolytes, myriad of Buddha's and flying beings. There are two huge and imposing-looking chi lings (a fabulous being that is a hybrid of a dragon, horse and a lion) flank the entrance to the main prayer hall. Several Buddha statues in different meditative poses nestle in grottos marked with the names of individual donors can also be seen.
A pair of winged chimeras called Panca Rupa or "Guardian Protectors of the World" standing on a replica of the world Globe is another interesting feature of the temple. The chimeras are actually mythical beasts that have features belonging to various animals. Others main attractions includes historical Pagoda, a 200 years old well huge man-made water catchments filled with carps, the main shrine hall and the sacred Sima hall where a very tall and large all-marble Buddha image situated. The original Sima hall is a historical building built in 1838 but has since rebuild in 1995 following the increase in the number of devotees and visitors.
When you walk further in the temple compound, you'll see a big three-dimension (3D) wall mural and a tableau that depicts the Great Renunciation of Prince Siddhattha. The big pool in front of the mural is a wishing pool that have several revolving metal bowls labeled with wishes such as health, wealth and others. Visitor will normally throw coins into the bowl hoping for their wish to be fulfilled. Coins collected from the pool will be donated to the temple. You will experience tranquility, calm, ambience and peaceful surrounding whenever you enter the main prayer hall. Voices are respectfully reduced to a whisper, but the quiescence is occasionally broken by the ringing of one of the many bells found in the gardens. Throughout the calendar year, the temple carries out numerous activities for Buddhist devotees such as Water Festival, Wesak Day celebration, Pali Chanting classes, Observance of Buddhist lent, Festival of light, Katnina, Ordination of monks, nuns and novices, Arahant Upaguttea festivals, Dhamma Discourses, Meditation classes, schools gathering, offering of food to the poor and etc. Because of the temple beautiful surrounding and well maintained grounds, it wins the first prize in Penang state Landscaping and Beautification Program in the year 2001. And in 1998, Dhammikarama was designated as one of the fifteen Penang State Heritage Sites to be preserved as tourist attraction due to its long and extraordinary history.
Photo courtesy of www.tourismpenang.gov.com.my © All rights reserved
Penang Snake Temple The Temple of the "Azure Cloud" Penang Snake Temple - One of a kind in the world! The origin of Snake temple as a place for worship dated back thousand years ago. Snake is the representation of many different religions around the world. Some of the famous ones include Apollo (moon god) and Grecians (sun god) for the Egyptians. For Hindus in Burmese and Siamese, snake is worship as a good aspects demon such as Krishna and Vishnu. In China, snakes assume the form of a dragon that is known to be very fierce creature yet protective. Penang Snake Temple though is built to honor a human deity which decades ago provide intervention and prayers to help saved people from severe drought and illness.
Hundreds of devotees, who throng the Penang Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas, are a true believer of the temple deity. With hands holding sticks of burning incense they turn their gaze heavenward and utter silent yet fervent prayers. The large turnout during the deity's anniversary must surely be testament to his magical powers in working miracles. The temple is also known as the "Temple of the Azure Cloud" and"Pure Cloud Temple" crafted to honor Penang's beautiful blue skies. The fame Penang snake temple history is dated back to 1800s when a monk from China who traveled hundreds of miles away to island of Penang. He brought with him the statue of famous deity called Cheng Swee Chor Soo or Chor Soo Kong which in other words means "an eminent historic figure" who is continuously revered by a community generation after generation". It is the myth and believes of the deity power in healing sickness that has made British resident David Brown (owner of Gelugor Estate) cured of a strange illness in 1873. As a gesture, he donated a piece of land so that a temple can be build to help others who like him, a believer of the deity curing power. It is on this land, which Penang Snake Temple has stood for over a century. According to legend, soon after the temple was built, snakes from the surrounding forest mysteriously appeared in the building. The monk who sees this strange phenomenon senses that it is a good omen and immediately gave shelter to the snakes and allowed them to take up residence in the temple. So far, only the species of pit vipers can be found here.
The species is known to be venomous and aggressive but inside the temple, surprisingly all the snakes appeared docile. Devotees believe that the thick clouds coming out from the burn incense act as a tranquillizer causing the snakes appear to be motionless, even asleep. No wonder, no one ever get bitten by the snakes in the temple. Today, Penang Snake Temple drew hundreds of locals and foreign visitor daily. Some came as far as U.S, Europe and China. The scene inside and outside the temple is totally different. Inside, devotees and visitor touring and offering countless prayers with their voices respectfully reduced to a whisper. Outside, the surrounding is filled festivities with noises and din of traders shouting and haggling with visitor to get the best prize of souvenirs as well as others memorable. The bad news is that the snake population in the temple is declining, not because of bad omen but because of rapid development that is disturbing the snake natural habitat. To overcome this, devotees start to donate snakes to the temple on Chor Soo Kong feast day which occurs thrice yearly, on the 6th days of the first, sixth and eleventh months of the lunar calendar respectively. At the corridor inside the temple houses several cages with fully-grown vipers. Next to it is a small
altar bearing the Deity of Prosperity and Moral. At the back of the temple is a snake pool filled with fruit trees. You might not notice it but if you take a closer look, there is snakes coiled on the branches of the trees. There is a 600-pound bell made from China during the Manchurian Dynasty (1886) hanging in the main hall. It is rung on the 1st and 15th days of every month of the Chinese calendar to invite the denizens of heaven and hell to pray. And... If you dare enough, you can take your photograph with the snakes wrapping up on your body. The fee for this photo shoot is RM30 for two 5R snaps that can be ready in a few minutes.
Penang Snake Temple Map View Larger Map
Opening Hour: Open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm including weekends & Public Holidays.
Admission: Free
Getting There: Penang Snake Temple is located at Sungai Kluang near Bayan Lepas airport in the Penang Island. You can also take a bus from Komtar - About 30 minute ride.
Penang Butterfly Farm The farms of mystical colors and beauty - Penang Butterfly Farm I don't know about you but for me, visiting natural parks and hills are definitely one of my favorite pastimes. The tranquility, serenity and undisturbed nature have made me appreciated for there is still a place on earth that has been spared from the onslaught of modern development. One of it that we are talking about TODAY! is The Penang Butterfly Farm. Located at Teluk Bahang, a short drive from the stretch of hotels at Batu Ferringhi, the one hectares farm are the homes and sanctuary to a wide variety of insects, reptiles, fishes, plants and of course beautiful butterflies. Penang Butterfly Farm has a population of 4,000 live tropical butterflies from 120 different species, including some very rare and famous ones, like the Indian Leaf (Kallima Paralekta), the endangered Yellow Bird wing (Troides Helena) and the Rajah Brooke's Bird wing, arguably Malaysia's most famous butterflies.
Upon reaching the farm, a giant three horn rhino beetle statue sited on the man made rocks will greet and welcome you. Parking is FREE if you drive on your own. You'll need to pay entrance fees before going in. Information brochure is given upon entering to help walk your way around the farm. The brochure provides the actual name of the plants, insects and others small creatures that can be found there.
Inside you can see lush and well designed landscaped garden lined with several pathways. Along this pathway, you can find insect station such as caterpillar, scorpions and giant millipede, flowing fountains and a fish pond. Of course, not forgetting thousands of tropical butterflies flying freely in the farms.
Others activities and attraction in Penang Butterfly Farms includes:
Mini Zoo - Consist of live collection of small insect such as grandis lizards, beetles, horned toad, oriental water dragon and many more. Insect Museum - A wide range of insect species on display such as butterflies, beetles lizard just to name a few. Art & Artifact Gallery - Featuring the largest exhibition of South East Asian art in the country displaying unique artifacts and tribal arts Gift & Souvenir Outlet - Here you can find lots of memorable items such as key chain, decorative crystal paperweight using dead animals, glass replication of insects and many more. Caterpillar Club (CC) - Education to introduce young ones to the world of insects and at the same time, give them a precursory feel of entomology, or the study of insects. Please contact the Penang Butterfly Farm for more info about these programs.
Mini Zoo
Bearded Dragon
Rhino Beetle
Sadly to say that butterfly is a very fragile creature and has an average lifespan of only 3 days.
Not only that, according to comments given by Dr. Mark Collins at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, not even one butterfly species has become extinct through collecting. It's the destruction of natural habitat that is speeding up the annihilation of the butterflies. So, appreciate the beauty of this mesmerizing creature before it disappears.
Penang Butterfly Farm Map View Larger Map
Opening Hour: Daily: 9am to 6pm (Last Entry at 5pm) Penang Butterfly Farm is open 365 days all year round except half day on the eve of Chinese New Year Day. Kindly take note that show time from the Penang Butterfly is no longer available and we have replaced it with free& easy Nature Guided Tour inside the farm, available daily. Large Groups - Discounts are available to school bookings and other large groups. Please contact us for prior bookings and other services such as our educational programs which can be conducted in groups.
Admission: ADULT: RM 27.00 per person CHILD: RM 15.00 per person CHILD (3 years& below): FREE ADMISSION SENIOR CITIZEN: RM13.50 per person (proof of age required) MYKAD/MYKID HOLDER: 33.3% discount on adult/child entrance price (upon presentation of MyKad/MyKid) DIGITAL VIDEO CAMCORDER/DIGITAL CAMERA USAGE CHARGES Digital Video Camcorder: FREE OF CHARGE Digital Camera: FREE OF CHARGE
Getting There: Penang Butterfly Farm is located at Jalan Teluk Bahang. About 10 ~ 15min drive from Batu Ferringhi. Don't worry, plenty of signboard has been put up to make sure it can be easily found. Address: Penang Butterfly Farm No 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Malaysia Tel: 604-885 1253 Fax: 604-885 2011 / 885 174 www.butterfly-insect.com
Superb View and Unforgettable Moments At Penang Hills Penang Hills - Penang Famous Tourist Attractions Amazing as it may sound. A cooling environment in the hot and humid weather of Penang. Penang Hill or affectingly known by locals as "Bukit Bendara", is one of the only cool places to visit in Penang. A hill with elevation of about 833 m (2723 ft) has proved that it is one of the main attractions not only to the foreigner but also locals. The cooling and serenity of the hill especially when you are at the peak will provide a much needed
calm and relaxation from the hot and bustling stress by the city of George Town. With the temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degree Celsius, it is going to be a place to relax, remember and rejuvenate. The hilly and forested Penang Hill are founded by Sir Francis Light during his pack horse track back in the year 1788. However, it was during the 19th century that construction is carried out to build the hill into a place well accessible by local or even tourist alike which brings about the funicular railway construction at the cost of about $1.5 Million.
Depending on the time that is available, you can either go up the hills by foot or by using a famous Swiss made funicular train. Of course if you were to take a more relaxing train to the hilltop, you are going to miss on what nature has to offer such as a mist covered valley, giant bamboo trees, crystal cool pond, farm, wild dogs, birds and of course various species of plants.
Funicular train leaves every 20 to 25 minutes at a cost of RM4 per person that can carry a max of 80 passengers per trip. You can buy your ticket at the ticket counter and after you do that, take some time to visit the gallery that is located behind the ticketing counter. The gallery showcase some of the old Penang Hills history which includes photos and antique items. Jungle trekking remains one of the popular activities in Penang Hills. Various attempts were made to climb up the hill by local, foreigner and also hiking enthusiast. Some of the popular trekking route will be from botanical gardens, Hye Keat Estate in Air Itam and the most vigorous trail of Tiger hill.
Ask anyone who jungle trekked to the hill top before and they will gives you two "Thumbs UP"
But! Before you make any attempt to climb the hill, it is best if you can get some partner to accompany you and to start ascending during the morning. Just a note to remember is that all the jungle trail are not lighted, so just in case you miss time your trek and descend during night fall, bring also a flash light. You do not want to get lost in the dark right? Another way to go up the hill is by hiring a 4WD vehicle which is the least popular choice. Hotel Bellevue provides this service from RM70 to RM130 depending which part of the island are you from. Some of the activities that are available at The Penang Hills will be:
Visiting a bird sanctuary at the Bellevue Hotel grounds. Canopy Walk, which is a suspension bridge hanging over the treetops. There is no entrance charge and it is opened seven days a week. You need to walk up the hill if you want to see it. Mouth watering delicacies from the Bellevue hotel that is located at the hilltop. The price is rather competitive. It also provides room in case you'll like to stay for a night. Visiting an Indian Temple and Mosque which is built side by side with no racial conflict and tension. Hold a conferencing or business meetings at the Railway Bungalow on Penang Hills. It has all the audio visual facilities and can accommodate from 30 to 50 participants. Experience the Flora of Penang Hills. It house some of the interesting plant such as Dipterocarp forest, parasitic plant, Exorhopalia Ruficeps, Hazel Maingaya Malayana and many more. The Fauna of relatively undisturbed forest are much to look out for too. Wild boars, small and medium sized mammals such as the squirrels, monkeys and tree shrews can be easily sighted. Others include civets, flying lemurs, flying civets and bats. And in the evenings cicadas and crickets come out. It is known that about 100 species or 80% of the birds found on Penang Island have been recorded here. They range from the common garden species to rare deep forest inhabitants. You will also get to see the panoramic view of George Town, Tanjung Bungah and the mainland. Lastly, visiting souvenir shop at the ground
With so many things to see, to feel, to experience and to look for, no wonder people keeps coming back to this hills. Just experience for yourself and you'll agree with me that Penang Hills is definitely one of the places in Penang worth visiting.
So... Enjoy your holidays guys!
Hill Top
Indian Temple
Souvenir Shop
Penang Hills Map View Larger Map
Opening Hour: Penang Hills - Opens 7 days a week Funicular Train service - Going up, 6:30am to 9:30pm. Saturday extend until 11:30pm Going down, 6:45am to 9:15pm. Saturday extend until 11:15pm Bellevue Bird Park - Opens seven days a week, 9am to 6pm
Admission: Furnicular train ticket price to hilltop (Fare based on return ticket): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
RM30 (Non-Malaysian adult) RM15 (Non-Malaysian child) RM8 (Malaysian adult) RM4 (Malaysian child) RM4 (Malaysian Senior Citizen "Warga Emas" & Students)
Bellevue Hotel Bird Park - RM4 (Adult), RM2 (Children) Taxi from George Town about RM20, from Batu Feringghi about RM30 - to the foot hill only. To get on top of the hill by 4WD vehicle.
Getting There: Penang Hill are located at Air Itam. When you found your way into Air Itam, you should come across a roundabout. One side is pointed towards Kek Lok Si and the other side will bring you to Penang Hill. Do note that some of the hotel that you're staying provides a free shuttle bus to visit places of attractions in Penang. Please check with your respective hotel for such a service. Alternatively you can use Rapid Penang #201 which can bring you to Penang Hill faster.
Penang Botanic Gardens Penangites Favorite Park The Sanctuary for "Nature Lovers" at Penang Botanic Gardens
Looking for a tranquility place of beauty and serenity? Or perhaps, you are a "nature boy" that just loves beautiful flora and fauna. You can find this in Penang very own, The Penang Botanic Gardens. Located in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang Botanic Gardens with its unforgettable artistic landscape garden provide a unique experience for individual as for the whole family. Being the only one of its kind in Malaysia, it has becomes Penang unique asset and serves as a "People's Favorite Park" for the metropolitan Penang. The presence of lush greenery couple with clean fresh air - Provides calm and relaxing atmosphere for every visitor. It is a perfect place to enjoy the gift of mother’s nature and to learn about the various botanical specimens. The best time to visit will be in the morning as it will be cooler. You will be surprise to see countless of people who are already there in the wee hours of the morning performing their routine exercises. Vehicles are not allowed in the gardens (even bicycle) except for authorized vehicle. So, tone your leg muscle and prepare to walk, run, jump or whatever it is.
Penang Botanic Gardens
Cannon Ball Tree
Nibong Palm Tree
Just to remind you that if you do bring small children together, keep close watch on them from the old habitant of these park - The monkeys (Like the ones over here).
There's a lot of it and sometimes things can get a little bit tense if the monkey saw your children carrying food on their hands. But of course, like what I said - just sometime as most of the time this monkey are well behave. Some of the Activities and Attractions that are available at Penang Botanic Gardens are:
Recreational Activities - Jogging, brisk walking, jungle trekking, aerobics and performance like 'Qigong' are some of healthy physical activities that can be done. You can also laze on the lush greenery gardens under the cool tree shades to relax and rejuvenate. Visiting the tranquil ambience of LILY pond. Fern Rockery that house a wide variety of distinct flora and fauna that is often found in the tropical rain forest. Ornamental Plant house which have a variety of colorful ornamental flowering plants is a showpiece of the bio-diversity of the Malaysian flora. Fern House that contains various species of ferns which are considered special in the plant kingdom. Cactus House that consist of over 60 varieties of cactus species. A good collection of over 200 species of dazzling orchids housed in the Orchidarium. Aroid Walkway that displays about 100 species of aroids. Research & Education - The Penang Botanic Gardens is an institution of learning, studying and researching of live specimens. Every year, undergraduates, students, government agencies and private sectors will come in droves to gain information and knowledge for the many aspects of botany and horticulture. Flora Fest - The Penang Botanic Gardens has been the permanent host to usher the annual international floral fest held in May. Participants from overseas, government agencies, private sectors and local councils are invited to participate in this annual event. So... Planned yourself ahead for this big event.
Landscape Garden
Palm Tree Collection
Walkway
Begonia / Bromeliad House.
Flowers At Orchidarium
Cactus House
There is a Plant Information Kiosk at the gardens office should you need any assistance. It is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm during weekdays but closed on weekends and public holidays. Refreshments and souvenirs are available at the Gardens Shop outside the Gardens. Just ask around if you can't find it. As for me, I'm no expert when it comes to plant identification, plant propagation, landscape and herbarium techniques but with so many thing to do, to see and to feel - I don't see the reason why
I'll not come back to visit this place next year. Furthermore, with the FREE admission - what else could you ask for?
Penang Botanic Garden Map View Larger Map
Opening Hour: Open from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.
Admission: Free
Getting There: The Gardens is located at the far end of Jalan Kebun Bunga, approximately 8 km from Georgetown city. You can reach there by boarding transit link bus No.7. Parking bays for motor vehicles are provided and it is located nearby the main entrance. If you drive on your own, just lookout for the Penang Botanic Gardens signboard which is being place on every strategic road leading to the place.
ropical Spice Garden - The Tranquil Retreat For Natures Lovers The Tropical Spice Garden is another prime tourist attraction in Penang that you shouldn’t miss. Located in a eight acre valley fronting the shores of Teluk Bahang, it showcase a landscaped garden that consist of tropical collection from all over the world. With more than 500 varieties of tropical herbs and spices, you can rest assure that the nature sight and sound from the Tropical Spice Garden will offer you a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Upon entering the Tropical Spice Garden, you can feel the nice aroma of perfume plant that welcome your every visit. Your walk towards the gardens trail begins at the front office. From there, you'll need to follows the trails that are provided to experience yourself the beautiful flora of the garden.
Outside The Garden
Front Office
Each trail that you took will last for about 20 to 25 minutes and is creatively design so that you will not miss out on any part of the lush nature garden. The 3 Tropical Spice Garden trail to follow are:
Spice Trail - Over 100 varieties of tropical spice and herbs plant Ornamental Trail - A huge collection of exotic flora Jungle Trail - A showcase of ferns, wild orchids, palms and other significant jungle flora.
Garden Map
Garden Trails
It is advisable that you follow a guided tour when you visit the garden so that you could get clearer and accurate information on the plant, flowers and trees. For a self-guided tour, a brochure available for sale at the Garden to provides an introduction to the highlights and explains the history and work of the Garden.
Angel Wings S. America
Spider Lily Tropical America
Dumb Cane Africa
Spice & Herbs From Spice Museum At Tropical Spice Garden If you go on self guided tour - Plan your own route and watch out for the educational information of particular plants of interest and all the tropical garden features. The daily guided tour which is available for free is available on first come first serve basis at 9:30am, 11am and 12:30am. When you have finished the entire trail, you will be led to a Lone Crag Villa - a unique 20th century straits colonial holiday bungalow which has been converted into a visitor centre. Inside there is a Spice museum, Spice cafe, Gift Shop and also a Garden Shop. Have a sip of cool drinks at the cafe to rejuvenate your body after the long walk. At the same time, catch some of the breathtaking ocean view that can be seen from there. Err... one more thing before making your trip to the Tropical Spice Garden. You need to be prepared to walk on a hilly garden. So, wearing a pair of running shoes will definitely be your best bet. Trust me! :-)
Tropical Spice Garden Map View Larger Map
Opening Hour: Open 9 am to 6 pm daily. Last admission at 5.30 pm
Admission: Garden Tour
Self Guided Tour Family Package (2 Adult & Up To 3 Children) : RM28 Adult : RM13 Child (4 ~ 12 years) : RM5
Guided Tour
Family Package (2 Adult & Up To 3 Children) : RM45 Adult : RM20 Child (4 ~ 12 years) : RM5 Visitor Centre
Adult : RM1 Child : FREE
* Includes admission to the Spice Museum, Garden Shop, Gift Shop and Spice Cafe
Getting There: By Bus : No. 93 (Hin) and No. 202 (Transit Link) Alternatively, to save time you can either drive or use taxi. Free parking is available along Teluk Bahang Road. Coaches are advised to arrive at the Main Gate to drop off visitors before parking. Address : Lone Crag Villa, Lot 595 Mukim 2. Jalan Teluk Bahang Tel & Fax : 604 - 881 1797 www.tropicalspicegarden.com
Penang National Park, Our Little Green Pocket!
The Penang National Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) is one of the few natural forested areas left on the island. It is also currently the world's smallest national park. The Park is located at the north-western corner of Penang Island, on what resembles the side profile of a face, hence the name Muka Head ("muka" literally means "face"). With 1181 hectares of forest and 1381 hectares of wetlands, the Park's ecosystem is a diversity of habitats with hills, sandy and rocky beaches, streams and coastal forests - representing much of the natural habitats of Penang.
Gazetting the Park Way back in 1958, the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve was first proposed as a nature conservation area by a group called the "Committee for the Preservation of Natural Beauty". Since that time, both nature interest groups and even government reports have proposed that the Reserve be turned into some kind of park and conservation area. The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) made several representations to the state and federal governments to turn Pantai Acheh into a national park. It was on 4 April 2003 when Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve was finally declared the Penang National Park by the then deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The Penang National Park is the first protected area legally gazetted under the National Park Act of 1980, signifying the State and Federal Governments' efforts in protecting the environment. It goes without saying that funds will be allocated to develop the Penang National Park, within guidelines. All logging activities stopped since 1996. Part of the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve had been logged before 1955; none have been logged since.
The natural wonders of Penang National Park The Park is unique as it contains several different types of habitat including a meromictic lake, wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, coral reefs and turtle nesting beaches. A survey conducted by the MNS, together with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) indicated a reasonable rich fauna. Small mammals such as tree shrews (tupai glis), slow loris, flying lemur (Cynocephalus variegates), civet cats, lepoard cats, sea otters and pangolins have been spotted. If you're lucky, some of these shy creatures make an occasional appearance at Pantai Keracut, where the meromictic lake is located. Besides mammals, the Park is also home to many birds, reptiles, amphibians and of course the famous turtles, especially the Green turtles (Chelonia mydas), the Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), the Leatherback turtles and the Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricate). When you are at the Park, look up and see if you can spot a Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Seaeagle or the Crested Serpent-eagle that are commonly seen soaring gracefully above. If you come across any snakes along your path, you would be happy to know that most of the snakes at the Park are non-poisonous. However, take note that there is no sure way to tell a poisonous from a non-poisonous snake, thus it is best to keep your distance from them. Did you know that spiders, scorpions, centipedes and millipedes belong to the same group Arthropada? They are, however, from different classes. Keep an eye out for these little creatures along your hiking trail. Insects, by far, are the most numerous denizens of the Park. The flora at the Park is one which is characteristic of the coastal dipterocarp (or winged seeds) forest. 'Wings' help seeds to have a better chance of being blown far from the parent. Some trees from the Dipterocarp family are Chengal, Meranti Seraya, Jelutong, Gaharu and Bintangor. When
cultivated, these trees provide valuable and aesthetic hardwood. Other plants that populate the Park include ferns, palms, pitcher plants, meromictic flora, climbers, fungi and mangrove. There are altogether an estimated 417 flora and 143 fauna species, according to a local daily report in May 2006.
Facilities at the Park Penang National Park only receives daily visitors. For camping, visitors are requested to seek permission from the management. Camping and weekend programmes organised by the National Park are also available for students who are interested in this activity. However, accommodation is not provided in the National Park. Visitors are recommended to stay at the nearest hotels around Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang. Visitors are also reminded the deposit their litter in the 'monkey-proof' trash bins where one has to push a leaver to open the hatch. The bins are located along popular hiking trails. Remember, pick nothing up (except rubbish!) and leave nothing behind. Rest stops equipped with picnic tables are also strategically placed throughout the Park for your enjoyment.
Recreational activities Penang National Park offers vast opportunities for research, education, recreation and ecotourism activities such as climbing, trekking, swimming, wildlife observation or simply enjoying the natural environment, which is a combination of the forest and sea. Rich in biodiversity and wildlife, the park has attracted world-renowned scientists, researchers and even the National Geographic crew to study and learn from its pristine surroundings. In this pocket of undisturbed natural beauty, we must learn to appreciate the natural heritage and help to promote their conservation for future generations.
Related Topics:
Famous Landmarks at the Park Parks Trails Hiking Trips At Penang Forest Park
Opening Hour : Open daily including weekends & Public Holidays.
Getting There : There are two entry points to the park, one is at Kuala Sungai Pinang via boat or the other entry point is Teluk Bahang, which is easily accessible by car. Penang National Park is less than 45
minutes by road from the capital, George Town. The journey passes through urban and rural settings along the northern coastal road of Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang towns. The first entrance to the park is at Teluk Bahang, or you can take a boat from Kampung Kuala Sungai Pinang. Trails through the park are well-paved with ample signages.
Admission : FREE! All you need to do is just register at the registration counter. Note: The Park is for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. Upon registering, the rules and regulations of Penang National Park will be made known to you via a flyer, as you collect your entry pass. Do comply and have a wonderful experience at the current world's smallest national park. For more information, contact: Superintendant Penang National Park Jalan Hassan Abas,Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang Tel: 604-881 3530/ 881 2016, Fax: 604-881 2016 E-mail:
[email protected] Director Department of Wildlife and National Parks Penang Level 40, KOMTAR, 10000 Penang Road, Penang Tel: 604-881 3530/ 881 2016/ 261 3039, Fax: 604-261 0330 E-mail:
[email protected]
Batu Ferringhi, Penang Favorite Beach You're absolutely right if you say that Batu Ferringhi is the top choice among beach lovers. For them, it's the beloved place that they called lasting peace and paradise. Located about 2 Km away from Tanjung Bungah, the beach is about 20 to 30 minutes ride from Georgetown. The main road runs more or less straight along the coast for 3km, on which all the hotels, tourist shop, internet cafes, motorcycle rental offices and restaurants are lined up side by side. In the centre you'll find Telekom office, post office, police station and clinic. It may not be of the Malaysia "best" as the water is not tropically clear that you might expect; but with the numerous activities that is going on - One may just forget about clear blue water. The beach is however kept clean, even on weekends when hordes of day-trippers comes to visit.
The "Rocky Isle" of Batu Ferringhi
Scenic View of the Beach *Photo courtesy of AsiaExplorer. www.penangexplorer.com The name "Batu Ferringhi" originate from a Malay term - Rock (Batu) & Portuguese (Ferringhi). It was during the 16th century when the Portuguese traders in search for spice, landed in the rocky isle of Batu Ferringhi (also known as "Lover's Isle") to obtain fresh supplies of water that the name initially favored. When the Portuguese left the island, the local embrace the "Ferringhi" name to all foreigners, particularly Westerners. And this name has been affectionally called ever since. The beach has the highest number of hotels in the country include several 5-star hotels. Some of the popular ones include Bayview Beach Hotel, Golden Sands, Paradise Sandy Bay and many more. Walking along the soft and beautiful white sandy beaches, you can spend hours admiring the beauty and tranquility of the palm shrouded beach. The gust of morning wind will makes you feel that there is still a place for you to relax, rejuvenate and to admire the alluring picturesque beauty of the white sandy beach.
The best time to visit Batu Ferringhi is in the morning and late evening. Morning because of the cool and fresh climate and evening because the beauty of the sunset as well as night life activities. But if you are the sporty manics, then you can come at any time of the day to enjoy the numerous water sports activities. For swimmers, there is a floating buoys "cordoned off" to protect swimmers from speeding jet-skis and water-skiers. Others activities that you can do there is:
Enjoy the action pack water sport activities - Parachuting, canoeing, sailing, horse riding and more. Eating at the numerous Restaurant and food stalls. Rent a bicycle to do jungle trekking, visiting fruits plantation or join for a village tour to get a taste of traditional rural experience. Shopping along the varieties of stalls and shops selling cheap clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, electronic items, watches, DVDs, CDs and more.
Stalls selling water floats
Beach Bike
And when the night comes, the real fun begins. Pubs, Restaurant & Night markets will replace all the physical activities that you endure in that day, with a more relaxing activities - Listening to live band, chatting with fellow Ferringers', shopping in the night market and of course eating at some of the famous restaurant such as "Sigi's at the sea" or “End of The World”. Perhaps the most unforgettable moments here, apart from extensive day activities will be - The adrenalin of sipping cool beer in the midst of cool sea breeze at night. It just tastes Great! Try it out yourself.
Teluk Bahang, Penang Peaceful Retreat The "Bay of Heat Wave" or often called Teluk Bahang is a quiet and friendly fishing village at the coastal road located on the northern side of Penang Island. Perhaps the name is relate such a way, because of the high temperature of the sea breeze coming into its' shore. It has a serene and shady beach which offers a peaceful environment and breezy wind. This place is perfect for weekend retreat minus the "always" crowded Batu Ferringhi. Teluk Bahang beach is not suitable for swimming, due to the presence of jellyfish. So, you may want to ask - If swimming is not allowed, what else can you do there?
Well... The answer is PLENTY!
As Teluk Bahang is strategically located along the popular Penang tourist belt, there's a lot of attraction for you to visit and to explore.
Penang Beaches Along Muka Head Cape
Penang Butterfly Farm A short drive away, is a Penang Butterfly Farm. A home and sanctuary to a wide variety of insects, reptiles, fishes, plants and of course beautiful butterflies. Inside, there is a mini zoo, insect museum and Artifact gallery. The farm also has a program to educate the public as well as a research centre to develop breeding methods. You can also visit Penang National Park, a unique place that contain different types of habitat such as meromictic lake (has layers of water which do not intermix), wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, coral reefs and turtle nesting beaches. Mammals such as wild boars, wild cats, sea otters, mouse deer, bats, squirrels, fishes, monitor lizards and snakes are common here. Wild birds are plenty couple with dusky leaf monkeys and the long tailed macaque. The park trails will lead you direct to beautiful beaches, like the secluded Monkey Beach or Pantai Kerachut. Entrance to Penang National Park is free of charge but you'll need to register first before going in. There's also Forestry Museum, a 247-acre recreational park that houses several fresh water pools, rest huts and offers a range of outdoor activities. It's home to countless species of flowering plants, ferns, insects, birds, butterflies, snakes and lizards. You can spend the day exploring various footpath that lead to the exciting flora and fauna.
Penang Forestry Museum
Batik Factory Others includes' a couple of batik factories, a small scale orchid farms targeting the tourist market, Tropical Fruit Farm and splendid view of Teluk Bahang Dam. The dam, with a storage capacity of 19.24 billion liters, is the biggest on Penang Island currently and held a distinction of being the only dam in Malaysia built within a few kilometers from the sea. Teluk Bahang may not have the thrills of Batu Feringghi or privacy of isolated beach such as Monkey Beach, but it did offer something different. It gives you the opportunity to enjoy the creation of nature, to learn the cultural diversity of Malaysia and to explore the many different habitat of wild creature that is difficult to find in another place.
Special & Romantic Moments At Penang Monkey Beach Monkey Beach - Teluk Duyung For the beach crawlers in Penang, one of the best places to hang around in is Monkey Beach. Of course, there are other attractive beaches on the island, but if you're looking for privacy, this
beach will be your best bet. Protected by the Muka Head cape, it is an ideal bay with flat and sandy beaches. The beach is about 20 minutes ride by boat from Batu Ferringhi and 2 hour’s vigorous trek from Telok Bahang. It offers tranquility, privacy and quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle of Georgetown. If you do decide to walk, there will be sign leading you to the beach after you do registration (Free) at the Penang National Park. My advice is that you start your journey, early in the morning so you can have plenty of time to plan your activities there later in the day.
Privacy & Quiet Moments at the Beach It's amazing that the secluded and quiet beach can have so much sand. Not only you can swim, you can even snooze on them. There's nothing like being lulled to sleep by the endless ocean waves. And there are miles of sun-bleached sand, clear green waters, camp sites, numerous fishing spots and picturesque places for romantic moments. It's a perfect place for couples to enjoy their private moments. There is no stall, no hotels and no crowd in Monkey Beach. However, there is a barbeque pits prepared by some hotels workers to cater for the tourists. You can just sit on the white sandy beaches to relax and admired by the huge Indian Ocean that is overlooking the teeny speck of Penang Island. While many of the resident guests enjoy spending a day or two at the beach, there are a number of non-residents who come for a couple of hours to swim, fish or even to enjoy a picnic catered by the hotel - Golden Sands Resort. If you got some spare time, you can walk uphill towards the lighthouse (1180 meter), which was built in 1883. Many exotic trees are planted by the previous inhabitant of this isolated beach. Matured timber trees are found along the trail between Monkey Beach and Teluk Ketapang. Some rare herbs can also be found. Bats are abundant here as the sea almond attracts fruit bats. The long tailed macaques are pretty common. Monitor lizards and sea otters are often seen around the beach rocky bay. Other than this beach, there are two islands nearby, Pulau Song Song and Pulau Coral to which to which you can go on day trips for snorkeling and swimming.
Such a wonderful place in the secluded gems of Penang. Monkey Beach is indeed a top choice for beach lovers.
The Undisturbed & Tranquility Of Pantai Kerachut Undisturbed, unspoilt and tranquility is what best to describe Pantai Kerachut. Located at the north-east of Penang Island along the Muka Head cape, it is one of six beaches in Penang National Park. This relatively unknown place is normally frequent by locals who went there to explore the lush greenery of Penang National Park and to camp at the designated campsite near the beach. Lately, more and more foreign tourist starts to give this fantastic place, a stop over. Perhaps, it is the charming and alluring beauty of Pantai Kerachut that makes' it, the best gateway to recuperate from the hectic city life.
There are two ways to get to the beach. First, is by walk/hike and the second is by boat. Taking a boat will be faster and will cost you approximately RM 15 per person (one way). There will be some fishermen boat along the stretch of Teluk Bahang that can brings you there. The price is not fixed, so try bargain for a good price. Some hotels along Batu Ferringhi also provides' boat service to this beaches. For example, Golden Sands Resort and Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa. Although, you can enjoy a more relaxing boat cruise to this place, walking has become more favored now-a-days. It's because the trails to Pantai Kerachut are much simpler and so much shorter compared to 4 years back. Various signboard are put up, leading you to Pantai Kerachut, Monkey Beach, Muka Head Lighthouse and some others beaches. The walk/hike will take between 1 ~ 2 hour’s journey along the lush greenery and astounding beauty of Penang National Park. You'll need to register before heading into the park to prepare for any eventualities in case some of you did not made it back. Registration is of course, FREE! Some of the Flora in the forest includes Cashew nuts which are common here. Fully grown timber trees are found inside the forest beyond the coast. Fauna such as bats and birds are very common. Monkeys are a nuisance as they raided campsites for food. The calls from a pair of resident stock billed kingfisher in the evening occasionally break the
monotonous beating waves and chirping birds. Wild boars and mousedeers are quite common during low tourist seasons.
Green Turtle
Meromictic lake
A thing to note is that, you can't find any food or drink sellers on this beach. Therefore, it is essential to bring our own. You wouldn't want to eat something from the wild, right? And when evening comes, it is where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the beautiful sunset, amidst the beatings of endless ocean wave coming down the shores. Enjoy your visit to the beach and have fun!
Tropical Taste At Pasir Panjang Beach Pasir Panjang Beach Comes holiday, there is nothing better than relaxing on a white sandy beach, with the sun rays beating down on you as you listen to the sound of endless ocean waves lapping on the shores'. And to experience this at the tropical paradise of Pasir Panjang beach is indeed, an unforgettable moments. Pasir Panjang is locates on the southwestern tip of Penang Island. Not much people know about this tiny place, which simply means; Peace and Privacy. Under the management of Kem Bina Negara (Government training centre for personal development), the secluded and unspoilt beach is an ideal place for picnickers and anglers.
*Photo courtesy of AsiaExplorer. www.penangexplorer.com Jungle trekking remains one of the favorite way to get to the beach. There are many well-trodden paths leading off to the coast (favorite place for fishing) as well as some winding hills that lead all the way to the beach. Your trails will start at Gertak Sanggul Village, which also has its own attractive setting of a sandy beach with swaying palm trees. This village final stopping point for buses coming down from Georgetown. The jungle trail to Pasir Panjang is isolated and beautiful, offering wide range of spectacular views and seascapes. It has gentle gradients and ambles through the orchards and rubber estates which border the coastline. There is an uninterrupted view of the Straits of Malacca to the left and accompany by the chirping of birds along many stretches. Walking non stop for about one hour, you should be able to see a junction that will lead you to a jeep trail. The jeep trail will brings you all the way to Pasir Panjang beach. Total distance from Gertak Sanggul Village to Pasir Panjang is about 6.1 km, a 2 hours journey. One hour if you are a fast and experience jungle explorer. During trekking, you might encounter some trail confusion caused by dotted hut and sheds belonging to owners of orchards and rubber estates. But if you just follow the trail closest to the coastline, you should be able to find your way to the beach.
Pasir Panjang beach is beautiful and many picnickers come here to swim at the pristine blue sea, to relaks along the white sandy beaches and to rejuvenate. After you have rested and enjoyed the scenery, there is a choice of either returning the same way or continuing on to Pulau Betong village. This takes about half an hour of leisurely walking along the beach and on the tarmac road. Whatever it is, the choice is yours. Enjoy and have fun!
Pulau Jerejak - Forgotten Isle' Of The Past, Beautiful Tropical Island Today The History Known as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, the 362 hectare Pulau Jerejak was once a prison that held prisoner way back in 1960s. The island is located between Penang Island and Penang Mainland. According to history, it was Sir Francis Light who first arrives in Pulau Jerejak in early 1786 before heading to Penang Island. Later on when Colonel Arthur Wellesley proposed to use Jerejak as an alternative naval base to Fort Cornwallis, the tiny island made its debut in the colonial records in 1797. The idea for the military post is to protect the new township of Jamestown (now known as Bayan Lepas) for any attack. However, the plan was delay due to serious malaria outbreak. When the British found that Georgetown to be in a better position to make a profitable port, Pulau Jerejak naval base project was totally abandoned.
Photo by Flickr In 1900, Pulau Jerejak was turn into a quarantine centre as Penang started to experience growth. Many immigrants who flooded Penang at that time were sent to Pulau Jerejak for health inspection. Only those who pass the heath check are allow to go to the main island to work. A hospital was later built in 1930s on the eastern part of Pulau Jerejak to treat patient with Tuberculosis.
During WW2, Jerejak saw military action when a German submarine attacked a Russian vessel. Jerejak was then made a base for German submarine from June 1943 to March 1944. S.E Morison wrote a book title USA Naval Operation in WW2 stated that the German U-boats sunk about 18 Russian ships in the Indian Ocean. Many Russian soldiers died during this period. In this island, you'll be able to see a ceremonial cemetery dedicated to the fallen Russian soldiers that still exist till now. From 12 June 1969 to August 1993, Jerejak was used as a Rehabilitation Centre with the first batch of inmates consists of those detained during the 13th May 1969 racial riots. Internal riots in then prison follow soon when more than 100 inmates rampaged the centre destroying several buildings. Luckily the, officer in the centre are able to contain the problem without much difficulties. A year later, Pulau Jerejak saw an upsurge of detainees due to more and more drug related menace. Due to more prisoners and as a security measures, fisherman from nearby island were prohibited from going near to the island (not more than 200m from Jerejak beach). There are few incident of inmates reported being escape from the island and the exact escape routes are still remains a mystery. Prior to the prison closing down in 1993, all the inmates were transferred to Johor. The last group of inmates left the island on 13 August 1993.
The Flora & Fauna of Pulau Jerejak Today, Pulau Jerejak is an island rich with history, flora and fauna. The island has many ancient emerald enviroment which are known to be older than the equatorial forests of the Amazon or the Congo with an ecosystem that is both inspiring and engaging. Such an irresistible offering of fascinating natures can never be found elsewhere. Now days, there is even a resort built in the island for those who want a complete relaxation and spa treatment after exploring the natural flora and fauna of Penang tropical forest. The resort provides among others, an action-packed activities such as the game of "paintball", archery, jungle trekking, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, beach soccer, volleyball or just camping under the stars. More onJerejak resort.
FLORA of Jerejak There are about 210 species and 71 families of plant can be found in ageing coastal forest of Jerejak which is over 4,000 years old. Some of this includes Dipterocarp, Mangrove, Revine Coastel and Weedy species. Found on hilly areas, Dipterocarp is a timber species that forms high proportion of emergent and main canopy strata of the forest. The forest is richly diversified and contains price timber such as Meranti (Shorea spp.), Mersawa (Anisoptera spp.) and Keruing (Dipterocarpus ssp.) Mangrove Swamps (named after a of mangrove trees) are plenty in the forest wetland. The largest ones are located near the old prison buildings on the northern part of the island. The mangrove tree which is abundance here can tolerate brackish water and saltier coastal condition. Usually, the tree is surrounded by watery wilderness and provides natural habitat and breeding ground for organisms such as crabs and jellyfish. Coastal plant community such as Mengkunyit and Bintagor also inhibits the Jerejak tropical forest. This plant act as a barrier between an interior plant and exposed beaches. Another interesting plant that has a commercial value in the Pulau Jerejak forest is the Eurycoma Longifolia or commonly known as Tongkat Ali. The plant has long been use as an aphrodisiac and as a local ginseng to increase strength and energy.
FAUNA of Jerejak There is about 39 animal species can be found on Pulau Jerejak such as White Bellied Sea Eagles. Monitor Lizards a Long Tailed Macaques. Although there are no endangered animal species on the island but quite a number of animals here are protected under the Malaysia Wildlife Act 1972.
The White Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaectus Leucogaster) is black in color and has a white spot underneath. The bird resting site is at the southern tip of the island. This is an ideal place for bird watching as this is also the perching area for many other bird species. The Long Tailed Macaque with long arms and short legs also inhabits Pulau Jerejak. They are usually born with black fur but eventually turn a yellowish greenish, reddish brownish shade as they mature. Long tailed macaques are active during the day and arboreal (tree-living) animals. They tend to sleep on tree branches. So when you are exploring the jungle, look up on the tree and try to spot any of them 'hanging out'. Monitor Lizards and Mangrove Snakes are among the reptiles that live on the island. Monitor Lizards are daytime lizards and actively search for their food. Their prey includes snails, grasshoppers, beetles, birds' eggs, crabs, fish and nestling birds. This tropical reptiles do not divest themselves of their tails like some others lizards. Once lost, the tail will never grow back. Mangroves Snakes live around mangrove area such as trees or swamp. The snakes often hang around the tree branch or banks and will drop into the water whenever there is a provocation. However, this snake will fight back if cornered or caught. Others snakes species can be found in the Pulau Jerejak forest are the reticulated python.
Getting There: From Bayan Lepas International Airport to Jerejak Ferry Terminal is about 15 minute. From there, take a 5 minutes ferry ride to Pulau Jerejak. For ferry schedule and ticketing, click here!
