Dec 30, 2010 03:16 PM
6981 Views
We started our journey to Penang by Air Asia flight at 10.40PM from Changi International Airport, Singapore. We reached Penang International Airport situated at Bayan Lepas by 12 midnight. As we were not sure about the public transport availability at night, we have booked airport pick up service in advance. It took about 40 minutes to reach the hotel we booked. On the way we saw the awesome view of Penang Bridge. The bridge longs 8.4Km connecting the main land Penang Island. The city was quiet in the midnight. After checking in to the Tune Hotel (Where we booked earlier via Internet), near Komtar Bus Terminal, George Town. We had a nice sleep there. A 7-11 just below the hotel was very helpful because the hotel does not provide any toiletries.
The day one of our trip started on 27th May, 2010 by 7.00 AM. After a tea from nearby small shop, we walked on the road without knowing anything. First of all we walked in the wrong direction. Our aim was to reach the Clock Tower near Jetty where we need to go next day morning to board the ferry to Langkawi. On the way we asked a security officer and that helped us to catch bus 202 to the Jetty bus station. The driver stopped the bus near Jetty Ferry Terminal even though there was no bus stop. The Clock Tower was just beside the jetty. The stunning European style buildings on that area makes it very different from other parts of Penang. This area known as George Town, is a UNESCO Heritage City.
The Clock Tower
The Clock tower which was built in the period 1837-1897, is one of the most recognizable icons of Penang. The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower was commissioned by a local millionaire, Cheah Chen Eok, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Standing at 60 feet tall, with each foot representing each year of the Queen’s 60-year reign, the clock tower leans to one side due to the impact from bombs being dropped around it during the Second World War, although it’s hardly noticeable.
Fort CornwallisThen we moved forward and saw the Fort. Its view towards the beach was nice. The Fort Cornwallis, named after Charles Cornwallis, the Governor General of India, Fort Cornwallis is one of the most well-known landmarks in Penang. The fortress’ 10-feet walls are laid out in the shape of a star, and within those walls, some of the original structures built over a century ago can still be seen – a chapel, some prison cells, ammunition storage area, a harbour light, the original flagstaff and some old bronze cannons, which includes the infamous 17th-century Dutch cannon called ‘Seri Rambai’, believed by the locals to have an encouraging effect on women’s fertility. Originally built out of wood, this historical attraction now houses a tourist information kiosk, a café, and open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery, a souvenir center and tour guides to show visitors around and provide them with a peek into the fortress’ history.Then we saw the Esplanade and City hall, both of them are near to this fort and clock tower. Within 1 hour we covered the major UNESCO heritage sites of 1800's at George Town. In front of the City Hall, we saw so many trishaws parking there, waiting for the tourists to get in to it.We had a traditional Malay style vegetarian breakfast. Then we decided to take bus to Air Itam, where the largest Buddha temple of Southeast Asia is situated. We got bus 203 from jetty station to go to the temple named Kek Lok Si Temple. On the way we saw Kapitan Kelling mosque, Penang’s first mosque built in the 19th century. It took about 45 minutes to reach the temple. Bus costs RM2.70 per person. On the way, we saw Chinese cemetery and reclining Buddha temple from the bus.
Kek Lok Si TempleThe Temple stands on top of a hill in the little town of Air Itam. Founded more than hundred years ago, this temple complex is filled with beautifully-landscaped gardens with lots of tortoises and sacred temples. A striking seven-tiered pagoda called The Pagoda of 1000 Buddha’s – which combines Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles in one structure - houses a stunning collection of Buddha statues made from all sorts of precious materials. Also can be found within the temple complex are the statues of The Four Heavenly Kings, guarding the four points of the compass – North, South, West and East – with the statue of The Laughing Buddha in the middle. But the temple’s focal attraction has got to be the massive bronze Kuan Yin statue high up on the hill, measuring 120 feet in height. To reach the top of the temple, we have to take a Sliding lift named Mini-Funicular Train. It costs RM4 for a person for both travels. Otherwise we have to walk some 50+ steps. The income from this train will be used for the maintenance of the Buddha temple. The large Buddha statue was under renovation during the time we gone. From this temple we had a view of whole Penang including Penang Hill.==Batu Ferringgi==Thereafter we came back to Jetty Bus stand. Then we roam around for finding some vegetarian options to fill our stomach. Luckily we found one small Makan shop and had Prata and dal from there. Then we catch bus number 101 and went to Batu Ferringgi. The stunning view of sea on one side of the road was just amazing. Even though various sea sports options were available there, we just spent some time at the sea shore and came back to hotel by 5.00 PM. As we were very hungry, we entered a restaurant named Mustafa near Little India, Jetty. We had vegetable meals from there and it was the BEST food we had on that day. Only RM2.20 per meals. Unbelievable!!!
ButterworthThen, we went to Butterworth, part of Penang in the main land of Malaysia. There is Ferry service operating between Penang and Butterworh for RM1.20 (Only for return journey to Penang). Behind the jetty bus stand, walk straight and wait for the gate to be opened. Once the gate is open, we can go and enter the huge ferry. The ferry takes around 15 mins to reach the main land. The travel through the ferry was nice and we saw the whole view of Penang bridge.Then we went to Mega Mall, about 3 kms from Butterworth bus stand. After some shopping, we came back to Penang in Ferry itself. On the way back, we saw the extra-ordinary view of Penang Bridge, Penang island and Penang Hill.As we liked the food that we ate in the evening from Mustafa, we went there again and had another round of food. After the heavy supper, we took bus to our hotel and slept by 11.00 PM. Next day morning, we left for Langkawi.HOTEL STAYEDTune Hotel, 100, Jalan Burmah, Section 15, George Town, Penang, 10050 Malaysia.https://tunehotels.com/(Bus no 101 from Komtar or jetty goes in front of this hotel)
WHERE TO EAT (Indian food)MUSTAFA RESTAURANTHOTEL CHETTINADU(KARAIKUDI)HOTEL CHETTINADU(Pure Veg)Note: All hotel are in Jetty near Little India Street.Of course, KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks, Oldtown white coffee, and Pizzahut are all available everywhere.
IMPORTANT FACTS
For Shopping Bargain a lot.Try to avoid taking Taxi and Trikshaw.Taxi costs RM120 for 4 hour trip.Public Transport is good, even to Airport.(Frequency of bus to airport is once every 30 minutes.)*Other than the Megamall in Butterworth, there is a shopping mall near Komtar bus terminal.
