Penang Reclining Buddha temple

Reclining Buddha temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram)

This is the largest Buddhist temple in Penang. The colossal size is due to the reputed third longest reclining Buddha in the world. Measuring some 33 metres (108ft) from toe to tip of headgear, Wat Chaiya's reclining Buddha takes pride of place alongside other Buddha colossi found in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and China.The Wat Chaiya was built in 1845 on five acres of land donated by Queen Victoria to the Thai community.

The architecture is authentic down to the last bit of gold paint on the pagodas - so much so that one feels transported to another place and time when wandering about the sprawling grounds. Like the Burmese temple across the road, one is likely to encounter mythical beings and religious icons which dot the grounds.Walking towards the main temple, visitors are greeted by awesome looking green-faced beings standing guard before the temple entrance. Crawling at their feet are 2 huge dragon-headed serpents. Unlike the western culture (read Caucasian), Oriental mythology teaches that serpents and dragons are propitious beings and not to be feared.

The significance behind the reclining Buddha in the Wat Chaiya, with the head resting in the palm of the right hand, with the head pointing northwards, signifies enlightenment or Nirvana. Underneath the reclining Buddha are niches where ashes of the deceased are kept.

Besides the impressive reclining Buddha, you can find many other smaller shrines of Buddha, and Thai deities. There is also series of painted images portraying story of the Lord Gautama Buddha. The floor of the temple is laid with tiles of lotus patterns - lotus is a symbol in Buddhism.

Admission to the Wat Chayamangkalaram temple is free, but do remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.
Open hours: 6.00am - 5:30pmLocation: Lorong Burmah, 10250 Penang(Between Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi area approx 10 mins from Georgetown)

Pulau Jerejak - Penang

Pulau Jerejak is only minutes away from Penang city life yet tucked away among the magnificence of a lush tropical rainforest; also known as the "virgin jungle" island as it is one of the few reamining preserves of primary forest in Malaysia.

A virtually undisturbed island graced with the rich diversity of 362ha of over 210 species of flora and fauna. Towering tropical trees, lingering lianas and exotic orchids prove to be shelters to some of the most remarkable living creatures, such as the Monitor Lizard and the White-Bellied Sea Eagle.

The island also boasts of an ancient emerald environment, older than the equatorial forests of the Amazon or the Congo, thus producing a marvellous ecosystem that is both inspiring and engaging. Equally intriguing is the island's hisory as a penal colony – a mystical tourch tot he surounding pristine nature.

Jerejak Resort and Spa

Located directly across from Penang, Jerejak Resort and Spa is a wonderful stopover when you visit the Northern hub of Malaysia.

The resort is graced with the rich diversity of flora and fauna. This is one getaway where time seems to have stopped – if only to preserve the natural wonders of the island. Pulau Jerejak also boasts of a ancient emerald environment, older than the equatorial forests of the Amazon or the Congo with an ecosystem that is both inspiring and engaging. With such an interesting backdrop, one can easily indulge in your wild side at the Adventure Village or simply rejuvenate mind, body and soul at the Spa Village.

The choice is entirely yours!

Penang Bridge

The Penang Bridge (Jambatan Pulau Pinang in Malay) E 36 is a dual-carriageway toll bridge that connects Gelugor on the island of Penang and Seberang Prai on the mainland of Malaysia on the Malay Peninsula. The bridge is also linked to the North-South Expressway in Prai and Jelutong Expressway in Penang. It was officially opened to traffic on September 14, 1985. The total length of the bridge is 13.5 km (8.4 miles), making it among the longest bridges in the world, the longest bridge in the country as well as a national landmark. Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd is the concession holder which manages it. The bridge was designed by a local Penang resident, Tan Sri Datuk Professor Ir. Chin Fung Kee, a well known authority in geotechnical engineering and former acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Malaya.

Before 1985, transportation between the island and the mainland was solely dependent on the state-owned Penang Ferry Service that runs between Butterworth and George Town.
Similar to the ferry services in Penang, toll is only paid when heading to the island. There is no charge for leaving the island.

Currently, the Penang Bridge is being expanded from 4 lanes to 6 lanes to accommodate the increasing traffic on the bridge. A proposal for a second bridge, the Penang Second Bridge, has been approved by the Malaysian federal government and included as one of the Ninth Malaysia Plan national projects. Construction work of the new Penang Second Bridge began in November 2007, and the target completion date is before the end of 2010.

The bridge has an SOS emergency feature and traffic CCTV. The Gelugor Complex Interchange is the largest highway interchange in Malaysia.

The Snake Temple - Penang

The Snake Temple

or the Temple of the Azure Cloud

Probably the only one of its kind in the world. The temple honours a resident named Chor Soo Kong, who had healing powers. He was a Buddhist monk, who moved to Penang. Some devotees from as far away as Singapore and Taiwan come to pray in the temple on Chor Soo Kong's birthday (the sixth day of the first lunar month). The temple was built in about 1850 and is dedicated to Char Soo Kong. The statue of the deified healer was brought to Penang by a monk from China. The legend is that this pious monk gave shelter to the snakes of the jungle; when the temple was completed, the snakes moved

The Snake Temple is located at Sungai Kluang near Bayan Lepas airport in the Penang Island.Many tourists visit the Snake Temple. Buses stop, tourists get out and have a quick look at the snakes in the temple.Walking to the temple you find souvenir stands on both sides of you.Here you can buy your camera film or just a nice souvenir. In front of the Snake Temple is a big incense burner, where they burn large incense.
Inside the temple, in the Main Prayer Hall, is filled with the smoke of burning incense Some people say that the snakes get paralysed by the incense.In a bowl are eggs. That's the food for the snakes, but they are nut hungry.

Although poisonous, these snakes are not known to bite. Devotees refer to them as `officers' of the deity and regard them as `holy and harmless'.They tell us that no one was ever bitten by a snake.

On the right site we can give a donation for the temple. You have to sign a book and to write down your donation.Looking at the book it must be very profitable to own a temple like this.

At the back of the temple is a snake pool. Not filled with water, but with fruit trees.At the first sight I see no snakes over here.But if you have a close look than you will see snakes coiled on the branches of the tree.

At the back of the temple complex was a man, who assured me the snakes inside the temple were not de-fanged and were all extremely venomous.They were not doped in any way, but were simply friendly spirit snakes, who used to live in the surrounding Penang jungle and as development increased and the surrounding trees were felled came to find refuge in the Temple and were its guardian spirits.


He told no had ever been bitten since the snakes began coming. The snake temple is free to enter and is a very interesting and unusual stop and well worth the trouble.

When you're leaving the Snake Temple are photographers, who want to take pictures of you with snakes draped around your head and neck.

Kek Lok Si - Penang

The Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si is situated in (H)Air Itam, a suburb of Georgetown. You can make that by local bus from the Komtar, but you can also make it by taxi. Taxi is recommended, because the taxi takes you up the hill (the Kek Lok Si is halfway on a hill). Taxi ride from the KOMTAR in Georgetown will cost you about RM20.-

The temple was begun in 1890 and, from all appearances, construction really hasn't ever stopped. And it's still going on! The temple is supposedly the largest in Malaysia.The Kek Lok Si project was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.

Without doubt the largest and best known temple in Penang, the Temple of Supreme Bliss, better known as Kek Lok Si, staggered on the hillside overlooking the town of Ayer Itam.
Since the olden days, the hills of Ayer Itam are regarded as important geomantically. Known as He San, or Crane Hill, they are recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality.

Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddha's, was completed.
This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

The latest addition to the temple complex is the 30.2m bronze statue of the Avalokitesvara - Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin - on the hillside above the pagoda.
This statue was completed and open to the public at the end of 2002.

If you want to get a close-up look of the Kuan Yin statue, then go left as you get to the furthest hall, which is also the largest and look for the signs for the 'incline lift' to the goddess.
The incline lift is more of a tram -- an elevator-sized glass box mounted on rails which goes up to the terrace above the existing temple where the goddess stands.
Use of the lift costs RM 2 each way

The route up to the 'main' prayer hall of the Kek Lok Si and the pagoda is on the other side of the large prayer hall. From the 'incline lift' you need to cross the hall and go through the souvenir stands to find the desk where you must pay a 'voluntary' donation of another RM 2 to go up to the new prayer hall and the pagoda. Don't worry: you'll receive a ticket!

If you haven't visited the "Goddess of Mercy", then this is the moment to do it now!

The Kek Lok Si project was mooted by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.

Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism

Reputedly the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, situated close to the bustling Air Hitam market. The temple's enclave including a pagoda and a huge statue of the Goddess Kuan Yin is prominent. Besides the monastery, a seven-storey pagoda of 10,000 Buddha images displays the essence of an eclectic mix of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. The main hall has colourful souvenir shops. A shrine filled with statues and a courtyard where a large pond full of carp and the tortoises are main attractions. Here a pathway that leads to a stairway will take you to the Pagoda.

KOMTAR - Penang Iconic Landmarks

KOMTAR - Penang Iconic Landmarks

Penang is synonymous with good and relatively affordable hawker food, beautiful beaches and hotels, heritage buildings, tree-lined streets and a multitude of interesting and mesmerizing cultural sights. These, and the fairly laid-back lifestyle of penangites, make the island an enjoyable place for holidays among locals as well as foreigners.Dominating the island’s skyline is KOMTAR (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) the famous landmark of Penang and touted to be the icon of its urban renewal programme. With the cost of RM207 million, the 65-storey building was the tallest in Asia at that time.The buildings consist of a 12-sided geometric block, 760ft (232m) tall and sitting atop a 4-storey podium. The complex comprises office and retail commercial space as well as public and recreational facilities.

KOMTAR occupies an 11-hectare site and is the single most ambitious project undertaken by Penang Development Corporation, the development arm of the Penang state government. The project master plan is divided into five phases for implementation which includes the construction of KOMTAR, Geodesic Dome, 17-storey international hotel, 4-storey shopping podium, public buses interchange, 11-storey car park and the latest addition Prangin Mall in 1997 linked by two enclosed steel-glass pedestrian bridges.The complex is named in honor of the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdul Razak bin Hussein. The first piling of the building's phase one was done by Tun Razak himself on 1 January 1974. Part of the complex's first phase podium block was completed in 1978.The construction of the building itself was completed in 1988 and it was on that day onwards reigned supreme as the shopping paradise of Penang. The 4-storey shopping complexes nestled at the foot of the Komtar Tower, plays an important part of the overall integrated redevelopment of George Town together with its hotels and the office tower block, where the State Government is located, and an international exhibition centre. On the 58th floor is the viewing gallery where you can see the whole area around Georgetown.

View from the gallery at 58th floor

However, the supremacy of KOMTAR as a shopper’s paradise did not last long.The new millennium saw the completion and opening of two of the largest shopping centres on Penang Island, Prangin Mall and Gurney Plaza, and the setting of the stage for an exciting retail/shopping atmosphere. More is coming in such as Island Plaza, Midlands Park Centre, Tesco, Jaya Jusco and some others shopping malls in Penang mainland which brings in a better tenant-mix, increased professionalism in centre management, improved ambience and the new evolution in the design of shopping centre’s. The heat is definitely on to attract shoppers as a result of increasing competition in terms of new shopping centre’s and hypermarkets.Therefore, only the fittest will survive.As the results of this, KOMTAR was under tremendous pressure to attract shoppers like the olden days.

People seems to have better perceptions & favors the newer shopping malls which can provides them with one stop solution such as shopping, dining, entertainment and exciting exhibitions.Henry Butcher Malaysia valuation department assistant manager Yeoh Peng Hong said the value of KOMTAR’s shoplots had substantially dropped compared to prices 15 years ago. The value for those on the first and second floors has dropped by at least 30% to 40% and 10% to 20% for shoplots on the ground floor and third floor.He said drop in value was the result of poor maintenance, lack of facilities and the mushrooming of new shopping complexes on the island. Many vacant shop lots bear testimony to its decline as tenant moves out to others shopping complexes.Today, while you can still see some crowd at KOMTAR, it is probably made up of those going to the Government departments or looking for that odd retailer still plying its business around the slightly upgraded corridors there or some curious visitor who just want to see for themselves, the declining status of the once proud Penang iconic structure.

Thaipusam Festival in Penang

Thaipusam Festival in Penang

Thaipusam Festival in Penang is one of the major Hindu festivals, which is celebrated by thousands of devotes of Malaysia each year. This festival of Penang in Malaysia is celebrated on a full moon day in the tenth Tamil month either in January or in February. Observing the consecration of Hindu deity, Lord Murugan, Thaipusam Festival celebrates the day when Lord Siva's wife, Parvathi, gifted her son, Murugan, the weapon to defeat three demons.

Features of Thaipusam Festival in Penang
- During Thaipusam Festival in Penang, a kavadi or a frame of colored papers, tinsels, fresh flowers, and fruits is made and carried to the temple at Waterfall Gardens.

- In a show of penance, they also practice mortification of flesh by piercing cheeks, tongues, or foreheads with spikes, skewers and other metal implements.

- The procession is carried on a silver chariot carrying the statue of Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Subramaniumm bedecked with gold, diamonds, emeralds and rubies

- Honey or milk is also offered

- Much before the festival, devotees practice meditation, a vegetarian diet and rigorous hardship

- Thaipusam Festival in Penang also includes sale of religious artifacts, Indian food, decorative items and audio cassettes.

Penang - Botanical Garden

Penang - Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden in Penang or waterfall garden as it is popularly referred as is not only a popular tourist destination but it is a life time experience which casts a mystic spell on its visitors. Amidst the var5ious parks and gardens the Botanical Garden in Penang has created a distinct position for itself.

Features of Botanical Garden in Penang

- Botanical Garden in Penang came into existence from 1884 and the plethora of natural heritage mark the exuberance of this famous tourist destination which is the only one of its kind in Malaysia.

- Botanical Garden in Penang is enveloped by a cascading brook that strolls through a extensive 29 hectares of prime and undulating grounds and the lush greenery and tranquil setting.

- The creative design of the Gardens was indeed a major accomplishment for it mingles naturally with the setting of the tropical rainforests.

- Botanical Garden in Penang was acknowledged as the healthy recreational gardens and tourist destination by the Health Ministry of Malaysia.

- Botanical Garden in Penang offers a wide range of facilities including Recreational / Picnic areas, toilets, wheelchair access walkways, bandstand, gazebos, jogging tracks, jungle trails, resting lawns and plant nursery.

- Botanical Garden in Penang remains open on all the days of the year from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm and there is no entrance fee.

I've been here training (karate) at this pondok before. Floor filed with tiles and I still no idea is this a dancing stage or ....for some voodoo ceremoney?

Yea....you can see this weird-weird tree just after the entrance.

Nope...I don't know what is that. No, not coconut (Definitely not coconut lar...) . No, not pamelo =.="... ( I never see a pamelo tree before...definitely won't look like this ler ~)

Wow...never been there for yearssss , never see this before. Wow-wow looks like Ipod Shuffle!

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Penang Hills - Penang Famous Tourist Attractions

Superb View & UnforgettableMoments At Penang Hills

Amazing as it may sound. A cooling environment in the hot and dry 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 red 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 double "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:

1. Visiting a bird sanctuary at the Bellevue Hotel grounds.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Visiting an Indian Temple and Mosque which is built side by side with no racial conflict and tension.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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8. 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.
9. You will also get to see the panoramic view of George Town, Tanjung Bungah and the mainland.
10. Lastly, visiting souvenir shop at the groundWith 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.

The Penang War Museum

Remembering the atrocities of WWII

Goya's The Third of May, 1808

Like other countries during the Second World War, Malaysia (and Penang) suffered greatly. Lives were lost, families were torn apart, homes were razed and food was scarce. For sure, the war left no fond memories for those who suffered through it.

Enter the country's premiere War Museum, located right here in Penang. It is here to tell stories covering all aspects of life in wartime. Its purpose is to encourage the study and understanding of the history of modern war and how it affects our lives and as a memorial to those who died defending the country.

Take a trip back in time and get a first hand account of wartime with the impressive exhibits, including a 'glimpse' into the daily lives of soldiers during WWII.

Situated on Bukit Batu Maung, the 70 year-old old former British fort was 'rediscovered' by Johari Shafie during an adventurous and brave hike. Because the hill was reputed to be haunted, it was avoided by everyone except the brave and the skeptical. But this is a good thing for the museum because it provides an excellent ambience to the scenario. With a little imagination, one could even imagine hearing the phantom screams of soldiers brutally tortured and killed here.
To add a further touch of realism to wartime ambience, the War Museum plans to hold war games where opposite teams will be armed with paint gun to shoot paint balls at their 'enemies' while trying to steal their flags.

According to Johari the fort was manned by soldiers of different races - English, Indians and Malays mostly. When the fort fell to Japanese hands, parts of it were turned into torture chambers where executions took place.

The parts of the fort that have been restored so far are the aforementioned torture chamber, medical infirmary, ammunition store, observation tower, canon firing bay, well, generator room, quarters, pill boxes, tunnels, lock up and cook house.

A forthcoming addition to the museum will feature exhibitions and information on naval warfare.
My mother visited the museum last year and she described the place as a little "creepy" although she appeared visibly excited by the experience. Having been a war child herself and then going through the May 13 incident as an adult, the museum must have suddenly reawakened memories of suffering.

Although the Penang War Museum will play a significant role in educating visitors of all ages about life during wartime, one could do well to also recall Picasso's Guernica, Goya's The Third of May or Ibrahim Hussein's May 13 and remind oneself that there is no glory in war.
Thankfully today, Malaysia is a strife-free country. We can go about our business with little or no worry. Be that as it may, the museum will serve to continually remind us, lest we forget or take for granted, of the importance of maintaining peace in the country.

When visitng the museum, you are advised not to do the following: take any photographs of the exterior or the interior; bring pets, radios or bicycles into the museum or smoke. You should dress in light, cool clothing; wear comfy shoes; put on a dull coloured hat and be armed with a pair of binoculars, insect repellent, notebook and pen.

Penang Char Koay Teow

Penang Char Koay Teow is a fried flat rice noodles, tossed with bean sprouts, egg, prawns, chinese sausage, cockles and chilli. Some people have added duck eggs rather than chicken eggs to give the dish more aroma.

The rice noodles, called koay teow, are stir fried in pork fat, and crisp pieces of pork lard, called bak yew phok, is considered a delicacy by many.Char Koay Teow had its origins among the labourer class. Due to its high fat content, it was a cheap source of energy among the working class. Today, however, Char Koay Teow is accepted as a dish for all classes of the community, and some of the most famous Char Koay Teow stalls are literally dishing it out at premium prices.

Where to find Char Koay Teow??

Char Koay Teow is available at the following coffee shops in Penang:

Sin Hwa (lunch), Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus.
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre (dinner), Persiaran Gurney,
Xin Lai Lai Coffee Shop, Jalan Terengganu,
Behind Pulau Tikus market next to the Lok Lok stall nearer to Cantonment Road side,
Roadside, junction of Siam Road and Anson Road,
Anson Road Char Koay Teow, in front of Ban Hin Bee Electrical Shop, opp Siam Road junction, evening,
Ah Leng Char Koay Teow (breakfast, lunch), Kafe Khoon Hiang, Jalan Dato Kramat, opposite ex Federal cinema,
Asia Cafe (breakfast), on the left, right before the roundabout going towards Penang Hill, coming from town. Open only in mornings,
Restoran Bee Hooi (lunch), 415 Jln Burma, Pulau Tikus,
Coffee Shop in front of TNB Lorong Kulit,
Coffee Shop opposite Peng Hua, Jalan Gottlieb,
Lorong Selamat Coffee Shop (lunch),
Penang Turf Club Clubhouse,
Song River Coffee Shop (dinner), Persiaran Gurney,
Teluk Bayan Food Centre (dinner), Sungai Nibong,
Bayan Baru Market (breakfast), Bayan Baru
BB Coffee Shop (lunch), Bayan Baru
Eng Loh Coffee Shop (breakfast, lunch), 48 Lebuh Gereja,
Ho Ping Coffee Shop (lunch), 211 Jalan Penang
Kheng Pin Coffee Shop (lunch), 80-82 Jalan Penang
Kedai Kopi Kwai Lock (breakfast, lunch), Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus
Northam Beach Cafe (dinner), Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
Poly Coffee Garden (lunch), Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus
Restoran Hup Kee (breakfast, lunch), Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus
Sin Hup Aun Cafe (breakfast, lunch), Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus
Sin Yin Nam Cafe (dinner), Jalan Macalister - New Lane junction

If you are wondering whether the Char Koay Teow is the one you're looking for. See how the chef present the ceremoney of Char-ing the Koay Teow. It should be like a Voodoo spell ceremoney where the fire goes up and down under the 'wok' . Then the chef will be like Lion Dance action, swinging the 'wok' with qing qing qiang qiang music hitting the 'wok'.... If your eyes from =.=" to O.O" then YES...this is the one....=}

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Penang Laksa

Laksa is amongst the best known and loved of hawker fare in Penang. A bowl of steamed spaghetti-sized rice vermicelli is first generously garnished with finely sliced vegetables including onions, cucumber, red chillis, pineapple, lettuce, mint and pink bunga kantan (ginger buds).Onto the mixture is poured a steaming hot curry soup that is sour and thick with fish meat. A spoonful of fish paste is provided for those who favour the addition. While for decades, Penangites and visitors only knew this variety, a lemak (coconut milk) version was subsequently introduced as an alternative.

Apart from breakfast, laksa time is almost every time for some Penangites – lunch, tea, dinner or supper. And whilst this ubiquitous meal is available at most of the hawker complexes or coffee shops in the city centre of George Town and in the surburbs, the discerning enthusiast would prefer to go to one of three places.If you are in the city, the stall at Lorong Selamat off Macalister Road is a premium choice. It sells Penang laksa at tea time and both the sour and lemak varieties are available.The sour variety is piquant yet "sharp" while the lemak alternative is rich yet not too heavy on the stomach. A generous spray of chilli powder and/or spoonful of chilli oil is available upon request for those who enjoy the hot challenge. At RM3.00 a bowl and 50 sen extra for an additional fish to add more body, the price appears slightly on the high side but it is value for money.

For years, the market- place in Ayer Itam, next door to the famed Kek Lok Si Temple, has been the place locals congregate to enjoy their Penang laksa. The quality has been consistently the same through the years, the inevitable hot surroundings adding perhaps to the challenge of the flaming hot Penang laksa.True to old tradition, only the sour variety, perhaps enhanced by many slices of tamarind slices is available at the price of RM2.00 per bowl; visitors and tourists are sometimes known to have slurped up this Penang laksa with relish, go for an extended walk at the Temple grounds, then return for a second round.

No visitor who "knows" his laksa would miss that in Balik Pulau for the world. The corner coffee shop opposite the T-junction leading into the main and only street of Balik Pulau houses the most popular laksa stall in the village. Both varieties match in quality. The sour variety has maintained its sharp yet exciting flavour and aroma over the years and the fish content is thick yet smooth.If the lemak variety is not so popular, it could be because the patrons, especially those from the village, have been too used to the original sour recipe which is so much a trademark of Balik Pulau laksa as it is known over the years and as it was known decades back. If you are in a quandary about what to choose, either take one of each or simply have a half and half. At the price of RM1.70 a bowl, it is still a steal for value.

FORT CORNWALLIS (Esplanade) Penang

"The fort was built on the site of Sir Francis Light's historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it was replaced with a stone and brick structure built by convict labour in 1804."

IntroductionFort Cornwallis - named after the Governor-General in Bengal, Charles Cornwallis – is one of the most interesting historical landmarks in George Town, located close to the Esplanade, next to the Victoria Memorial Clock.

The fort's walls, roughly 10 feet high, are laid out in star-like formation. A stroll along the perimeters takes roughly 10 minutes. Inside the fort, one can still see some of the original structures built over a century ago, including a chapel, prison cells, which were once used as barracks, a munitions storage area, a harbour light once used to signal incoming ships, the original flagstaff and several old bronze canons, one of which is a Dutch canon called the Seri Rambai, dated 1603. An interesting note about the Seri Rambai - some locals believe that this particular canon can have a positive effect on a woman's fertility.

Today, this privately managed historical site is popular among visitors, equipped with a tourist information kiosk, cafe, an open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery, a souvenir centre as well as guides who can take you around the fort grounds and provide you with a glimpse of the fort's history.

Opening hours for Fort Cornwallis is from 8.30am to 6.30pm daily and the admission fees are RM3.00 for adults and RM2.00 for children below 12 years old.

HistoryOne of the earliest structures in Pulau Pinang, Fort Cornwallis was erected in 1786, not long after he acquired Pulau Pinang for the East India Company, from the Sultan of Kedah. The site where the fort was built is actually the first place where Light disembarked from his ship in 1768. Fort Cornwallis was originally built of nibong palms, but was replaced in 1804 with a sturdier stone and brick structure.

Although built for defense by design, throughout its existence, Fort Cornwallis served more as an administrative centre for the British, having survived without much threat of enemy attacks. Fort Cornwallis was once surrounded with a moat roughly 9m wide and 2m deep. Along the perimeters of the fort's wall, several canon bays were strategically placed overlooking the harbour in the north and the port activities along the eastern waterfront. In the 1920's due to a malaria outbreak in the area, the moat surrounding Fort Cornwallis was filled in.

The chapel located on the south-west corner of the fort is the first chapel ever built on Penang island and was used by the British and Europeans living there. The first-ever recorded service, however was in 1799 when John Timmers wedded Martina Rozells, the widow of Francis Light.

Travel AdviceFort Cornwallis offers the service of friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, dressed up in smart, red colonial soldier outfits, who can give you a quick and insightful tour of the fort grounds for a small fee. Without the aid of a guidebook or background knowledge of Fort Cornwallis' history, engaging these guides to take you around will be well worth the money!

For more information,

please contact:

Fort Cornwallis

Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah

10200 Georgetown, Penang

Tel: +604-2610260 / 261

Fax: +604-2610260

Email: sebagus@tm.net.my

Additional Picture

1) This cannon was presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch. However, it was given to the Acheen and installed at Kuala Selangor. Finally, this cannon was seized by the British and installed here in 1871.

Yea...when you stand by the side of this BIG CANNON, you can imagine those ship attacking from the sea and you are ready to shot !! BanGgg BanGg ~

2) The statue of Francis Light, modelled after his son was relocated from the Penang State Museum to the grounds of Fort Cornwallis. The status now overlooks the fort and it holds a great heritage treasure in the heart of Georgetown.

Ahhh, this is the fella whom stay in my classroom ?? Now i see you but you don't see me!!! He wear so thick, no wonder the room got 7 windows....

Convent Light Street - My SCHOOL !!

Convent Light Street in Penang

Convent Light Street in Penang is also known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, a girls' school established in 1852 by a French Sisters' Mission who had arrived from Antwerp in Belgium a year earlier to start the school. Here you can still hear footsteps of history as this is the place where American prisoners from a submarine were held during the Second World War. The Convent is an impressive complex of buildings which once served a wholly different purpose before they were turned into the school.

History of Convent Light Street in Penang

The history of the street or this walled complex goes back to the times of Francis Light. The walled complex of the convent holds one of the oldest buildings in Georgetown, a bungalow once owned by Francis Light which dates back to 1793. The bungalow was later leased to the East India Company in 1803 to be used for Government House, the seat of the Penang Government.

- Yea, my Form 1 classroom facing the sea is Francis Light's room. Down there is a garden. Wooden floor, wooden window. The room got about 6-7 windows , is kinda windy. If you stay back until 5pm... the sounds of the sea and leaves could makes you had a goosebump.

The Convent took over the site in 1859, added a chapel, cloisters for the Sisters, an orphanage, a boarding house for student boarders and several classrooms. During the Second World War, the Convent was turned into a base for the invading Japanese Army who also held captured prisoners within the Convent grounds.

Features of Convent Light Street in Penang

- Convent Light Street in Penang is and old structure holding plenty of charms.

- The convent is the most important inner city school in Georgetown and the oldest school complex in the country, having remained on this site for almost one and a half centuries.

- The chapel of the convent is adorned with stained glass windows imported from France.

- The founder, Mother Pauline Marie Rodot who died in 1852, is buried in the Old

- Catholic burial ground near.

- Seven other sisters from the convent who died in the 1890s are also buried here.

- If you are lucky to get the permission from the school authority, they will take you to one of the class room which was the infamous internment camp for the captured crew members of the USS GRENADIER SS-210 which was sunk in the Straits of Malacca.

- The classroom serves as a memorial site where you can still experience the horror and the ravages of the war.

- You can see the carved names of the prisoners which they scratched with their belt buckles on various parts of the classroom walls during their incarceration.

This one, i been finding but nobody know which classroom!! Studing there 10 years but never go have a look.

How stupid !!!

- There is a small memorial to the men along with some photos and news stories.

- The survivors sent various mementos to the Convent requesting that they be permanently displayed in the classroom.

This well near the toilet. I never really dare to look down from there. 10 years just pass by when I go to the washroom...

welcome to iii Penang, Malaysia

Welcome to iii Penang , Malaysia...
This is where I was born, my home state where I grew up :)

More to come.. when we have co-authors to run this blog...

Enjoy reading :)