Little Penang , Pearl Of Oriental, An island in Malaysia

Penang Wifi

2009-03-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Penang state government's initiative to introduce WIFI to all areas in Penang has attracted some residents' protest over health concern of the WIFI's transmissions. The protestors based their case on the argument that the health impact of WIFI parallel that of handphone -where the transmission towers had become a cause of protest over the last decade. The issue was only resolved for the moment when the Council finally decided to implement its guidelines on setting up those transmission towers -which need to be of a certain distance from residential units. So can this be similarly done for the WIFI roll-out?

Migration on LittlePenang.com

2007-09-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

LittlePenang.com has been migrate to wordpress instead of using blogspot service.

Here is the New Blog, still in progress

My List (Finalist)

2007-06-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

Once Upon A Time Money Making Blog Bubba Stuff Little Raymond's quaint melody Seraph Chronicles Route Brumeuse Coder's Talk Reggae And SKA Art Of ApOgEE THE VEGEMASTER LIFE Boonage Coretan Pengalaman Mat Silverhorsegunnysack BLUEAPPLE scribbles Diet & Detoxification Karma Kameleon Hsien's Dirty Little Secret The Rojak Blog keeyit My Life Online Fun Stuffs Donny's Bits Nicholas Chan's Blog dream of's DESIGN strike freedom 115 Truly Malaysia It's another new day Lisan's Scribbles Ramblings of a 22 years old The Towering Joe Life's a Breeze Life's Roller Coaster AceOne118 In His Time in His time The New Sanctuary a life full of surprises Sketches of Life Shannon's Old Space Pikey Dude SEO & Online Marketing Blog ShowMeMoneyBiz.com Snapshots kahpengBlog I am Who I am yung . silent whisper Simple Life One blog.One girl.One story The World Through My Eyes Why Malaysia? Etcetera~Etcetera Giddy Tigers Make Money Online: Exploring The Dark Side of Blogging Xilly's Blog Malaika Xiao Yu My Home Recipe SQKIKI’s Simple Tech Nukilan Jejari Azhad ITCHY HANDseng Just My Lil' Organic Life Oooh La La... Weird World of MerapuMan Fibre Art The World at My Fingertips Organic Income Organic Parade Shopping Flavor Daily postings of a chung ling student Something about LAI KennyP’s Technology Blog Women Mumbles KuKuJian.com Lyon & Wien Under The SUN Crumbs In Life SotongZai's Flow In the Ocean allthingspurple Christene's Kitchen toxicle.org [ Wood ] [ Earth ] [ Cheap ] [ Flight ] COMtech Ah Ling's blog Memoirs.:*CRoSs mY hE@Rt ~WoOLaLA~ vivivava Design My Mothering Corner Shoppingmum’s Home Office My Filling Station Shopping Mum All about Beauty Shoppingmum and Kids datotalrandommessy.grey Notes from my heart Joy Montessori wahlau's online hut Cedric’s Asylum mott’s mutterings Just My Thoughts delephant Incoherent Ramblings HOT STUFF Make Money Online with Malaysia Love AGLOCO MONTESSORIMUM.COM Funky Cookies Earn Money Online PabloPabla's Whatever Make Money with Blogging Paris Beaverbanks Free Links Giveaway Free Blogger Templates Blogsreview.Net Making a Living 5xmom How to be a Better Blogger My Women Stuff Hochiak! Delicious Asian Food Best Recipes Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget Daryl's Discovery Journey The fluff must go somewhere
Kitchen Experiments Elliottwave Signal Internet-Crazy Blog Newopps Blog Make Money Online Review Center Little Penang iFlicks Healing tips and home remedies Ornamental Fish Grasp! Seize! Get hold of it! Life Snapshot Mental Freedom, Por Favor Eat. Live. Be Merry! Funny Junk Addicting Flash Games Pictures Video Clips mott’s island Clinke Bidding Directory Blog Easy Home Cooking FrenzRSS.com Pink Poison Store Show Me Health Biz The Undeniable Beauty - Revamped An Anonymous Journal Cyberpartygal Blank Canvas She Rambles On charcamayne Money Online Adsense Money Tips For Adsense Belajar Cara Membuat Blog Wordpress Usahawan Internet Peluang Perniagaaan Internet iNicholas Made In Penang Syaf The Geek snapshots of life with Cheng Leng iCalvyn.com Blogging Through Depression & Life Trying to Save Money novatech personal playground Little World Of Thoughts Sumber Dekorasi & Laman Anda Menarik.com INSIDE MY MIND Sleepy As Usual blogs" href="http://chriskong57.blogspot.com/" target=_blank>thoughts ---> blogs Share Everything In Life Value Bookshop’s Reading Notes Tips and Tricks to Happy Parenting BERSAMA MEMBINA KEJAYAAN THE BITCH CLUB datotalrandommessy.grey Artmaker BlogWawasan.com life is beautiful Adino Online Penang Homes Physical-e A Mom's Diary Health Freak Mommy mrdefinite.com - It’s hot Tracking Movies SquareCookies MonkeyWong Voice of a Glass Doll Online Article Directory Bambang Wise Life Advice Kaklong Online Portal Down Memory Lanes Sleeping Princess Online Bisnes Forex Marketing Blog project010 ProTechWang.Com Bleargh Pigeon Card Pianologist KCLau’s Money Tips The Great Swifty Speaketh Mr & Mrs. Imran If fate allow our destinies to meet From chopstix to steak knives Where's My Noose? Duke Amiene Rev Mum & Kids In Wonderland Yum-Yum Cuisine Software, Web Development and Technology just another ordinary story Mummy In Vain's Little World How To Solve Your Question FáLLiÑg LéÃVéS add this to my life Free Encyclopedia High Paying Keywords try-test arshad's photojourney EvelynHolic RajaBLog.info Lovelymummy's Bay My Yummy Cruise Home Sweet Home Lovely Mummy OnlineBisnes Malay Blog Purest of e2wen MyAnimes MySpace Blog Badruzamani.Org Parenting Life Forum Newbie Bisnes Internet & Blogger Mohd Sufian A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words hcfoo's blog Amazing Grace The Sanctuary Welcome To cHrIstInA_YY's Pink World Defying Destiny Dead Boredom Seeking Freedom Travelogue An amazing & adventurous journey Erin Nurjenna [B][E][A][U][T][I][F][U][L] Fluffy's Day Off My Fairy-Tale

My List

2007-05-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

Recently i found a blog, introduce My list,

How My list work?The purpose of My List is to gather all Malaysian blogger's URL and link it to each other, the founder of MyList is Daryl, once of a successful blogger in Malaysia, let see what Daryl say:

My List stands for the giving hearted and goodwill of Malaysians to help one another and also most definitely for the Malaysian Boleh! spirit in the great big world of blogsphere! Read More

How to Participate

Read the instruction in Daryl's My List page (Click the read more above)
Download the "My List ", make a new post , describe how My List works and paste My List at the end of your post
Send your contact details and the permanent url of your My List post to Daryl
Your blog will be update in My List
Clossing date will be 31st MAY 2007
Make a new post on Final My List when receive email notification on June ( to ensure late commers also enjoy the benefit.

Following are the My List participants:
My List Participants

Half price for Malaysian visit S'pore

2007-05-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

This post will out of my topic, since my blog are talking on travel. and here i have some news for my audience.

Malaysian just pay half price for visit certain place in singapore

You able to get more information at Visitsingapore.com and visit my personel blog at iCalvyn.com or the particular post

here is the pricing and location that have offer

Wesak Day

2007-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Wesak Day fall on month of May most of the time, today is also labour day 1st of May, and i have not working. Around evening time, i went to find my friend - Dave to dinner and we go to Buddhist Temple for Prayer.

Why so many people Q there? let me go to have a look!

Wow, so many people there, i saw water and smoke

i saw a little buddha there,

Wah, little buddha are very enjoy lo, so many people Q there to bath for him

New Air Line Company - Fire Flyz.com.my

2007-04-25T01:57:00.000-07:00

Sory for my reader, recently are buzy on my another blog, iCalvyn.com and do some basic SEO for my blog.

On few week ago, once air line company has establish, Fireflyz.com.my , according to my collegue, this company is the subsidiary of MAS airline, the purpose it to compete with Air Asia Airline.

When i spoken to once of my company sales manager, she said this comamy own a small size air plane. it is more safety if we having small size plane, becouse the weight are lesser when flight at the sky. This is real also.

Here are some information on this company

Booking method
Booking online : www.fireflyz.com

Booking on phone : 03 - 7845 4543.

Booking Via Ticketing centre :
City Ticket Office
1st Floor, Menara KWSP
38 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
10050 Penang.
Tel: 604 217 6321 / 6323 / 6326Ope
rating Hours: Mon – Fri 0830 – 1730

or

Airport Ticket Office
Bayan Lepas International Airport,
Penang
Tel: 604 648 2107
Operating Hours: Daily 0530 - 2130

Group Booking
For bookings of ten (10) passengers or more, you can make use of our Group Bookings service. Just email us at groups@fireflyz.com.my with your itinerary details, number of passengers and telephone contact number. We will then send you a quotation.

Ticketing Price

Penang Bridge Get Bomb???

2007-04-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, near to evening time, after my office hour, i sit infront of my PC to enjoy some radio channel. Sudently my collegue - Ibrahim, come in to back office and inform me about some one putting bomb atpenang bridge.

What the Hell!!!bomb the entire bridge will make alot of losses to Malaysia. alot of life will be kill and our economy will down. i really dont understand why those stupid terorist would like to bomb their own places. break their own rice bowl.

later after i went back home, i am chit chating with my net friend about blogging, i show them some of the success blogger, sudently i saw some updated news from lilianchan.blogspot.com , as what i know on this blogger, people call her 5xmom. her blog are very update 7.30PM already make her post on this issue, thats the time i just receive the news at my company

lets see what thestar.com.my said:

Thousands caught in jam after bridge closure

PENANG: Thousands of Penangites were caught in a massive evening jam when the Penang Bridge was closed for more than two hours after police received a call that there was a bomb on the bridge.

Many motorists heading towards the bridge after work were caught unaware and found themselves in a traffic bottleneck at the Bayan Lepas coastal road leading to the bridge on the island and Seberang Jaya on the mainland.

The bridge was closed to traffic at 4.30pm and only reopened at 7pm.

Traffic had to be diverted to the ferry terminals on both the island and Butterworth, causing George Town and Butterworth town to be choked with cars and motorcycles.

Just hours earlier, a 10-wheel truck had broken down on the bridge before the middle span, causing a traffic crawl that stretched almost 15km to the Juru interchange near Auto City. The truck’s rear wheels had jammed and it took mechanics nearly five hours to get the vehicle moving again.
Around the same time the truck was removed, police at the state contingent headquarters operations room received a call saying that there was a bomb on the bridge.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Azam Abd Hamid said police then alerted Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and he gave the green light for the police to close the bridge.

“A six-man bomb squad was sent to the bridge immediately. They found a 0.3m-long, 10cm-diameter steel pipe,” ACP Azman later told a press conference at the Northern Region marine police base.

The pipe, he said, was found wedged in the divider at the 3.9km point of the bridge on the Butterworth-bound side.

“It was suspected that the steel pipe contained explosives. Not taking any risk, the squad detonated it at 6.45pm at the site,” said ACP Azam.

He added that police had earlier informed RTM to announce on air that the bridge would be closed. Messages were later flashed on the electronic signboards advising motorists to use the ferry instead.

Arrangements were also made with the Penang Port authorities to increase the number of ferries to cater to the large number of vehicles heading for the ferry terminals.

Tempers flared on both ends of the bridge as traffic came to a standstill. Irate motorists voiced their frustrations after being stranded for nearly two hours.

List of 5 Star Hotel

2007-04-02T00:51:00.001-07:00

i found a list of 5 star hotel at TourismPenang.gov.my , but it seen like outdate and not accurated. For what i know few hotel in penang has 5 star which is Equatorial Penang , Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa , and Penang Mutiara Beach Resort , unfortunately, Penang Mutiara Beach Resort has been close for some time.

Here is the Detail and Contact on the hotel:

Equatorial Penang
1 Jalan Bukit Jambul, 10090 Pulau Pinang
Phone:604-643-8111
Fax:604-881-1180
Email:info@pen.equatorial.com

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Batu Feringghi Beach, 11100 Pulau Pinang
Phone:604-881-1811
Fax:604-881-1180
Email:rsr@shangri-la.com

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang hotel has reopen in either end of last year or beginning on this year. I have a friend who are a IT Support that service their Hotel IT facility has told me how luxury the hotel are. he has show me some of the snap shot on the hotel bed room and bath room. The design are good and creative. i just wonder i have the opurtunity to stay there a night. The Minimum rate per night will be RM800++ if not mistaken.

Wherest Equatorial hotel located near Bukit Jambu, which is a hill site hotel, behind this hotel also have a golf field. i went there before when i still a kids, my relative are staying there while they come to penang for their vacation. The design of the lobby are awesome and the staff are polite. In my memory, there have a pond with alot of fish, if not nmistaken, just below the staircase in the lobby.

Gary Chaw Live at Prangin Mall

2007-03-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

Nickname: Gary
Gender: Male
Birthday: 1979/7/9
Blood type: AB
Height: 173cm
Weight: 58kg
Education: University of Auckland
Occupation: singer,composer
Hobby: movies
Favorite: Music
Introduction: 我在尋找我的superwoman，跟我一樣信仰美麗的愛情，願意照顧像我這種被寵壞的男人，願意相信，那無數個夜晚的流浪還有棲息，都祇是為了尋找最後的溫暖。
Translation: [ I'm looking for my superwoman,who believes the beauty of love like me,willing to take care a spoiled man like me,willing to believe that,we are lookin for the person we truly love ]

on 16th March, Gary Chaw came to Prangin Mall, Penang
i was invited by my friend - Dave, he is once of Gary's Fan
The Show start at 8pm, but we arrive there at 8.30PM,
Becouse we know mostly those singer will be late! this is their
behaviour. ~~i really dont understand~~

PICT 140: Alot of Fan there, i also can see some foreigner,
but they just pass by, i not fast enough to took their picture!

PICT 141: The shows are organise at Autrium A

PICT 146: Wow, such a big Poster, alot people would dream

to have it! especially girl

PICT 149: What???...this is Gary???...

Shuld be kidding! once of the Fan cant wait any more,

he came up to the stage to act as Gary

PICT 153: wowowo...ah Wong(Yellow Man from DIGI) is

comming...he wan to take people attention..haiz....

Pity Gary, if u still dont want to come,

Ah Wong will replace you!

PICT 157: Ah Wong start to play games with the FAN

PICT 159 : every one are enjoying~~

PICT 168 : "wo!~ yo!~ wa!~ wi!~ hi!~ Gary..!!..!! "

this is what i can hear there! every one shouting at him!

PICT 170:

PICT 177: The DJ are interviewing him!

PICT 179: Now a days selling picture after then event are not

a good business if compare to 10 year ago! poor camera man..

Most of the people now a days have own DC! this is current trend

PICT 184

PICT 186

PICT 189

PICT 190

PICT 195: ah Wong, don kacau la... you are not the main actor today,

back to your TV advertisment!

PICT 197

PICT 199: Seen like ah Wong also a Fan of gary. Her is giving

a sun flower to Gary

PICT 204

PICT206: wah!~ PEOPLE MOUNTAIN PEOPLE SEA

(Translate: alot of people)

PICT 209 : if not mistaken, this DJ name is " Mei" becouse i heard

alot of xiao mei mei call her "ah Mei"

PICT 210: She is quite Preety~ haha..poor Gary, all pepple

are looking for preety girl, forget him already ( he sitting at teh back

waiting to the FAN

PICT 211 : a Long Q

PICT 212: at last, i able to find a good place to shoot his picture

while he is signing the albulm for the FAN

PICT 215

PICT 216

PICT 218

PICT 219

PICT 221

PICT 222

PICT 223: Wow, the FAN shuld be very happy with his cool face

PICT 225

PICT 226

PICT 227

PICT 228

PICT 229

PICT 230 Gary fell tired already, he sign few hundred autograf.

Money really hard to earn lo!

Pict 232 : Gary saying good bye with all the Fan..he going to back already

Photograph By iCalvyn

Photo are available! Contact kvin@littlepenang.com

Lion Dance at Cititel Penang

2007-03-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is the 1st Year i join Cititel Penang as a IT Officer, on that day, the 1st day of Chinese New Year Morning, i hardly to woke up, becouse the night before that day i was reunion with my primary sch mate at kek lok Si and back home around 3am.

The lion Dance start on 10am and i still able to rush there!
alot of people viewing lion dance and i saw alot of foreigner there, they are very excited when the drum up! alot of foreigner took foto there, i am also the one taking photo with them

wahaha...i say a gold hard woman infront of me! she is very excited

The lion just dance in the back office and dance thought the front office reception area

the lion are going to our security entrance.

They having a ceremony in from of "Datuk"( once of the God pray by chinese and Indian)

The Lion Dance almost Finish, they are having the banner in the lobby area, the lion dance show end at around 11.30am. Most of teh guest are very lucky, especially those foreigner from europe, they less opurtunity to saw this kind of show.

More about Lion Dance in the previous post

http://mylittlepenang.blogspot.com/2007/02/chinese-lion-dance.html

Chap Goh Meh 十五暝

2007-03-05T03:31:00.000-08:00

i Still remember when i young, my parent bring me to explanate to see people "Tim Kam" (throwing tangerines) and i heard my parent told me only female who haven married will go to "Tim Kam", they said " Tim Kam Keh ho Ang"(throwing tangerines can married good husband) and Male who haven have wife must "TimKo"( throwing drum), they said "Tim Ko cua ho bo"(throwing drum find a good wife)...

This festival every also will have in town area, but this few year, they no longer throwing tangerines into the sea, because too wasted, after taken up, the tangerines are very salty! no one would like to eat...

Chap Goh Meh 十五暝 ."fifteen night"
In Hokkien dialect, it means the 15th night of Chinese New year. It is celebrated with prayers and offerings to mark the end of the Chinese New Year. Houses are again brightly decorated with lights for the last day of the celebration. Legend has seem young unmarried women throwing tangerines into the sea hoping to find a good husband. After this day, business as usual and everyone is looking forward for the next Chinese New Year.

Here have some snap shot for this event, alot people throwing tangerines on top of this rack, there have 4 different direction, Love, wealth, health and career.

This is the worker who stanby to take those tangerines out from the pond,

all the tangerines will fall in to this pond

Photograph by iCalvyn

Curry Mee (Asam Laksa or Curry Laksa)

2007-03-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

Foreigner Friend: kvin, i heard people said Curry laska are nice and tasty! where can i find it

Me: har??? U mean kari mee or asam laksa? both are different leh!

Foreigner Friend: oh really? let me show u..i have this picture!

Me: Oh...this we call Kari Mee...penangite call this curry mee, i know a place have nice and tasty kari mee, nearby air itam market, air itam people call "Kio tao kari mee" near to methodist kidnergarden! Lets go together and i will tell u what is kari mee!

Foreigner Friend : ok, lets go

What is Curry Laksa ( Penangite call it Curry Mee)

Curry laksa (in many places referred to simply as “laksa”) is a coconut-based curry soup. The main ingredients for most versions of curry laksa include tofu puffs, fish sticks, shrimp and cockles. Some vendors may sell chicken laksa which uses chicken instead of shrimp. Cockles are usually very commonly used in laksa and most vendors would add them into laksa unless customers request not to have cockles for hygiene reasons. Laksa is commonly served with a spoonful of sambal chilli paste and is traditionally garnished with Vietnamese coriander, or laksa leaf, which is known in Malay as daun kesum. This is usually known as "Curry mee" in Penang rather than curry laksa, due to the different kind of noodles used (yellow mee or bee hoon, as opposed to the thick white laksa noodles). The name "Curry laksa" is more commonly used in Singapore. With the popularity of laksa in Singapore and Malaysia, there are even more 'varieties' of ingredients like lobster laksa, laksa yong tau foo and even plain laksa, just noodles and gravy, like the type found on Sungei Road. Laksa is extremely popular in Australia, especially in the Chinatown districts of the capital cities. Special deals, such as "Laksa Thursday" encourage many local business workers to frequent the Asian cafes to dine on Laksa and other noodle based soups.

Information bought to you by wikipedia.org

Times Square (Comming Soon)

2007-02-25T22:42:00.000-08:00

Times Square,quite long time ago already exist at KL,just next to low yat plaza and Sg.Wang Plaza. That area are very famous and alot of people! full of tourist and alot of hotel behind there! KLCC are located few KM from Time Square.

Now a days Penang also will have a Time Square, Just Near to komtar, PranginMall, and Gama, the location are very nice and alot of hotel behind there! Soon, few hotel will be build behind this ares also!

Introduction
PENANG TIMES SQUARE, an urban village within the city, is where the historical events in the past will be retold and future events will unfold, a place where Georgetown will relive its glorious past.

Location
Perfectly located along Jalan Dato Keramat, with Jalan Kampung Jawa Baru as the future link to Jelutong Expressway, Birch The Plaza at Penang Times Square has one of the most exclusive addresses in the heart of Georgetown. Being an address of one of the future monorail station, it will be just as accessible either by road or rail in the near future.This inevitably makes Penang Times Square the perfect location in Georgetown's city centre

information bought to you by.

http://penangtimessquare.com/

Old Car at Penang

2007-02-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, here have some Preety Old car picture to show u all. i taken all this picture at 26th Nov 2006 after a WALK competition, the WALK is organice by PVAA Club!

Chinese Lion Dance

2007-02-16T00:15:00.000-08:00

About the Troupe
Founded in 1983, hailed as "one of the five most prestigious performing ensembles in the state of Michigan" by the Michigan Council for the Arts, the Award winning Asian Martial Arts Lion Dance Troupe is made up of members chosen from within the kung-fu program. Along with regular martial arts training, they join special weekly classes in the art of Chinese lion dance. It must be noted that Chinese lion dancing is an extension of the Chinese martial arts, and traditionally is always performed by martial artists. The dancers go through extensive training in the many intricate steps and body movements that form the basis of the lion dance, as well as the use of various percussion instruments and their traditional rhythms which accompany the dance. Kung-fu members interested in participating in the Lion Dance troupe are encouraged to talk with their instructors.

About The Lion Dance Chinese Lion Dancing has two traditions, the Northern style and the older Southern style. At the Asian Martial Arts Studio of Ann Arbor, we perform the Classical Chinese Lion Dance of the Southern Style. Although the lion is not native to China, Buddhists and many others use it to represent courage, energy and wisdom. In this context the Chinese consider the lion to be a peaceful creature, unlike the fierce tiger which is native to the middle kingdom.

The Narrative of the Lion Dance The Lion Dance begins in a cave, behind a closed portal, with a sleeping lion. An overweight Buddhist monk enters, looks around and prepares the shrine. He lights a lantern, opens the portal's double doors, sweeps away the dust and leaves, and lights candles and incense burners. He wakens the lion with a drum and gong and they play. Eventually the monk tries to entice the lion to pray before the altar, but the lion has other plans. When the lion gets bored, the monk teases him with some greens, which makes the lion angry, so he subsequently bites the monk. The lion then takes the greens from the monk and eats them. Sometimes additional greens are hung out of the lion's reach. Three times the lion disperses the greens onto the audience, giving them the blessings of wealth and good fortune. After a nap, the lion is ready to play again, but the monk has left, leaving the lion to dance by himself before backing into the cave. The lion supposedly possesses mystical properties: When paired with the five colors (yellow, black, green, red and white) as the costume is colored, it is said to have control over the five cardinal directions. The costume is composed of many symbolic shapes. The bird shaped horn represents the phoenix. The ears and tail are of the unicorn. The protruding forehead, adorned with a mirror which deflects evil forces, and the long beard are characteristic of Asian dragons. The lion walks back and forth, in a zigzag path, in order to confuse evil spirits, which the Chinese believe move in straight lines. Finally, the act of eating and dispersing of the greens symbolizes the distribution of wealth and good fortune to all those present. These symbols combine to cure sickness, bless marriages and guard against misfortune. The southern style Lion Dance has become an extension of the Chinese Martial spirit, and is always performed by students of Kung Fu. Following the Lion Dance, you will see forms, or choreographed routines, performed by the Lion Dancers. The early martial artists, studying in Buddhist temples, imitated the fighting styles of the animals in nature that they observed such as the tiger and the crane, the primary styles taught at the AMAS. Other styles include the leopard, praying mantis, eagle, snake and dragon. The forms you will see imitate the movements and characteristics of these animals. The Chinese consider the lion dance to be a vehicle for dispensing all the good blessings of heaven to the whole community. It is done not only during the New Year's celebration but also on auspicious occaisions, and represents the hopes and aspirations of the Chinese people for all the good things life holds. The lion dance is an extension of the Chinese martial arts and is always performed by martial artists. All the movements of the Lion are based on stances and positions from the Kung Fu taught at AMAS. Lion dancing develops strength, flexibility and endurance as well as the ability to work in team and overcome obstacles through group effort. Not only do the performers display strength, coordination, agility and endurance, they also exemplify the martial spirit in the "Ssu-wei", or the four basic supports of a State: "li," or decorum; :"i,, uprightness of mind (morality); "lien," honesty; and "chih," a sense of honor.

Thaipusam Prayer

2007-01-31T01:04:00.000-08:00

From the top of the green hill, the endless string of devotees dotting its way up the concrete steps seemed like a sacred procession of silence.
Carrying milk-pots of brass and silver, and harnessed in colourful kavadis, the worshippers inched their way to the great temple overhead with sweet hypnotic resolve. The children, the elders, even the disabled ones, scaled slowly with their ceremonial burdens, ascending with a mission to the call of the good Lord Muruga above.

In the temple, Muruga - the protector of the innocent - stood august and majestic in the inner sanctum, arms akimbo. An endless flow of milk cascaded from his crown and down his polished ebony image amid an air wafting with chants, music and heavy sandalwood incense.
Here, in the famous temple atop a small hill in Penang's lush Waterfall suburbia, thousands of devotees end their journey on foot every year. After hours of trekking from the various temples in George Town, the pilgrims ascend the hill with a final inspired spurt of fulfilment and calmness, to release their loads in the holy place as a realisation of their vows.
Some 600,000 devotees and tourists converged at Waterfall last January to celebrate or watch the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam. The lengthy stretch of road leading to the area, shut completely to traffic, teemed with throngs of people who were fringed on both sides by two lines of pandals or temporary stalls that provided refreshments, vegetarian food and religious souvenirs.

The Thaipusam tradition was brought to the Malay peninsula through the South Indian diaspora during the 19th century. Ironically, the festival has since evolved and grown so greatly in Malaysia and Singapore that it has now far outsized celebrations, mostly unheard of, even in India.

In fact the festivities in Penang have evolved to such an extent that they assimilate distinctly local characteristics that would raise eyebrows in India. For example, the celebrations have drawn a cosmopolitan following of many non-Indians. One group of Chinese devotees was seen pulling a small chariot of Kuan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy. Another group had actually prepared an ornate chariot replete with giant images of Hindu gods such as Shiva and Kali accompanied by the serene image of Kuan Yin.
But in spite of the few inevitable socio-cultural oddities, Thaipusam is by and large inundated with Hindu rites and rituals.
The festival is however popularly known more for the acts of self-immolation by devotees who skewer themselves with hooks and spears as penance. It is unfortunate that such exotic spectacles have prevented many visitors from being more exposed to the profound depths of angelic spirituality many devotees demonstrate.
The early morning of Thaipusam is arguably the finest time for visitors to experience the purist side of the festival. The calm and tranquil march of devotees bearing ceremonial milk-pots, coconuts and simple shoulder-kavadis in the balmy hours is an arresting sight.

Mostly clad in yellow and saffron, clean-shaven heads smeared with sandalwood paste, the devotees walk along the road sans the boisterousness that dominates the later hours of the day. The pilgrim procession passes a number of temples along the Waterfall road before the ascent up to the famous hilltop temple. The usually barren rain gutters along the hillside look like slender white capillaries, flowing down with ceremonial milk offered at the temple above. Further below, a whole river has turned into an amazing canal of milk.
The festivities traditionally end on the evening after Thaipusam day, when the impressive Silver Chariot bearing the image of Muruga, is slowly driven from the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Waterfall on a long overnight journey to the Natukottai Chettiar Temple in George Town.

The chariot had in fact been earlier brought to the waterfall temple the morning before Thaipusam, in what has become a customary beginning to the festivities.
It is interesting to note that the yearly chariot procession during Thaipusam has been held without fail since 1857. A wooden chariot was used for the first 37 years until the silver chariot was brought from India in 1894; this chariot has been used ever since.
The episode of drawing the chariot back from the Waterfall temple lends an engaging atmosphere of faith, devotion and piety. Hundreds of devotees flock peacefully around the gleaming chariot, carrying trays of offerings - flowers, fruits, betel-leaves, coconuts - amid undulating music of an Indian piper and his drummer.

Little children are lifted up to the idol in the chariot for priests to invoke the deity's blessings; jasmine garlands passed along up to be placed on the idol; wisps of incense smoke, fragrance of rosewater; camera flashes and chants. All these amid a sea of devotion and equanimity.
As the chariot, pulled by bulls, slowly lunges forward, a frenzy of coconut smashing ensues before the sacred deity. Municipal council workers plunge into disciplined action, zooming a pair of bobcats and compactor units to clear the debris as the chariot moves on.
Afar and nigh ahead, the endless peaceful waves of devotees wait patiently to have their glimpses of the sacred idol of Muruga till the holy parade and the festival come again next year.

Toy Museum in Penang

2007-01-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

With a seemingly endless selection to choose from, one can say that Penang is not short on recreational activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Cineplexes, bookstores, nature walks, beaches, aquariums, swimming pools, concerts and such like.
And just when you thought that you've tried all there is to savour, along comes a totally new and unique (at least in Penang) concept – the Penang Toy Museum. With over 100,000 toys, dolls, models and other fun collectibles, it's a haven for toy and movie aficionados. "It's also the largest in the world and the first such museum in Asia" says proud owner Loh Lean Cheng of his baby.

How did it all began?
Loh explained that his passion for toys started way back when he was 19, while visiting the London Toy and Model Museum.
It was there that he developed an appreciation for toys and started his collection that subsequently grew and grew - from his first collectible Popeye toy (bought in 1973) for which he paid about 50p (RM3.30) to the 1.8m-tall Gundam robot from Japan costing about RM9,000. With over 30 years of dedication and the help from his family members, Loh's collection today numbers over 100,000 items, including toys, models, collectibles, and detailed doll houses furnished with wardrobes, accessories and make-up parlors.

The current Toy Museum
The 650 sq m. museum is divided into different categories beginning with the Chamber of Horror and going on to the Chamber of Monsters, Fields of Combat, Cave of Dinosaurs, Hall of Virtual Reality, Chamber of Fantasy, Hall of Rock Legends, Hall of Celebrities, Halls of Cartoons, Chamber of Comic Book Heroes and Hall of Beauties. A special section on Star Wars collectibles and memorabilia featuring Princess Leia, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, all placed strategically to enact different scenes from the movies, will thrill fans of the Star Wars series. Other favourite movie characters include those from the Peter Jackson version of The Lord of the Rings. One can also experience voice-overs, sounds and motion effects triggered by hidden sensors in certain sections of the museum.

Consisting of 560 showcases (4ft x 2ft x 2ft), visitors will also come 'face-to-face' with the stars of Hong Kong moviedom, like the late Bruce Lee, Andy Lau and Jackie Chan, and pop stars like The Beatles, Kiss, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Michael Jackson.

The other toys displayed in the museum are characters found in famous stories, comics and movies. They include Spiderman, Batman, the Power Rangers, X-Men, X-Files, Tarzan, The Simpsons, Winnie the Pooh, Barney, Snoopy, Bananas in Pyjamas, Dalmations, Toy Story, Garfield, and the list goes on and on. And what is a toy museum without leggy American 'icon' Barbie?

Some of the toys and figures on display are rare limited editions accquired from around the world. Most of the toys were purchased during his travels, some through friends and some even through the Internet. He continues to acquire more toys to boost the already spend between money every month on toys to better his already impressive collection. In recognition of his achievement, the Malaysian Book of Records had certified Loh's Toy Museum as the first of its kind in the country and with the largest toy and figurine collection in the world.
The museum is open to the public from 9.00am to 9.00pm daily, with the last entry at 8.30pm. Admission fees are RM10 for adults and RM6 for children.

Toy Museum

Jalan Tanjung Bungah

11200 Penang

(In front of the Copthorne Orchid Hotel)
Tel: 6012-460 2096

Information Bought to you by Tourism Penang

EDEN

2007-01-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday 2nd of JAN, i bring my friend to Eden for lunch, because the day before yesterday was his birthday! i have visit to this restaurant many time with my family long long time ago! price are reasonable and environment are nice! for my opinion, this is a nice place for couple to enjoy the romantic felling. But now a day, teenage will always go to those fast food restaurant at shopping mall! most of the visitor at EDEN will be foreigner and familly!

Eve's Gardenia, located at 15 Hutton Lane, Penang is the first Eden restaurant. Adam's Terrace, situated just a shop next to Eve's Gardenia and was established later to cope with the overwhelming response of the former.

These restaurants started out as partnership but on 24 Nov 1997, Eden Enterprises (M) Sdn Bhd was incorporated as a private limited company and took over the operation of both restaurants.

Location:
Tel: (04) 263 9262
Fax: (04) 263 1149
Address : 15, Jalan Hutton, 10050 Penang

We both order 2 set lunch which include:

Soup of the day
bread with butter
Main Course ( Chicken chop of Fish)
Coffee or Tea
I-Cream

Cost us RM15++ per set lunch.

Type of cuisine served: The main cuisines served at both restaurants are steak, grill, seafood and set menus.

Operation Hours:
Open daily except certain public holidays such as Chinese New Year and Labour Day From Noon - 10:00pm.

Spice Garden

2006-12-30T01:19:00.000-08:00

One of Penang's popular attraction is the Tropical Spice Garden which is located in Teluk Bahang, a few minutes’ drive from Batu Feringgi.
For those seeking peace, tranquillity and to immerse one's self in the splendour of Mother Nature, this veritable secret garden is the place to be.
Step into this little pocket of paradise and Nature's sights, smells and sounds will instantly take over, obliterating all traces of the hustle and bustle that is associated with urban living.
Spread over 3.2ha, this garden microcosm of diverse ecosystems houses more than 500 varieties of flora from Malaysia and other regions.
Visitors will find landscaped trails and natural pathways, stream crossings, cascading waterfalls and interesting structures made from recycled material such as tiles and timber salvaged from demolished pre-war houses.

The best way to explore the place is to follow the three undulating trails leading to 11 distinct Garden Rooms: Water Garden, Cycad Room, Banana/Heliconia Bank, Spice Terraces, Bamboo Garden, Ginger Walk, Sugar Terrace, Ornamental Valley, Croton Wall, Fern Walk and Jungle Trail.
These “rooms” are designed for visitors to walk into and through and feature special plant collections to emphasise particular themes.
Each garden trail provides sufficient interest for a 25 to 45 minute walk with varying degrees of adventure.

A privately funded agro-tourism project endorsed by the Penang State Government, the garden is aimed at fostering understanding and appreciation of tropical plants through programmes of conservation, display, education and research.
The garden also houses a pre-war Straits Colonial country bungalow called Lone Crag Villa, which has been converted into a Visitor Centre with a built-up area of about 5,500 square feet.Visitors are recommended to spend some time here and savour some of the offerings at the Centre.

They include a Spice Museum with permanent exhibits on the origins of the spice trade, historical spice routes and how spices are produced or processed. A themed gallery features different exhibitions.
Budding botanists (or the merely curious) are encouraged to enquire at the Garden Shop about any of the interesting and unusual plants that catches their fancy in the garden, many of which are cultivated for sale. Gardening accessories and organic fertilisers and a helpful gardening tip or two are also available.
You can't possibly tour the entire grounds without a break, so give those tired feet a break at the Spice Café. Perched on a hilltop, the café is the ideal setting for a relaxing cup of spiced tea or coffee with superb bay and sunset views. The menu features innovative set meals and delicious teas made from fresh local herbs and spices.
Visitors can also enjoy free WI-FI at the Café. The menu under their new Chef, Amir Hamzah, with medals in Japanese and Asian Cold display, has improved. New on board, they are developing new tastes and menus to delight the palate with daily menus, specials, corporate lunches and evening functions. For those who are looking for exciting venues for children’s parties, you might want call up Tropical Spice Garden. They can help you organise a fun-filled day with finger food spread, garden treasure hunt, colouring competition and prizes!

Don't forget to check out the Gift Shop before you go. They have a fantastic selection of gift and souvenir items including spices, toiletries, T-shirts, caps and stationery exclusively designed for the Garden and a comprehensive selection of horticultural literature for both beginners and specialists.
It is said that the best time to catch the garden's lovely scents is first thing in the morning, or after the rain – gingers release a faint tingly aroma while the pandanas an earthy sweet scent.
If city life is wearing you out, isn’t it time to drop by and take a deep breath?

“On the old Spice Trail”Walk through Penang’s spice history in this exclusive first ever tour EVERY THURSDAY! RM 80 nett per person

0930 Tropical Spice Garden: Tour through Tropical Spice Garden and learn about the way spices grow.

1100 Little India, Market Street: Down to the heart of George Town, and be intoxicated by the magic of the eastern spices.

1230 Spice Lunch: Step back into a 19th Century restoration gem and be enticed with home cooked spiced food

Free pick up every Thursday from these hotels:

0840 City Bayview Hotel

0910 Golden Sands Resort

0915 Casuarina Hotel

For reservation, contact Tropical Spice Garden

Be a Spice Friend
...and you will be helping to maintain Tropical Spice Garden as well as lend support to our vital programmes of conservation, education and research. Tropical Spice Garden offers its secret sanctuary to rejuvenate tired urban souls with over 500 exotic varieties of tropical flora and fauna spread over eight acres and as an unique educational resource to inspire the importance of plants in your life.
Privileges:• Unlimited free tours through our Garden and Visitor Centre.• Concessionary tour charges for accompanying guests.• Access to Lone Crag Library.• Discounts in our Gift Shop and Garden Shop.• Special rates for Garden events and activities.• Complimentary gift.• Quarterly newsletter.
Terms and conditions apply. For registration contact Tropical Spice Garden.

Tropical Spice Garden

Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang 11100 Penang

Tel: 604-881 1797 (Leslie) • http://www.tropicalspicegarden.com/
Opens daily from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

Last admission at 5.30 pm.

Daily Guided Tours: 9.30am, 11.00am and 12.30pm

Free parking available

Admission fees to the Spice Gardens:

Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): RM28 (self-guided) or RM45 (tour guided)

Adult RM13 (self guided) or RM20 (tour guided)

Child (aged 4-12): RM5 (self or tour guided)

Free for children under 4 years of age

information bought to you by tourismpenang.gov.my

Snake Temple

2006-12-29T00:15:00.000-08:00

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 in.

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.

Information Bought to you by Malaysiasite.nl

Hokkien Mee 福建麺

2006-12-28T23:32:00.000-08:00

Hokkien mee refers to fried noodles cooked in Hokkien (Fujian) style. Hokkien mee is served in Malaysia and Singapore and was brought there by immigrants from Fujian Province in southeastern China.

Types of Hokkien mee
There are two types of Hokkien mee: Hokkien hae mee and Hokkien char mee. Hokkien hae mee (Hokkien prawn noodles) is commonly served in Penang and Singapore while Hokkien char mee (Hokkien fried noodles) is commonly served in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. The dish is commonly referred to as Hokkien mee, depending on the locality, Hokkien mee can mean either Hokkien hae mee or Hokkien char mee. For example, Hokkien mee in Kuala Lumpur refers to Hokkien char mee

Strictly speaking, the Penang and Singapore versions of Hokkien mee are two different dishes, except that they are both prawn noodle dishes and share the name "Hokkien." The ingredients and methods of cooking are different, and the Penang version is cooked in soup while the Singapore version is stir fried. In this respect, the dish Hokkien mee can refer to no fewer than three different distinct dishes: Penang Hokkien mee, Singapore Hokkien mee, and Kuala Lumpur Hokkien mee. The Penang Hokkien mee is sometimes referred to as mee yoke in Kuala Lumpur as Hokkien mee in Kuala Lumpur by default means Hokkien char mee which is noodles stirred fried in dark soya sauce.

Hokkien hae mee (Hokkien Prawn Noodles)
Hokkien hae mee (Hokkien/Fujian prawn noodles; 福建虾麺) is served in Penang (with a variant served in Singapore known as Hae mee). It is a dish of egg noodles and rice noodles in a fragrant stock, which is made from both fresh shrimp and dried prawns, as well as pork or chicken. Traditionally, small cubes of fried pork fat are added to the soup, but this is now less common due to health concerns. It is garnished with prawns, fish cake, leafy greens, pork ribs, squid, vegetables, crisp deep-fried shallots, spring onions and fresh lime. The dish is served with sliced red chili, light soy sauce and sambal.
In Singapore, Hokkien mee refers to a variant of the Penang version of Hokkien hae mee. The dish uses the same egg noodles and rice noodles used in Hokkien hae mee, but is stir fried and served dry. The main ingredients are shrimps and small pieces of sliced pork. It is usually served with lime and sambal chilli.

Hokkien Char Noodle

For the best hokkien mee in town (in no particular order): Coffee shop along the Ayer Itam bus terminal in the mornings; hawker centers at Gurney Drive and New Lane.

Wanton mee 云吞面

2006-12-27T19:28:00.000-08:00

Wanton mee or Wantan mee (Chinese: 云吞面) is a Cantonese noodle dish which is popular in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. The dish is usually served in hot soup or dry stir in black soya sauce or Oyster sauce, garnished with leafy vegetables, Char Siew (roasted barbecued pork meat slices), and together with wanton in a separate bowl. The types of leafy vegetables used are usually kailan also known as Chinese kale. There are various versions to the dish, with the Hong Kong version using prawns and no char siu inside the noodles. Another type of dumpling known as shui gao is sometimes served in place of wanton. It contains prawns, pork, spring onions with some chefs adding mushroom and black fungus

.

Malaysia
Malaysia offers different versions of the dish with different states have different types of the dish and there are versions from Johor, Pahang, Perak, Penang, Sarawak and Selangor. The dish includes noodles, leafy vegetables, char siu and wanton. Often served dry, the Hong Kong version can be found at Cantonese noodle joints with it being dry or soup. One of the best Wanton Mee in Malaysia is in Melaka state. The wantons are placed together with the noodles and wanton soup can be ordered separately.

Information Bought to you by Wiki pedia & answers.com

Queensbay Mall,Penang latest shopping mall

2006-12-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

Queensbay Mall
Queensbay Mall with a gross built up of 2.5 million sq ft and more than 1 million sq ft net lettable area will emerge as the largest, longest and most modern shopping mall in Penang Island.

It is in the heart of a prime waterfront development, supported by up-scale residential (semi-ds, bungalow, villas, condominiums) and commercial (shop offices, corporate suites, corporate towers, service apartments, hotels etc) developments sprawling over a land area of 73 acres. Surrounded by a well established neighbourhood of affluent catchments such as Bayan Lepas, Sri Nibong, Sg. Dua, Greenlane, and Island Glade. It is minutes away from the Penang Bridge and close to prominent landmarks such as Penang International Airport, Bukit Jambul Country Club and highly populated institutions including University Science Malaysia, Penang Silicon Valley or Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone (FIZ), INTI International College and Penang Skills Development Centre.

Queensbay Mall will be the preferred retail destination and a real shoppers' paradise - with 5 levels of retail and 8 levels of parking, Jusco as its anchor tenant, 17 junior anchors and more than 500 retail merchants. Several international brands will be opening up their first or flagship outlet in Queensbay Mall.

Besides a well-planned tenant mix, shoppers will enjoy the "low rise walk-thru" layout which stretches as far as ½ km with excellent visibility of the shop facade and merchandizing displays. All facilities and amenities signage's are meticulously planned to enhance the convenience and comfort of the shoppers. The overall interior design and lightings are aimed to create a conducive and safe shopping environment for the whole family. Added to the attractions is the integrated entertainment zone on the third floor that provides a wide range of entertainment and leisure attractions ranging from multiplex to bowling alleys.

Queensbay Mall with its tagline " It's all happening here!" aptly epitomized the "enriched" lifestyles that Queensbay Mall offers - the place will be full of activities, one can shop, play, relax, get together, entertain, be entertained. It is positioned as a "Family Lifestyle Mall" of international standard catering to households who are looking for good value for money and the latest in designs and styles.

The construction of Queensbay Mall is scheduled to complete by the last quarter of 2006. The mall is expected to be 90% tenanted when it opens for business in the last quarter of 2006.

Information Bought to you by Queensbay Mall

Ferry Penang

2006-12-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

Penang Port has a unique selling point in that it is the only port in Malaysia providing ferry service. This service links Georgetown on Penang Island (terminal : Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda) and Butterworth on the mainland (terminal : Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim). With effect from 1 July 2004, the ferry service daily operations hours have been rescheduled as follow:-

PANGKALAN SULTAN ABDUL HALIM (PSAH) Butterworth
Last ferry departure : 0100 hours
Next ferry departure : 0600 hours

PANGKALAN RAJA TUN UDA (PRTU) penang island
Last ferry departure : 0030 hours
Next ferry departure : 0530 hours

Rates
Ferry rates applicable with effect from 1 November 1996 are as follows :-

PEDESTRIAN

Adult RM1.20
Children (between 5 to 12 years old) RM0.60

SEASON TICKETS (PEDESTRIANS) – valid for two months from date of issue
Adult RM30.00
Shoolchildren RM6.00

VEHICLES
Bicycle RM1.40
Motorcycle (inclusive of pillion rider) RM2.00
Trishaw/tricycle RM3.00
Motorcar (including station wagon, four-wheel drive, three-wheel commercial vehicle, motorcycle with side car) RM7.70
Lorry (2 axles with 4 wheels) RM13.20
Lorry (2 axles with 6 wheels) RM27.50

Information bought to you by Penang port

Penang State emblem and Flag

2006-12-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

The State emblem shows an areca nut tree above a tricolour shield of yellow, blue and white. The island derives its name from the areca nut tree (pokok pinang in Malay). Inside the shield, the Penang Bridge is shown against a yellow background. It symbolises unity between the State and the Federal government. The two pillars of the bridge represent the dual objectives of the New Economic Policy, that is, the eradication of poverty and the restructuring of society. The four cables of the bridge represent the four major races, Malay, Chinese, Indians and others. The five blue and white waves below the bridge stand for the five principles of the Rukunegara (the national ideology) and the 5 administrative districts of the state. The five blue and white sections at the base of the areca nut tree have the same significance.

The tricolour flag features vertical stripes of equal width with an areca nut tree on the white centre panel. Light blue represents the sea surrounding the island; white stands for its serenity and yellow signifies prosperity. Pulau Pinang (Penang Island) derives its name from the areca nut tree, called pokok pinang in Malay.

Information bought to you by My Far East

City Run (Part1)

2006-12-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

City Run, organice by penang famous new paper - Kwang wah jit poh
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Continue Part 2

Citi Run (Part 2)

2006-12-19T22:21:00.001-08:00

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Hotel Directories

2006-12-18T23:31:00.000-08:00

----- # A # -----
* Hotel Apollo
4475 Jalan Kg Benggali
Butterworth, Penang
Tel: 604-3311355
Fax:

----- # B # -----
* The Bayview Beach Resort updated
Batu Ferringhi Beach,
11100 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: 60 4-881 2123
Fax: 60 4-881 2140
Email: sales.bbr@bayviewhotels.com
http://www.bayviewbeach.com/

* Beachcomber Paradise Hotel
NO 33-A, Jalan Tanjung Bungah
11200 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-8908808
Fax: 604-8908333

* Hotel Berlin Sdn Bhd
4802 Jalan Bgn Luar
Butterworth Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-3321701
Fax:

----- # C # -----
* Cititel Penang updated
66 Jalan Penang,
10000 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-370 1188
Fax: 604-370 2288
Reservation Toll Free: 1800-383 388
E-mail:mailto:resvn@cititelpenang.com
Enquiries : mktg@cititelpenang.com
www.cititelpenang.com

* The City Bayview Hotel updated
25-A Farquhar Street
10200 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2633161
Fax: 604-2634124
Toll-free reservations : (1800) 888 854 (within Malaysia)Email : reservation@citybayviewpg.com.my
website

* Casuarina Beach Hotel
Batu Ferringhi
11100 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-8811711
Fax: 604-8812155
http://www.casuarina.com.my/

* Hotel Central
404 Jalan Penang
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2266411
Fax:

* China Co (Penang) Sdn Bh
43D Jalan Siam
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2288762
Fax:

* Hotel Continental (Penang) Sdn Bhd
5, Penang Road
10000 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2636388
Fax: 604-2638718

* Crown Prince Hotel
Tanjung Bungah
11200 Penang
Tel: 604-8904111
Fax: 604-8904777

----- # E # -----
* Hotel Equatorial Penang
1 Jalan Bukit Jambul
11900 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-6438111
Fax: 604-6438000

----- # F # -----
* Federal Hotel
39 Jalan Penang
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2634170
Fax:

* Ferringhi Beach Hotel
12.5 Km Ferringhi
11100 Batu Ferringhi
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-8905999
Fax: 604-8905100

* Hotel Fortuna
406 Jalan Penang
Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2268282
Fax:

----- # G # -----
* Garden Inn
41 Jalan Anson
10400 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2263655
Fax: 604-2267906

* Golden Queen Hotel
1140 Jalan Prangin
Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2616377
Fax:

* Golden Sands Beach Resort Sdn Bhd
Batu Ferringhi
11100 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-8811911
Fax: 604-8811880

----- # H #-----
* Holiday Inn Penang
Batu Ferringhi
11100 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-8811601
Fax: 604-8811389
* Hotel Hong Ping Sdn Bhd
273-B Lbh Chulia
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2625243
Fax:

----- # K #-----
* Hotel Kuala Lumpur
4448 Lrg Bgn Luar 1
12000 Butterworth
Penang
Tel: 604-3326199
Fax:

* Komtar Hotel Sdn Bhd
Jalan Magazine
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2622622
Fax: 604-2615967

# == L ==
* Lone Pine Hotel (PG) Sdn Bhd
97, Batu 10 Batu Ferringhi
11100 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-8811511
Fax: 604-8811282

# == M ==
* Hotel Malaysia Penang
7, Jalan Penang
10000 Penang
P.O.Box 11,
10700 Penang
Tel: 604-2633311
Fax: 604-2631621

* Ming Court Inn (Penang) Sdn Bhd
202A Macalister Road
10400 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2286652
Fax: 604-367257

* Micado Sdn Bhd
7 Jalan Penang
Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2633311
Fax:

* Midtowne Hotel
101, Macalister Road
10400 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2269999
Fax: 604-2295149

* Mar Vista Resort
No 1, Batu Ferringhi,
11200 Penang,
Malaysia.
Tel: 604-8903388
Fax: 604-8903005
MVR@PC.Jaring.My

----- # N #-----
* Novotel Penang
Tanjung Bungah
11200 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-8903333
Fax:

* Hotel Noble
36 Lorong Pasar
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2612372
Fax:

----- # O #-----
* Oriental Hotel Penang
105 Penang Road
10000 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2634211
Fax:

----- # P # -----
* PPH Resorts (Penang) Sdn Bhd
Lot 8134 Sepuluh Kongsi
Mukim 12 Sungei Ara, Kpg Perlis
11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: 604-6441948
Fax: 604-6441949

* Park Motel Sdn Bhd
104 Jalan Tj Tokong
10470 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-8907485
Fax:

* Pathe Hotel
23 Lbh Light
Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2620195
Fax:

* Peking Hotel Sdn Bhd
50A Jalan Penang
Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2636191
Fax:

* Penang Mutiara Beach Resort
1 Jalan Teluk Bahang
11050 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-8852828
Fax: 604-8852829

* Penang Parkroyal
Batu Ferringhi Beach
11100 Batu Ferringhi
Penang
Tel: 604-8811133
Fax: 604-8812233

----- # R # -----
* Hotel Rio
64-1 Lbh Bishop
Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2625010
Fax:

----- # S # -----
* Shangri-La's Golden Sands Resort
87 Batu Ferringhi Beach
11100 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-8811911
Fax: 604-8811880

* Merit Sri Sayang Resort Apartment
Block 188 Batu Ferringhi
Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-8811113
Fax: 604-8811250

* Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort
10th Mile, Batu Feringghi Beach
11100 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-8811811
Fax: 604-8811984

* Sheraton Penang
3 Jalan Larut
10050 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2267888
Fax: 604-2266615

* Star Hotel
246 Lbh Carnarvon
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2622172
Fax:

* Sunway Hotel Penang
No 33 New Lane
10400 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2299988
Fax: 604-2288899

* Swiss Hotel
431F Lbh Chulia
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2620133
Fax:

----- # T # -----

* Traders Hotel updated
Magazine Road,
10300 Penang,Malaysia
Tel:(60 4) 262 2622
Fax:(60 4) 262 6526
Email:thp@shangri-la.com
http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/traders/en/index.aspx

----- # W # -----
* Waldorf Hotel Sdn Bhd
13 Lbh Leith
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2626141
Fax:

* Hotel Waterfall Sdn Bhd
160 Western Road
10450 Penang
Malaysia
Tel: 604-2290887
Fax:

* Wellington Resorts Sdn Bhd
10-A, Jalan Batu Ferringhi
11100 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-8812641
Fax: 604-8812660

* Woodlands Hotel Sdn Bhd
60 Lbh Penang
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-2639764

Botanical Garden

2006-12-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

Botanical Garden, so-call "kebun Bunga" for malay language
"Kebun" = Garden
"Bunga" = Flower
For long long time ago, when i still a kid, my parent always bring me to Botanical Garden.

In my memories, Botanical garden have alot of "Monkey". We feed monkey ground nut!other then monkey, there also have deer, bearin the cave!

Lets see some of the History of Botanical Garden:

The Penang Botanic Gardens, more popularly known as "Waterfall Gardens", was established by the British way back in 1884 from an old granite quarry site. It lies in a deep valley, at the foot of 366 feet jungle clad hills, bound by evergreen tropical rainforests, divided by a cascading stream that meanders through a sprawling 29 hectares of prime and undulating grounds.

Its lush greenery and tranquil setting makes it a favourite park and a popular tourist attraction. It is Penang's unique natural heritage, being the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Besides, being a repository of flora & fauna, unique to the country and to the region, it serves as a "green lung" for metropolitan Penang.During its earliest days, it functioned as part of the then Gardens and Forests Department, Straits Settlements and was engaged chiefly in the cultivation of essential commercial plants such as spices, pepper, nutmegs, and cloves albeit inspecting and advising the planting community generally.

'W' - Aroid Walkaway
'P' - Ornamental Plant House
'6' - Fern House
'D' - Cactus House
'Lily Pond' - The Lily Pond

The Gardens' first curator, Mr Charles Curtis, from the Department of Gardens and Forests, Straits Settlements, developed the botanical and horticultural aspects. Mr Curtis was a devoted gardener and avid plant lover who tirelessly transformed this granite quarry site into a magnificent Garden. The artistic layout of the Gardens was indeed a great achievement for it blends naturally with the setting of the tropical rainforests and yet seemingly a civilized landscape. The development of Penang Botanic Gardens was very much due to his efforts, enthusiasm, energy and skill. In conjunction with this and as a tribute to him, quite a sizeble number of plants are named after him.Moreover, in 1885, it is on record that no less than 11,500 saplings were supplied from the Gardens' nursery for tree planting exercise in and around the island.The administration of the Gardens was under the auspices of the then Strait Settlements Gardens Department with a notable line of colonial directors succeeding one after another. For instance in 1925, Prof. R. E. Holttum succeeded Mr. I. H. Burkill as director of both the Singapore and Penang Botanic Gardens. Both of them contributed much in terms of research in the identification and reclassification of plants of the Malaysian flora.After the 2nd world war, owing to some administrative policy changes, a decision was reached to divorce the Penang Botanic Gardens from its parent establishments in Singapore in 1946.In 1956, the first Malaysian - Mr. Cheang Kok Choy was at the helm of the Gardens who has worked as a trainee gardener especially under the colonial masters. He meticulously managed to carry out the policy laid by his predecessors for the past 20 years until 1976.

Common
Name: Cannon-Ball Tree
Botanical Name: Couroupita guanensis
Family: Lecythidaceae
Origin: Guyana

A beautiful fast growing tree which reaches 25m in height. The
leaves have a life span of approximately 6 months after which they
are shed rapidly so that the crown is usually bare for a day or
two.

A remarkable flowering tree bearing large pinkish red, fragrant
waxy flowers borne on tree trunk on long woody twigs. Later, followed
by large reddish brown globular fruits, which attain the size of
human head and contain a mass of sour smelling pulp, take 8-9 months
to ripen.

Flowering continues for many weeks. Ideally suited in large gardens
and parks.

Lets see the Special Tree at Botanical Garden

Common
Name: Candle Tree
Botanical Name: Parmentiera cereifera
Family : Bignoniaceae
Origin: Panama

An evergreen tree with brown trunk and growing up to 6 to 10m.
The flowers are big, solitary, bell shape and white in colour, measuring
8cm wide.

The palmate leaves look trifoliate in appearance, ovate in shape
and green in colour. Fruits look like little green candles with
17cm long on its trunk and branches. The fruits are yellow when
ripe.

Common Name: 'Baobab' or 'Monkey bread tree'
Botanical Name: Adansonia digitata
Family: Bombacaceae
Origin: Central Africa

A low spreading tree, bearing scented, pendulous white flowers,
oblong woody hairy fruits 30cm long, which also earned it the name
"Dead rat-tree".

It is famous for its great age and the swollen trunk attains a diameter
of more than 10m. The trunk with age becomes decayed and hollowed
out in the centre, forming a reservoir, sometimes holding as much
as 250 gallons of water. It is suppose to be one of the longest-lived
tree in the world and reputed to attain an age of 2000 years.

It is chiefly used in the paper industry.

Common
Name: Argus Pheasant Tree, Asam Kuang, Sekuan, Sengkuang
Botanical Name : Dracantomelon dao
Family: Anacardiaceae (Mango Family)
Origin: Indo-Malesia

This is a tall deciduous tree reaching 31m in height with rounded crown and strong buttressed trunk when old. It is a handsome ornamental
tree.

The Sengkuang is a village fruit tree well sought after by children.
The flowers and leaves are also edible.

The five equatorial flecks on the fruit are characteristic and resembles
the markings on the feathers of Argus Pheasant and thus the name.

Common Name: Ebony Tree
Botanical Name: Diospyros embryopteris
Family: Ebenanceae
Origin: India, Java & Thailand

An evergreen, stout and shady wide spreading tree with dense
dark green glossy leaves. It has a compact, dome shaped conical
crown.

The flowers are fused and have a light creamy colour and the edible
fruits are feathery brown in colour.

In India, the young fruits are mainly and economically used in dyeing
and tanning. For instance, the young fruits have medicinal values
and traded for dyeing cottons and toughening fishing nets. A special
oil extracted from the seeds is used in traditional Indian medicine.

It is suitably grown as an ornamental and shade tree for parks and
open spaces.

Visitor Information

Open from 5.00 am to 8.00 pm every day of the year.

Admission is free.

Available at the Gardens Office from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm on working
weekdays. Closed on weekends and public holidays.

The Penang Botanic Gardens was selected as a healthy recreational
gardens and tourist destination by the Health Ministry of Malaysia.

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.

Refreshments and souvenirs are available at the Gardens Shop (Botanika)
besides the Formal Gardens.

Recreational / Picnic areas, toilets, wheelchair access walkways,
bandstand, gazebos, jogging tracks, jungle trails, resting lawns and
plant nursery.

Available only by prior arrangement - phone 604-2270428

Information Bought to you by Penang Botanical Garden
More Picture

Star Walk

2006-12-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

Star Walk, Penang. Organice at PISA (Penang Internation Sport Arena)

12,000 people turn up for Starwalk 2006

PENANG: Fine weather greeted the 12,000 people who turned up for Starwalk 2006 at the Penang International Sports Arena (Pisa) here.
The Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, who started off the walk on Sunday morning, also took part in the Celebrity Walk For A Cause, alongside Douglas Lim of the Kopitiam sitcom, actress- singer Chelsia Ng, Male Model of the Year 2005 Daniel Tan, R&B singer Ferhad, TV3 Mentor host Ashraf Sinclair, actor Andrew Westwood, children’s show Chicky Hours host Juliana Ibrahim and Miss Malaysia University 2006 Jolene Lim.
Within an hour, participants started trickling in at the finishing line and proceeded to enjoy the freebies generously provided by sponsors.
A variety show was also held in the main arena featuring a live band performance by The Steel Guitars as well as a violin performance by Rebecca Ch’ng.
The climax of the event was the lucky quiz, where prizes ranging from handphones to airline tickets, electrical equipment and motorcycles awaited the lucky participants.

Sim Eng Chye, 33, won the grand prize of a Suzuki Step 125 scooter in the special draw while Norehan Bakar, 25, Wong Chow Aun, 30, Melissa Arthur, 29, and Khor Chin Leng, 28 won a Suzuki Smash 110cc four-stroke motorcycle each.
The walk was the culmination of the three-day Starwalk Carnival, which included a charity concert on Friday and an inter-team sports tournament comprising futsal, 3 on 3 basketball, Chinese chess and international chess on Saturday.
Over RM250,000 was donated and pledged by sponsors for the charity concert featuring up-and-coming Malaysian stars including International New Talent Chinese Singing Championship 2006 Golden Mike award winner Andrew Tan.
The main sponsors for this year’s Starwalk are Suzuki, Panasonic, Sunquick, 100 Plus, Milo, Pallas, Ivory, Spritzer, DiGi, Yakult and Tiger Balm.
Starwalk 2006 was jointly organ ised by Star Publications (M) Bhd and the Penang Amateur Athletics Association.
Article Bought to you by the star

Penang Char Koey Teow (Part2)

2006-12-11T00:25:00.000-08:00

Real McCoy - Ah Leng

At the junction of Datuk Kramat Road and the access road to turn into the city stadium. This corner coffee shop stands as shown in the picture below
Each Morning you will see Ah Leng at work .
Never miss this food while you are in Penang. Here the past time is to compete in serving the best for their business.
Ah Leng preparation is wet with of lavish presence of beaten egg. Then, typical of all Penang Fried Koay Teow, getting the a niche, means - giant size prawns are included.

Attending to a small group of dedicated followers who will make their way there, no scene of a big crowd. In the morning, those who have time, need not dash across town just to taste his cooking. This is the ideal environment and also here the best spot. To savor the best Penang can offer. Even though you are a late riser, he is still around by noon time.
Here Ah Leng caters for his die hard fans and locals staying around that area. Ah Leng charges Rgt 3.00 per plate basic and better be there before 1.30 pm.
In the morning. there would be a flea market in the car park of the stadium. Just behind the shop.

I cannot say that conditions in this coffee shop is excellent. In fact you can see that this shop had seen better years.
The narrow shop of a by-gone era has barely enough space for 2 rows of tables.

"Sisters" of Macalister Road

Look for this 5 junctions "Round About" of Macalister Road and Perak road. You will see 2 short rows of ancient shop houses. This place is really out and away from the urban Georgetown. Some distance away from most eating places and hustling town center. From the picture below, you could make out some push carts outside. The stalls doing the Fried Koay Teow are hidden from view.The coffee shop where the stall is located is in much better looking than almost many other stalls. A plus to breed confidence to visiting crowd. Those who are not so often in Penang would flock to "the" place.

This is a long standing acknowledgement that the sisters here served good food. The crowd grew. That was a few years back, the sister's place was so well acclaimed.
Now the local crowd decided to try some new faces.

In this picture, you see. Business goes on as usual with or without the migration elsewhere.
Can't remember the name of the shop or how this synonyms of "sister" came about. You can see here, a plucky middle age lady is dishing out her best serving.
With the hope that would keep customers coming back. More so for those arriving in limousine, as seen in the picture above.

The place too, caters for the lunch crowd. They close slightly later into the afternoon. Office workers who are here for late lunch.

Information Bought to you by Hawker Penang

Penang Char Koey Teow (Part1)

2006-12-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Char kway teow, literally "fried flat noodles", is a popular noodle dish in Malaysia and Singapore. It is made from flat rice noodles (called Shāhé fěn or hé fěn in Chinese) fried over very high heat with light and dark soy sauce, chilli, prawns, cockles, egg, bean sprouts and Chinese chives. Sometimes slices of Chinese sausage and fish cake are added. It is fried in pork fat, with crisp croutons of pork lard, which give it its characteristic taste.
Char kway teow has a reputation of being unhealthy due to its fat content. However, when the dish was first invented, it was mainly served to labourers. The high fat content and low cost of the dish made it attractive to these people as it was a cheap source of energy and nutrients. When the dish was first served, it was often sold by fishermen, farmers and cockle-gatherers who doubled up as char kway teow sellers in the evening to supplement their income.

Etymology
The term "Char kway teow" is a transliteration of the Chinese characters "炒粿條", based on the Min Nan spoken variation of the Chinese language. More precisely, "炒粿條" is pronounced as chha2-koe2-tiau5? in Min Nan, and cháo guǒtiáo? in Mandarin.
However, as Char kway teow was brought from Min Nan-speaking regions to Cantonese-speaking regions, the Chinese name was corrupted as "炒貴刁". This is pronounced as caau2 gwai3 diu1? in Cantonese and cháo guìdiāo ? in Mandarin. "貴刁" has no literal meaning, but its pronunciation in Mandarin is similar to "粿條" in Min Nan.
Moreover, "Char koay teow" is often known as "Singaporean Char koay teow" (星州炒貴刁) or "Malaysian Char koay teow" (馬來炒貴刁) in Hong Kong, in order to emphasize the origin of the dish.

Variation
A variation is the gourmet version of char koay teow. This is commonly found in the island state of Penang, Malaysia. The version of char kuay teow found there is sometimes added with duck's eggs (for richer taste) and crab meat (for sweetness).
Another evolution of this dish is fried without pork fat or lard. This evolution has come about due to char kway teow's growing popularity amongst the Muslim community in Malaysia.
This dish is also popular in take away establishments in Australia and New Zealand.

Information Bought to you by Wikipedia

Literally "fried flat noodles", it is a popular noodle dish in Malaysia and Singapore. It is made from flat rice noodles fried with light and dark soy sauce, chilli, prawns, cockles, egg, bean sprouts and Chinese chives. Sometimes slices of Chinese sausage and fish cake are added. It is fried in pork fat, with crisp croutons of pork lard, which give it its characteristic taste.

Information Bought to you by Singaporean Deli

Where to Find Char Koey Teow

Kimberly Street

This is the "Ah Leng" Char Koay Teow stall in Kimberly Street. This vicinity has a cluster of Hawkers stall serving the Chinatown community.
He is normally assisted by his wife. But on this night the couple you see here were substitute. Oh! He had given up this place for good. The quality of fried churned out by this couple was no where near to the type we expected. His picture appears here for nostalgic reasons.
Ah Leng, who operate a stall in Datuk Kramat Road in the morning, does his evening stints here.
However, it is rumored that he too, takes on contract to appear at parties in the evening. Quite often the stall is closed.

There are 2 fried Koay Teow Stalls here after 7.00 pm. Within 100 meters from one another. Lately, a new comer with Koay Teow Th'ng has started drawing in crowd. This stall formerly started by Ah Leng is slowly driven into oblivion.
Right across the road, at the junction of Kimberley Street & Cintra Street. This Cantonese couple has another way of preparing. I never fail to go back to this place whenever I have the chance. In my next update, I will change the photo.
This competitor across the road also had attained very high marks. This stall prepares the noodles in bulk, keeps it as buffer. Small handful is extracted each time for a single helping.
He makes his preparation special by adding crayfish. For special order, more can be topped up. His noodle is a little bit on the dry side. It tickles different taste buds. However if you are one of those who prefer to specify your likings, then notify him when making the order.
Both opens in the evening and prices are a fair Rgt 2.50 onwards.

Lau Yee -Lorong Selamat
Lorong Selamat Fried Koay Teow is in the lips of every body, including the Tourist Department. This is the stall parked in front of an equally famous "Ice Kachang Coffee Shop". Side tracking the issue of Fried Koay Teow, I cannot see any reasons why this coffee shop has any thing to do with offering niche style Ice Kachang.
You can see from the picture. This famous stall operates from a push cart. This stall anchored by the roadside

Whether the taste from this stall is superb or not, the clearly displayed pricelist is an assurance of the local endorsement of its quality.
The price mentioned has nothing to do with the size served. Each helping remains fairly constant. The incremental cost relates to the additional prawns included.

This style of preparation was made famous by a middle ages lady.
Here you can see her blocked by a young assistant.
On her right a male co-worker is working on a parallel set of kuali to cope up with demands from the queue.

This stall opens and caters for the lunch crowd. I am sure that a lot of her customers are casual visitors. Those like me patronizing the stall to experience what the hype is all about. Seeing the legend and happenings here for themselves. It is along Lorong Selamat. You do a turning in from Macalister Road - about a block into the road - on the left.
We, me and my gang have nick-named this joint the "Lau Yee" to give a quick reference in our conversation.

Information Bought to you by Hawker Penang

Butterfly Farm

2006-12-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

About Butterfly Farm

The Penang Butterfly Farm is more than just a tourist attraction. It is set up as a 'live museum' to educate the public as well as a research centre to develop breeding methods. The Farm's founder David Goh explains the philosophy behind its operation

Butterflies are beautiful creatures of the wild. The visitor to the Penang Butterfly Farm, finding himself surrounded by a myriad of fluttering butterflies within a seemingly natural setting, is likely to think himself in a sort of enchanted wilderness, bejeweled with the colorful gems of creation.The main attraction of the Butterfly Farm is undoubtedly the free flying papilions in the enormous enclosure. The visitor can inspect the butterflies at close quarters as they flit around their favorite nectar plants. The exhibition of selected insects and reptiles are also crowd drawers. The visitor, having traversed this complex of displays ends up in a souvenir shop selling butterfly-related paraphernalia. Today, the Penang Butterfly Farm is the first tropical butterfly farm ever set up in the tropical world, with an average flying population of 4000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 different species, including the rare Indian Leafl (Kallima paralekta) and the endangered Yellow Bird wing (Troides helena). Probably the most famous of Malaysian butterflies is the Rajah Brooke's Bird wing of the Papilionidae family. First discovered in Borneo in 1855 by A. R. Wallace, it was named after the first British Rajah of Sarawak.
Malay Peninsular has over 1000 recorded butterfly species, among the highest of any country in the world in relation to her small land mass. David Goh, the founder of the Penang Butterfly Farm was inspired and encouraged by Mr. Clive Farrell, owner of the Stratford Butterfly Farm at Stratford-on-Avon (birth-place of William Shakespeare) in England, to start a tropical butterfly farm in Malaysia.The Penang Butterfly Farm is now a household name in Penang and a "must-see" for visitors since it opened in 1986. The farm located right at the end of the tourist hotel strip at Batu Ferringhi stands on a 0.8 hector site in Teluk Bahang, about 17km from George town. It has become one of the most popular stops on Penang's round island tour. The success of the Butterfly Farm as a tourist attraction has even inspired a series of similar commercial operations in Malacca, Cameron highlands and Singapore.
In spite of its general fame, the aspect of the Penang Butterfly Farm which means most to the people behind it has gained scant recognition within Malaysia. According to David Goh, "the locals only think of the Penang Butterfly Farm as a money making operation. In fact the farm is known and respected internationally as a breeding centre."

Breeding
Nature Heritage
Behind the miracle of the Butterfly Farm which is visible to visitors, is the hidden operation which consists of extensive breeding facilities.

Behind the visible aspect of the butterfly farm is the hidden operation which consists of extensive breeding facilities. Here, the butterflies are nurtured in a safe environment, from the time the eggs are laid on the caterpillar food plants or the so called 'host plants' till the time the young emerge as imago.Butterfly eggs take three to four days to hatch and then the little caterpillars consume their egg-shells before commencing their eating marathon. Each of them devours two entire pots of food plants on the average and grows up to 1000 times in size before they transform themselves into pupae. Inside their chrysalis, the pupae take two to three weeks to metamorphose into adults. As the butterflies have very short life spans, they urgently have to look for mating partners. These stages of the butterfly life cycle are closely monitored and studied at the farm's six breeding centers." A butterfly farm cannot afford to have a single day with too few butterflies flying about," says David. "The breeding stations enable us to constantly replenish our flying population. Sometimes an epidemic can wipe out our entire livestock of certain species at one of the stations, but we always have alternative breeding stations to rely on."

Collecting & Conservation
The overwhelming threat to butterfly species today comes from the destruction of their natural habitat. Therefore, the most important action that can be taken to conserve insect species is to persuade governments to preserve their natural habitat as forest reserves.

Behind the miracle of the Butterfly Farm which is visible to visitors, is the hidden operation which consists of extensive breeding facilities.The controversy that has surrounded butterfly collecting has also been reviewed at the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Like stamp collectors who usually concentrate on stamps of certain issue, country or historical period, butterfly collectors traditionally focus on a certain family of butterflies.Among collectors, the most popular family of butterflies is the colourful Papilionidae, which includes the well-known groups of Swallowtails, Graphiums and Birdwings. The striking Swallowtails are so called because of their elongated hind wings.Though it was previously thought that butterfly collecting endangered butterfly populations, it was often difficult to impose a set of rules for those who collect for research and those who collect for trading. David Goh views that amateur collectors, who often buy or exchange mounted specimens for their private collections, have traditionally contributed greatly to butterfly research as well as raised the level of appreciation of butterflies among general public.A growing conviction among those involved with butterfly work is that collecting butterflies does not significantly threaten the butterfly population. According to comments given by Dr. Mark Collins at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, not even one butterfly specie has become extinct through collecting. Together with other major world experts on butterfly conservation, Dr. Collins believes that the overwhelming threat to butterfly species today comes from the destruction of their natural habitat. Therefore, the most important action that can be taken to conserve insect species is to persuade governments to preserve their natural habitats as forest reserves.Some tropical countries highlight certain problems that arise from a ban collecting.. These countries have a law which prohibits people from collecting insects in the wild. This has discouraged research on the great range of butterfly species found in the wide range of natural habitat stretching (for example like Indonesia) from Sumatra to Irian Jaya. The prohibition apparently does not completely stop the illegal butterflies trade but only discourage collecting by amateurs and researchers. While many species of jungle insects remain undiscovered, they are steadily becoming extinct due to high rate of deforestation in a country. As a result of the ban, there are no studies or records of many disappearing species in such countries.

The Future
In view of the tremendous popularity of live exhibition of tropical butterflies, most major zoos round the world have in recent years

(i.e. in the final decade of 20th century) incorporated into their establishments such compact live exhibition of not only butterflies but also jungle insects by constructing temperature-controlled tropical glass houses for visitors to walk through.Such recent world-wide activity has led to wide-spread interest in researching into the life-history and breeding of not only butterflies, but also many other invertebrates such as beetles, stick and leaf insects, mantises, spiders, scorpions, millipedes and even aquatic insect particularly fire-flies. So much so, enthusiasts in the west have started to organize annual international conferences on butterflies and separately on other invertebrates.Such rapid world-wide development has created a vacuum for such specialists to run and manage such live facilities. Penang Butterfly Farm is therefore an ideal centre to provide collaboration work in training more professional people in this field.

One Man's Vision
All these issues press deeply upon David Goh. When asked what butterflies mean to him, the founder of Penang Butterfly Farm declines to reply in a sentimental fashion. He prefers to point out that his love for butterflies can simply be seen in his life's work. "It is my vision to see the farm continue to play its role in the research and breeding of tropical butterflies."Part of David's vision is to educate the public especially children about butterflies. He is glad to see a gradual change in the attitudes of the locals. "They no longer zip in and out and complain it was not worth seeing. Perhaps influenced by the more purposeful viewing approach of foreigners, they now move around slowly, reading the signs and taking an interest in what they are looking at. It also gratifies me to see many of the same faces again, occasionally bringing their friends along." The Penang Butterfly Farm is a complete museum with both live and mounted sections, as well as a research centre. It would be safe to say no other private institution has come so far in preserving a part of the natural history of Malaysia.

Information Brought to you by Penang Butterfly Farm

Penang Food

2006-12-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Tourism Penang’s Halal & Vegetarian Food Directory

Foodwise, there’s just so much to choose from in Penang that even locals are perplexed! The varieties are seemingly endless. The next time you are faced with the conundrum of where to eat and how to get there, check out Tourism Penang's Halal & Vegetarian Food Directory.

Click on the image to download PDF versions of the list of over a hundred restaurants on the island and mainland, accompanied by descriptions of the place and house specialities, contact info and useful legends.

Having a reputation as a food paradise, be it haute cuisine, or cuisine bourgeoise (hawker fare), Penang offers a heady and exotic mix of delicious cuisine to choose from.
In a word, Penang food is both famous and fabulous. When people mention Penang food, they are more often than not referring to hawker food and coffee shop dining. It's true that some of the hype is overblown but it cannot be denied that Penang is home to many uniquely delicious chow. Ironically, hawkers in other states or towns have been known to pull the crowd by simply advertising their food as hailing from Penang, regardless of its authenticity or quality. Then there are the Penang hawkers who advertise their cusine as specialties from another state, like Johor bak kut teh, Ipoh chicken and bean sprouts or laksa Kedah. In short, an infinite variety of dishes are yours to savour – all you need do is pick and choose.

Penang hawker food can be broken down roughly into several varieties, with each being attributable to Penang's multi-cultural character: Nyonya, Chinese, vegetarian, Indian, Malay, Hakka-styled Western, seafood and desserts. Hybrids are also known to exist, and some famous examples are Malay style chicken rice and char koay teow, and Chinese satay and nasi lemak. Prices are cheap and reasonable.

With fishing being a major economic activity on the island, Penang is naturally a haven for sea food, and a handful of restaurants have already achieved legendary status among locals and foreigners.
Tucked away in remote corners, these eateries are not easy to find without local guidance but are definitely worth the extra effort seeking out.

Desserts play a major role in Penang gastronomy. There are as many varieties as there are races in Penang! To mention a few would do injustice to the rest, so you'll just have to let your eyes and your nose be your guide. A word of warning though – most local desserts tend to be sweet and rich, as coconut milk, flour and sugar are main ingredients.
Thanks to early Chinese migrants, Chinese cuisine ranges from Cantonese to Teochew to Hokkien to Hainanese to Szechuan cooking. There's also Penang Nyonya food, which is a combination of Chinese, Malay and some Thai. The Penang variety of Nyonya food, apparently, is different from the Malaccan or even Singaporean versions. For a touch of luxury, try a five or ten-course Chinese meal at one of the restaurants or hotels in town.

Indian cuisine goes by two names generally – banana leaf rice and nasi kandar. Both are hot and savoury with rice being the main staple, and a menu from north Indian tandoori and nan bread, to South Indian rice and capati (photo left).
Nasi kandar is famously popular with Penangites, and many restaurants selling it are well known not only to those on the island but those in other states as well. It is quite common to find people from other states detouring to Penang just to stop for a meal of nasi kandar before proceeding on their journey elsewhere... Indulge! Savour!

Kek Lok Si Temple

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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. I prefer taxi, because the taxi takes me up the hill (the Kek Lok Si is halfway on a hill). I like to walk down, but not to walk up the hill in a tropical climate.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.

Penang Hill

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On Penang Hill you can escape the heat of tropical Georgetown. The hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, is 830 meter high (2,750 foot) and it's much cooler than in the city below. It's about 3 degrees cooler than the places near the coast.The station to get to the top is located in Air Itam. From Georgetown, take a Transit Link bus No 1, or No 101, or Lim Seng bus No 91, or minibus No 21 from Lebuh Chulia to the Air Itam Terminal. Penang Hill has a population of about 1000 locals.The funicular at the railway station takes you to the top and it will cost you RM4.50 for one way. The train leaves the station at Air Itam at 6.30am and at half hourly intervals. The funicular railway will not take you straight to the top, you have to change trains halfway. in the meantime you'll pass several small station, where the local people get off. There are are also some small hotels and guesthouses on this stretch. The railway was built in 1923 and it takes about half an hour to the top. At the top of the hill, you'll find a tea kiosk, restaurants, souvenir stalls, a mosque, Hindu temple, and the old Bellevue hotel. The summit offers a magnificent panoramic view of Georgetown, the mainland and Penang Bridge.

The best time to visit Penang Hill is early morning, around nine o'clock. Later on there will be more visitors and you have to queue up, before you can get on the train. Well that was it.....for the most visitors! You want more?? Really??Well............. you can go to the Canopy Walk at Penang Hill. Walking from treetop till treetop is worth a visit, specially for those, who haven't visit FRIM (near KL) or Taman Negara.

TIP:
Of course you can enjoy the view at Penang Hill. A cool and refreshing atmosphere will be giving to you, when you watch the panoramic view of Georgetown and the Straits of Malacca. But there's something new!The latest attraction on Penang Hill is the Canopy Walk. Even the local in Georgetown don't know anything about it! You can't find that in any travel guide.

I prefer to walk to the Canopy Walk, because the road is nice to walk and, in the meantime, you can enjoy every time another spectacular view on Penang, Penang Bridge or the mainland. After a short walk of 1.7 km you will se on your left hand side the Canopy Walk. You can't miss it.If you don't want to walk, because you're old and tired, the you can buy at the station a ticket for the 4-wheel drive, which will bring you in to the Canopy Walk a minute.The Canopy Walk is free of charge. You don't have to pay for it. For some reason some attractions are totally free in Malaysia, like the Petronas Towers. You can stay as long as you want at the Canopy Walk. At every tree you can take a rest. You have a wonderful view over the jungle and sometimes you can see Georgetown. Enjoy the bird watching and tall he other animals you can see from here. The tree top path is about 150 meters long.

If you're ready you can walk back to the Hill station, or you can take the 4-wheel drive to bring you back. Maybe you want to do something else? Well, that's possible!Buy a small bottle of water at one of those little restaurant at the station. You follow the road over the top, which going down. The road has two white lines at each side of the road. That's the right road. This road lis going down (and fast) and leads you to the Botanical Garden. It's an asphalt road and is 5,1 km. You can see that on the signs beside the road. Don't worry about the traffic, because this road may only be used by the people, who live on Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill).Sometimes you'll see a motorbike or a jeep (Kembara). There are several places, where you have a seat. In the weekend some Malaysians like to walk to the top, which takes about 5 hours. We'd like to walk down, which takes about 1 ½ hour. Exactly halfway there's tea house. Here you can have a nice cup of tea.

When you see the barriers, then you're at the Botanical Garden. That's the end. There are several restaurants, where you can have a drink. On your left side is the entrance of the Botanical Garden and some taxi's are waiting to bring you to town. There's also a bus stop. It's up to you, what to do.

History Of Penang

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The "Light" Years and Beyond

In the 16th century, Portuguese traders from Goa, India sailed to the Far East in search of spices. It is said that a small rocky isle on the northern coast of a main island became a landmark for traders to stop and row in by boat to obtain fresh supplies of water from a nearby river. The local Malays called these traders ferringi, an Indian term for Europeans, especially Indian born Portuguese. That rocky isle was then referred to as Batu Ferringi, better known now as "Lover's Isle". The Portuguese called the main island "Pulo Pinaom" or Betel Nut Island. Probably areca nut palm trees were found abundantly then. The palm tree is known as PINANG to the Malays or PENANG to the English.

During the 17th century the turtle-shaped island of Penang situated at the northern entry point to the Straits of Malacca had provided a natural harbour during the monsoon months for Indian, Arabian, Chinese, Dutch, Danish and French ships. Penang island also became a haven for pirates who plundered ships that passed through the Straits of Malacca.

In the 18th century, the spice and opium trade between the East and west had become extremely lucrative. The Dutch dominated the Far East spice trade and the British too needed to establish themselves in the region. Thus, in 1765 Francis Light was instructed by his Company, Jourdain Sullivan and de Souza to establish better trade relations in this part of the world. During this period Penang island belonged to Kedah. In 1771, the Sultan of Kedah offered Captain Francis Light the island of Penang in return for British Protection from the constant threats of the Siamese and Burmese armies. This treaty never materialised as Francis Light's superiors refused to offer any aid.

In 1772 Captain Francis Light left Kedah for Junk Ceylon (Phuket) to set up business with his friend James Scott. By then he was knowledgeable of the peoples' customs and the local language. This helped him to win their trust in him. In 1786, Francis Light acted as middleman in securing Pulau Pinang from the new Sultan Abdullah of Kedah in return for a promise of British protection from his various enemies. It is said that before the agreement was signed, Light sailed in three vessels to the island with a small civilian and naval staff. He landed in that part of Penang now known as the Esplanade on July 17, 1786. On August 11, 1786, Light officially took possession of the island for the Crown and the East India Company. He christianed it "the Prince of Wales Island", and the Union Jack was hoisted over the new stockade. So, in all legal documents, Penang was known as Prince of Wales Island. The settlement in the eastern cape of the island was called Georgetown named after the King of England, George III.

In 1790, when Sultan Abdullah heard that the British would not give protection, he formed an army to get rid of the Dutch and English. He assembled his men at Prai to retake the island of Penang but was defeated. Captain Francis Light had carried out night raids on the enemy's fortress. In 1791, Sultan Abdullah signed a treaty with the British handing over Penang Island to the British. Light promised to pay the Sultan 6,000 Spanish dollars annually. Today, almost two centuries later, the Penang State Government still pays RM 18,800.00 to the Sultan of Kedah annually.

Captain Light's term as the first Superintendent of the Prince of Wales Island came to an end in 1794. He died on October 21, 1794 at the age of 54 probably due to malaria. He was buried at the Protestant cemetery at the end of Northam Road (now known as Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah). He was survived by Martina Rozells, a local Eurasian of Portuguese descent and son, William Light who later founded the city of Adelaide, Australia.

After Francis Light's death, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Wellesley (Colonel Wellesley the then, future Duke of Wellington) arrived in Penang to coordinate the defences of the island. It was in 1800 that Sir George Leith, then Lieutenant Governor of the Prince of Wales Island secured a strip of land across the channel from the island. He named it Province Wellesley. This gave Penang control over its harbour and food supplies from the mainland. Till this day, the State of Penang comprises two areas – Penang Island and Province Wellesley.

In 1804, Penang was elevated from a Settlement to a Presidency. In 1805, a new Governor, the honourable Philip Dundas took over. His assistant secretary was Thomas Stamford Raffles, the future founder of Singapore in 1819. In 1832, the Straits Settlements was formed comprising the states of Malacca, Singapore and Penang. Penang became its capital but in 1935 Singapore took over Penang as capital of the Straits Settlements.

Beach Street during the 1900s.

The latter part of the 19th century saw Penang enjoying a trade boom, as rich deposits of tin were found in the neighbouring state of Perak. Initially famed for clove and nutmeg, Penang gradually turned to sugar and coconut as cash crops. Pepper was imported from Acheh in Sumatra, in the Indonesian Archipelago, for re-export. With British intervention in the Malay states, Penang became rich from the tin mines of Perak. In time, Penang became an important immigration port for immigrants from various parts of the world, especially those from South China and those from South India. As Britain's only strategic port of call in the Straits of Malacca, Penang was soon linked by ship to Madras, Rangoon, Medan and Singapore. It served as an entreport for southern Thailand, the north of peninsular Malaya, and also the northern region of Sumatra.

At the turn of the 20th century, Penang became a centre of export for rubber and tin. Rubber was in demand for the manufacturing of pneumatic tyres of the first generation of motor cars. The European planters and Chinese towkays (business leaders) made their money in the plantations and mines of the other northern states but built their mansions in Georgetown and sent their children to school here. With the advent of new food canning technology, tin was also in great demand. In 1905 the first hydroelectric scheme in Penang was completed, giving the island her first electricity. Penang's first electric tramway appeared in 1906. By mid 20th century, other modes of transport such as the jin-rickshaws introduced by the Chinese, the bullock carts introduced by the Indian and the horse-carts gradually disappeared from the Penang roads.

Weld Quay during the 1920s. The steamer belonging to Norddeutcscher Lloyd used in shipping tobacco.

By the 1930s, more than forty steamship lines connected Penang to the rest of the world, and there were already "Flying Boat" services to London and Singapore. Penang had become an entertainment centre, with cabarets, cinemas, amusement parks and gambling establishments. The popularity of the turm club led to the ruin of many rich families whose sons were tempted to bet on slow horses and fast women. Then came the depression. Penang's economy suffered due to the Wall Street Crash. Before the people of Penang could recover from the depression, the Second World War broke out on December 8, 1941. The Japanese invaded Malaya. Penang was bombed and the British fled to Singapore. The year 1942 saw Penang living in fear. The days of the Japanese Kempettai were the days of horror, torture and executions. In September 4, 1945, the Japanese surrendered to the British Forces.

This was followed by years of struggle for power between the communists and the democratic forces of Malaya and Britain. Malaya gained independence in August 31, 1957 and Penang became one of its 13 component states. Georgetown, which has the oldest municipal history in the country, was awarded City status by royal charter on 1st January 1957.

At Dataran Merdeka during independence day.

The latter part of the 20th century witnessed outstanding progress and development in commerce and industry. Presently Penang is officially known as Negeri Pulau Pinang. Those who have enjoyed the beauty of the island gave Penang various names – An Asia in Miniature, An Island in the Sun, The Garden of the East, The Pearl of the Orient and The Land of Festivals. By whatever name she is called, Penang Island's cosmopolitan population of over one million come from a variety of backgrounds and culture. Each of the races of Penang's multi-ethnic society has contributed to the rich potpourri of cultures.

Pearl Of The Oriental

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Widely known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is one of Asia's most famous islands. Its natural beauty and exotic heritage have been attracting curious visitors for centuries.

Travel guides have referred to it as " . . . a place of mysterious temples and palm-shrouded beaches", while literary giant Somerset Maugham is known to have stayed on the island and spun tales about the romance of the white planter in South-East Asia.

Penang today is very much an amalgam of the old and the new – a bustling port, a heritage city and an industrial base. Perhaps it has more to offer per square mile than any other place in the world. For sheer variety of locales, cultures and foods, Penang is hard to beat. In it's capital Georgetown, modern skyscrapers rise from one of Southeast Asia's largest collections of intact prewar buildings. Manufactures of sophisticated electronic goods compete for space with wet markets and old temples. Where else can you find a century-old church, a Chinese temple, an Indian temple, and a Muslim mosque all within a five-minute walk from one another? Likewise, tall urban structures stand beside the red-tiled roofs of Chinatown and "Little India" is just across the road, while the Malay kampungs lie on the outskirts. The seamless melding of the many peoples of Penang is best reflected in the delicious hawker foods (available around the clock) and the adherence to traditions and customs. Festivals abound throughout the year.

Should one wish to get away from the busy city, the idlyllic beaches and soothing hills are but minutes away, while the industrial free trade zone, the "Silicon Valley of the East", and the international airport are equally accessible.

Penang or its Malay name of Pulau Pinang is made up of a turtle-shaped island, a total of 285 square kilometers, and a strip of land called Seberang Prai on Peninsular Malaysia about 48 kilometers wide.
Since 1985, the island has been joined to the mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. Alternatively, travellers arriving from the mainland can hop onto the ferry and take a 20-minute ride across. There are also international flights that connect directly to the international airport on the island.