After a rousing start to the day (out of bed before 10 am) Shane & I decided to set 2 objectives today. We only hit 1 but that’s OK. Our 2 targets were “the Habitat”, a new bush walk atop of Penang Hill and seeing the lights at Kek Lok Si temple. We headed up the ‘Hill’ on the world famous funicular tram. For the uneducated amongst us that’s a cable drawn tram. This one just happens to be one of the steepest trams there is.
Anyway it was just around 2 pm when we got to the top and as usual we headed to the coffee shop just above the tram station. After a drink and some photos of Georgetown through the haze we walked a bit further up the hill to get tickets to this new attraction. Surprisingly we were offered ‘Seniors Discount’. Normally this is reserved for locals but we weren’t unhappy with this. Last time we were up here it was just being built.
So we were driven along one of the many roads up here to the “Habitat” entrance were we commenced a very nice stroll of several kilometres of walking trails (all rolled and surfaced). Part way along the track we encountered a couple who were in the company of a guide so we hijacked them and tagged along which was a good thing. He pointed out tarantula holes in the bank and some ‘insect trap’ plants. He also gave a pretty good commentary on the history of all things ‘Hill’ related. At various points there are specific gardens such as the Butterfly Bank, the Ginger Garden, the Fragrant Garden, the Fern Garden etc.
About 2/3rds of the way along and we came to the Canopy Walk. A cement suspension bridge that crosses 42 metres above the jungle floor below. This completed section is a precursor to the remaining section which is well underway. Not far from the Canopy Walk we emerged on to “Curtis Crest”, a high circular walkway 800 mtrs above sea level that allows you a 360 degree view of the whole of Penang Island.
By the time we ended the walk we were fairly worn out but it was far too early (light) to hang around for the Kek Lok Si light show which was set up especially for Chinese New Year in a few days. So we jumped aboard a bus and headed home but when almost there we got off at our old Penang home at Birch Times Square. Wow, what a lot of changes there. Some of the food outlets where we had made friends of the owners were shut down as were many of the shops. But not wanting to waste a stopover we shot across the road to Larong Baru (New) Street Market for a feed. Fortunately our favourite Char Kaoy Teow man was still there so Shane had a hit of that while I chose Prawn Mee. Along with our 2 drinks this feed cost us all of about $8 Australian.
no images were found
Next day was another typically glorious Penang day at 27 degrees with a slight sea breeze. Sitting at home (in my PJ’s still at 1 pm) Shane read about a little known place aptly called the “Avatar Secret Garden”. It’s actually the site of a Temple and I’m not sure who built or is responsible for the garden but we enjoyed it. It really is something a little different. We got there well before sunset (apparently that means we dodged the 1MYR entry fee) and enjoyed the beach and the cool sea breeze till the light show came on. It’s an unguided walk and it’s probably less than 1/2 a hectare (2 acres) but it’s a nice place to visit. After that we left for home but again hopped off the bus at our favourite eatery of Palau Tikus Food Market for a feed of Lok Lok.
If you ever come to Penang and do not try Lok Lok you have wasted your trip. You sit at any vacant seat at any table (probably half filled with other strangers). Next to (or sometimes sunk into) the table is a pot of boiling water. You will notice that your table is stacked with about a gazillion skewers of foods many of which you’ll not recognise but don’t be scared. You then just select any skewer you fancy, drop it into the boiling water till it’s cooked (time depends on whats on the skewer) then rip into it. When you’ve finished your skewer put it aside but don’t throw it away. Now grab another skewer and do it all again. Keep going till you can’t eat another bite. Try everything new that you can. I had jellyfish skewer for the first time tonight (see the pictures). There will be pots of sauces on the table. Heap it on but hang on to the top of your head if you hit the chilli sauce. Phew!
Once you’ve had your fill call the ‘old bloke’ over and give him you empty skewers. Note that they have different colour markings on the end of them. He’ll use these markings to add up your bill. Shane & I together totally pigged out (as usual) and it cost us a whole 26MYR ($9). What a great way to end a night. Oh yeah. Up the end of the market there’s a baker with his cart on the street. If you’re there early enough grab one of his cinnamon rolls. Shane thought she’d missed out but he had one left so she was happy.
no images were found
Great reading your adventures, layout is fine. Keep on enjoying.
New layout seems okay, I’m going to enjoy following your travels this time, I could nearly smell the place as I read your latest……………………..We are hooking up soon and wandering around the place soon but as I sit on our beach here at Rainbow Beach I wonder why………….
Cheers Ian. I appreciate the feedback. Enjoy your own travels mate.