We arrived in Penang, George Town to be exact, after a long night drive with ferry and bus from Surat Thani. Our first impression of the city was that there was art corners as well as good local street food everywhere. Plus a nice sunset to finish the day in peace.
The first goal in the island was, but not without a first look around town (like Little India), to go trekking in the Penang National Park and discover all its trails and paradisiac sandy beaches. You can choose to travel around by boat or do some jungle trekking over the headlands and hills, where if you are lucky you will come across some of the parks wildlife, or you can just find a quiet spot for some bird watching or fishing. If you decided yourself for the hiking trails, then a registration at the entrance is required for your own safety (check-in and check-out). A printed map copy will also be provided and some orientation signs can be found throughout the paths. There are two main trekking trails in the park, one that takes you along the coast, over the headlands, to the Monkey Beach and one that takes you over the hills, through the jungle to some of the more remote beaches, where you will find the Turtle Sanctuary (about 1,5 hours per way). Unfortunately the trail to the Monkey Beach is since long closed with no further announcement of an opening date. The only possibility of going there now is by boat, and that can turn out expensive. The trails can often be wet and slippery, or steep in some parts, and you may have find fallen trees, or a group of rocks to climb over, so wear footwear with good grip. With only one trail left, we walk to the Kerachut Beach, where the Turtle Sanctuary is also located. At the bottom, you will come across a wooden bridge that separates a lake from the sea, and is a nice 360º viewpoint. During the months of April and August, Green Sea turtles come to this place to lay their eggs, which are from the beginning protected by the sanctuary, or when they are injured. After treatment they are sent back to the ocean.
After the park, we went directly to the Sky Walk, an hilltop observation deck accessed by a funicular that offers visitors the chance to see the city from above. Sadly, it was closed for a few days due to maintenance. Once again, our bad luck strikes! Nevertheless, the nearby Kek Lok Si Temple, also located on top of a hill, got our attention for the rest of the afternoon. This famous temple complex is characterised not only by its colourful and detailed decoration and gigantic Buddha statue, but also by its full-size insane landscape. It is located a bit far from town, but not of a distance a motorbike cannot reach quickly.
The second day in George Town was dedicated to the street art of Penang, but not without forgetting to have breakfast at Wheeler's Coffee. For those who use Maps.Me, you can find most places marked already in the city map. Always at a walking distance and to see everything just plan a morning or an afternoon. Tons of museums exist for your entertainment and some appeal directly to your five senses (Ghost Museum, 3D Glow in the Dark Museum, Upside Down Museum). I didn't have time to check them but I heard they are supposed to be fantastic. Little India, the Chinatown, and many other cultural and religious places (like the Mosque Kapitan Keling) make George Town a peaceful and respectful place to live.
Using the last hour in town to visit the area around the Top Penang - the fresh new entertainment project in the newly rejuvenated Komtar - and discover more street art on the way. Home to thousand of activities, retail shops, restaurants and a viewpoint, the Top offers a trendy pulse to George Town all under one roof.
https://thetop.com.my
How to move around: rented motorbike, taxi or Grab
Where to eat: Little India, Wheeler's Coffee or simply in any street food stall
Next destination: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
After the park, we went directly to the Sky Walk, an hilltop observation deck accessed by a funicular that offers visitors the chance to see the city from above. Sadly, it was closed for a few days due to maintenance. Once again, our bad luck strikes! Nevertheless, the nearby Kek Lok Si Temple, also located on top of a hill, got our attention for the rest of the afternoon. This famous temple complex is characterised not only by its colourful and detailed decoration and gigantic Buddha statue, but also by its full-size insane landscape. It is located a bit far from town, but not of a distance a motorbike cannot reach quickly.
The sunset was spent in the town market by the pier. There are many food options there, including clams and fish, and really tasteful fruit juices.
The second day in George Town was dedicated to the street art of Penang, but not without forgetting to have breakfast at Wheeler's Coffee. For those who use Maps.Me, you can find most places marked already in the city map. Always at a walking distance and to see everything just plan a morning or an afternoon. Tons of museums exist for your entertainment and some appeal directly to your five senses (Ghost Museum, 3D Glow in the Dark Museum, Upside Down Museum). I didn't have time to check them but I heard they are supposed to be fantastic. Little India, the Chinatown, and many other cultural and religious places (like the Mosque Kapitan Keling) make George Town a peaceful and respectful place to live.
The Clan Jetties of Penang is a busy and touristic but scenic destination, that features a traditional village on stilts over the water.
https://thetop.com.my
How to move around: rented motorbike, taxi or Grab
Where to eat: Little India, Wheeler's Coffee or simply in any street food stall
Next destination: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For more information:
Comments
Post a Comment