One day trip in Penang

By looking at the title, perhaps, some people will think I am crazy. (Note: I have been in Penang for 5 years) The main purpose of this trip is to bring our US business partners to travel around Penang, the second purpose is to get together with the team mates.

We started the trip at around 11 something, the first destination was Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi in short. Khoo Kongsi is one of the most dinctintive Chinese clan associations in Malaysia(others clans: Cheah Kongsi, Lim Kongsi etc) It is well known worldwide for its extensive lineage that can be traced back 650 years ago, as well as its closely-knit and defensive congregation of buildings and a magnificent clanhouse. Next, we proceeded to one of the temple near Khoo Kongsi.

After that, we took a walk to Little India. Little India is a colourful place which offers many specialised Indian stores and eating places. Next destination was Peranakan Mansion. The Peranakan, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of Acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world, especially in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Mallacca and Singapore) hence its other name, the Straits Chinese. Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and later, the colonial British, the Peranakans had created a unique lifestyle and customs which had not only left behind a rich legacy of antiques but its cultural influences like cuisine and language are still evident in Penang today. We had our lunch at Nyonya Cafe after the Peranakan visit. I ordered Nasi Ulam and Nutmeg water. Both were very nice.

Then, we proceeded to our next destination, Balik Pulau. The town people from Georgetown called it Pulo(浮罗) in their popular Hokkian dialect, which in Malay language it literally means island but to Penang Chinese it is the name of the Balik Pulau town. The local Hakka called it Pu-lo-san-puai, which mean the back of the hill at the place called Pulo(the island). We went for a boat ride in Balik Pulau at Pulau Betong. Pulau Betong is a small island on the southwest corner of Penang Island. It can be seen from the country road that leads to Pasir Panjang. The island is not accessible except by boat. Pulau Betong is uninhabited, safe for some fish-breeding activities conducted there. The wave was quite rough today but we had a great time. Next, we went to see paddy field. All of us like the environment there as it is very relaxing by looking at the green field. Then, we had our dinner at Hill Top. The road is very steep so we decided to hike up the hill and not driving. Anyway, is always good to have some walking. :) The night view from the Hill Top is very nice and this is one of the famous stop in Penang. We end the trip around 9 something.

Last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to my penang friends for bringing me to travel around Penang. I really had a wonderful day. And...Tate and Janet, hope you guys enjoy the day.