We went to Bukit Bendera (love that name instead of Penang Hill). Unfortunately as you can see the service up is closed due to maintenance works. I pleaded to be let onto the train and maybe camouflage as employee or visitor to the employees as the service for those living on the hill is running. No is the answer. I dont know who is more disappointed - me or Eirfan.
We took the road via ? (cant remember the town) to Telok Bahang. We were told the fruits are in season - durian, rambutan, manggis etc. We had the nicest durian along the road and caught great views on the hill. You can see the sea from the top.
We drove along curving roads and climbed hills and passed by waterfalls and orchards upon orchards. The durian branches hung over the sides of the road you feel almost like you can reach the fruits. They hung nets under the trees to catch the falling fruit. I didnt have any pictures of that - the road is very narrow; there is nowhere to stop. I was reminded of the time that Andrew Zimmerman (of the weird food) went to an orchard like this where he puked (urgh..) because of the smell of the durian. Which proves that he cant take everyting after all.. Anyway.
We stopped at an orchard that has more than 800 fruit trees (or so it says - we didnt get to counting..) You get to park you car at the gates of the orchard and for RM25 per person you can take the service to the top of the hill and feast on all-you-can-eat fruits. We debated whether we should go to the top. The place was quite busy - there were many mid-easterners who went up. But a local worker saved us money when he said, for us locals there isnt much to see.. So we hang about, got some fruits and photos and then left.
We passed by quaint kampungs and later a dam. The scenery was quite breathtaking.
The next day we shopped at the night stalls at Batu Feringhi. It was like pasar malam with a twist - many westerners, more beautiful items, more lights, lots of designer items (imitates of course) etc. I personally think it is a pasar malam with an attitude. You must go and see this. The stretch of Batu Feringhi itself is much alive with multitude of eating places of many choices; beware that you find a halal place.
We drove along Gurney Drive and stopped at Gurney Plaza. The boys wanted to watch Hancock and we did. But ah, what a flop that was..
What's a trip to Penang without nasi kandar? My son swears by this place. It is just a stall that I'd miss if I didnt know it is there. But yeah, my son is right - its curry is quite distinct. Even Eirfan pun sapu licin pinggan dia!
And like everything good, the trip has got to end.. but not before I capture a beautiful sunset on the island..
*****
1 comment:
Bestnya bercutian di Penang
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