Our tour around Malaysia continues; here you can find
Part I of this trip, and explore with me Kuala Lumpur. Today, we jump on another little island of this wonderful Country.
Our second stop in Malaysia has been Penang.
Penang is a small state whose capital is George Town, where we
found our pretty hostel. George Town's historical core has been
inscribed as UNESCO world heritage site, and if you decide to
take a trip down there, please go and visit, cause it is just
beautiful. We stayed in the area called Love Lane, called like this
as in the past that was the road where rich people had their
mistresses (aka, it was full of brothels), and that also is the
reason why it is so rich in hostels: it has not been difficult
finding buildings with loads of bedrooms already built in!
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| Beautiful temple in the middle of George Town |
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| A scorch of Little India, in the middle of George Town |
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| And then Murales; George Town is full of those amazing works of art |
George Town is a collection of small, colourful, narrow roads,
connecting together the Indian core (Little India being on of
the main neighbourhoods) and the Chinese one. It is incredibly rich
in marvellous temples, ancient houses and well conserved sites –
like the floating village of Chew Jetty, the Chinese site
built on water. It is worth a visit, especially the beautiful shrines
in the front (there's one adapted around a tree which is just
amazing).
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| Kek Lok Si, the biggest temple in Malaysia |
Outside Penang, is situated the Malaysian biggest temple, Kek Lok
Si. You need to get the bus from George Town and then climb a
small hill to reach the top, but again, it is oh so worthy. On the
top of the hill you will not only find Kek Lok Si (which is
impressive), but also a collection of minor temples.
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| Inside a temple in the Kek Lok Si area |
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| Climbing up the stairs bringing us to another temple |
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| Statues of the Chinese Horoscope Figures |
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| Another view of the temple with the statues on the front |
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| The Pagoda |
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| View from the top of the Pagoda |
We enjoyed so
much the one where the Tree of Wishes was situated, a small tree made
just of branches, where people hang small piece of coloured fabric
upon which they write down their prayers to the divinities. There
also is another small temple surrounded by the statues of the 12
animals of Chinese zodiac, and then the Pagoda, a tower from where it
is possible to see the most breathtaking landscape.
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| Batu Ferringhi Beach |
A bus from George Town will also bring you on one of the most famous
Malaysia beaches; we went to Batu Ferringhi, which is possibly
the most famous one – and which well, was just amazing. Beige sandy
beaches, clear blue waters, and the forest extending right behind
us... it was a marvellous experience and I can't but suggest you,
whenever you plan your visit there, to go and see it by yourself.
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| Batu Ferringhi Beach |
As I mentioned before, it is possible to move around Penang using
buses. There are many, running regularly (you can see the
times on the bus stops), and you buy your ticket directly on the bus,
in cash (I can't remember the fare, but it was obviously very cheap).
My suggestion though, would be renting a bike and use that to move
around.
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| Delicious Dim Sum |
Like the rest of Malaysia, Penang is a very cheap place where to
stay, yet enjoying the most beautiful places. Kitchen is once more a
mix of Indian and Chinese, and we particularly enjoyed this family
run restaurant called Tai Tong Restaurant, where we had the
most delicious Dim Sum. It is always (and I mean, always)
full of people (including locals, which is always a good sign), but
don't worry, a table for you will soon come up. The staff is super
friendly, and gives you (good) advices of what you try if you don't
know where to start from.
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| Crab Laksa, one of the typical Malaysian dishes we tried in Penang |
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| But European sometimes just need coffee and sweets! |
And oh, do I really need to mention that it
is super cheap?
It also was here in Penang that we finally tried a typical Malaysian
dish, a Laksa: it is noodle soup made with crab and coconut
milk, and it was (maybe) the most delicious dish we tried during the
whole holiday! Another very good (and cheap) restaurant we tried is
Wan Thai, where we had the most delicious Pad Thai and
Mango Sticky Rice... people, my mouth waters only remembering
those deliciousnesses!
See you soon for our next and final post about Malaysia, when we're going to explore Langkawi.
Until then, take care!
Xxx
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