Penang Food

Penang Laksa

Penang is famous for it's Assam Laksa. In fact it's taste is unique to Penang because of the pungent Hae Ko sauce made of fermented shrimp paste and the bite from the sour pineapples.Strangely enough I haven't had laksa in a long time so I don't have any pics yet, but I shall endeavour to eat some soon!Laksa is also a big cause for gastritis and diarrhoea(probably why penangites don't eat it that often!)...so beware of where you eat the laksa from. The ones in Gurney Drive are not bad but are catered more for tourists.

Good dollop of thick Hay Koo (Fermented Shrimp Paste) adds the zing to the Laksa. The laksa sauce is super thick and nice to the last drop. This one is the sour Penang Assam Laksa. What can I say, it's unique, the sweet and sour fish based soup really has a bite. Crunchy cucumber slices and tangy pineapple adds to the amazing texture of this simple, classic dish.

Penang Tau Sar Peah

Penang's tau sar peah is legendary and spoken of in the same breath as Kuala Kangsar's pau (dumpling) and Kampar's chicken biscuits. Indeed, conversations about Penang food inevitably turns to the celebrated Penang tau sar peah. For Penangites who work outside the state (and even those who live overseas) and return for periodic sojourns to their beloved hometown, the tau sar peah is invariably among the items that line their bags when they depart.

Traditionally, the tau sar actually refers to the red bean paste found in the cookies. The red beans are cooked with sugar until they become mushy and turn a shade of very dark magenta. But given the several varieties of peah (biscuit/cookie) on the market, the term tau sar is also confusingly used to describe the whitish green pea paste, or pek tau sar. Then there's the mung bean variety, or lek tau and also lotus bean paste. In Penang, tau sar peah is synonymous with Tambun peah as both are made from the same core ingredients, but differ slightly in shape. Either way, you are assured of cookies that are delightfully mouth-watering and delicious.

When buying tau sar peah, try and get a batch that's fresh out of the oven. Although the cookies retain their freshness for several days without refrigeration, it is when they are still warm that eating them becomes an incomparable experience. Although purists will tell you that the best tau sar peah is made with lard, there are equally tasty varieties made with vegetable oil. There is even a halal (permitted by Islam) variety for Muslims and a vegetable-based one for vegetarians.

Penang Char Koay Teoh

A classic Penang hawker food specialty. You have not tasted REAL char koay teoh until you have come to Penang. Penang CKT is the gold standard! You can see the bean sprouts and slightly charred flat noodles.
This is the signature hawker dish of Penang. A simple plate of stir fried flat noodles with seafood, egg, bean sprouts, chilly and soy sauce.Now anybody can fry noodles but it's that special combination of taste and spices that makes it so special.I like the CKT in Bee Hooi coffee shop at night in Pulau Tikus. The Sister's CKT in Macalister road is overated in my humble opinion.

Batu Feringgi, Penang

The beach is what Batu Feringgi is famous for. On a relative scale, the beach may not be as gorgeous as those found on some islands off Peninsular Malayisa, but you get a wide mix of conveniences and facilities that make staying in Batu Feringgi a highly-accessible and easy vacation. Also, the scenic backdrops of large granite boulders, fine sand, lush vegetation and calm waters make this the perfect place to enjoy the sea and surf.
Because Batu Feringgi is a very popular spot, it does get crowded, especially during the peak visitor seasons. The water can get slightly murky but it will still be overall warm and inviting to swim in, but just don't expect crystal-clear sights to the depths of the sea bed. The beach, however, is coated with lots of fine sand, making it a nice place to walk on and sun-bathe. It's also reasonably clean.

What gives Batu Feringgi its oomph is the atmosphere; scores of restaurants, watering holes, resorts and recreational places give the beach a party-like feel.
There are a few seafood and international restaurants that serve delicious food, while you mix and mingle around with locals and international visitors alike.

A lot of water sports such as jet-skiing, banana boating and parasailing goes on, and visitors can engage in such activities through the many vendors situated on the beach with their shaded stalls. However, visitors who just want to swim peacefully can be assured that floating buoys are placed strategically around swimming areas to cordon off all the water sport activity. Along the road fronting the beach, there are large numbers of shops that provide modern conveniences such as groceries, mobile phones and souvenirs. Annually in June, there is a large fiesta on the beach which features food promotions, beach activities, cultural parades, parties and inter-hotel competitions.

Snake Temple, Penang

The Snake temple in Penang is probably the only one of its kind in the world. Built in 1850, the Snake temple. Every year, thousands of devotees make a trip to the temple during the birthday celebrations of the resident deity, Chor Soo Kong which occurs thrice yearly, on the 6th days of the first, sixth and eleventh months of the lunar calendar respectively. Legend has it, that Chor Soo Kong a Chinese monk, who was also a healer, gave shelter to the snakes of jungle, after the completion of the temple, snakes appeared on their own accord.

Located at Sungai Kluang near Bayan Lepas airport in the Penang Island, the snake temple is a safe haven for pit vipers that are said to be the “servants” of the deity. Although pit vipers are known to be venomous and aggressive, those in the temple appear docile. These poisonous snakes, coiled round the pillars or beams around the temple are believed to be made drowsy by the smoke of the burning incense. However, today the snake population of the Temple of the Azure Cloud is very small, due to the urbanization of the area which disturbed the natural habitat of the snakes.

A corridor beside the temple houses several cages with fully grown vipers. Just next to these cages is a small altar bearing the Deity of Prosperity & Moral.
Admission is freeOpening Hours: 6am - 7pmDepending on traffic situations, a bus ride from Komtar to the snake temple should take about 30 minutes, a taxi will cost you around RM25.

Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)

Located 6km from George Town, Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is one of the most popular destinations in Penang. Penang Hill is actually a complex of hills and spurs and the highest point is Western Hill which is 830 meters (2730ft) above sea level. Apart from the cool climate and the fantastic panoramic view of George Town, Tanjung Bungah and the mainland from the summit, you can also enjoy the picturesque colonial bungalows, a beautiful flower garden and a bird sanctuary. Some of the flora and fauna of Penang Hill are considered as endemic species, and are so rare that their existence is endangered.

The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of a funicular railway in Air Itam (there’s not much places you be seeing such funicular railway system these days!). There is a tunnel which measures 258 feet long and 10 feet wide starting at steepness of 35 feet high, which is the steepest tunnel in the world.

The funicular train leaves every 30 minutes and can carry up to 80 passengers. One way ticket cost of RM4. It takes about half an hour to the top. The funicular train does not go straight to the summit and will pass several small stations, where the locals will alight. There are also some small hotels and guesthouses on this stretch. During holiday seasons, the wait for this ride can take as long as 1hr.

Funicular Train serviceGoing up, 6:30am to 9:30pm. Saturday extend until 11:30pmGoing down, 6:45am to 9:15pm. Saturday extend until 11:15pm

Kek Lok Si Temple

The Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si is situated in (H)Air Itam, a suburb of Georgetown. You can make that by local bus from the Komtar, but you can also make it by taxi. I prefer taxi, because the taxi takes me up the hill (the Kek Lok Si is halfway on a hill). I like to walk down, but not to walk up the hill in a tropical climate.Taxi ride from the KOmtar in Georgetown will cost you about RM20.
The temple was begun in 1890 and, from all appearances, construction really hasn't ever stopped. And it's still going on! The temple is supposedly the largest in Malaysia.The Kek Lok Si project was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.
Without doubt the largest and best known temple in Penang, the Temple of Supreme Bliss, better known as Kek Lok Si, staggered on the hillside overlooking the town of Ayer Itam. Since the olden days, the hills of Ayer Itam are regarded as important geomantically. Known as He San, or Crane Hill, they are recommended as a retreat for Taoist practitioners striving for immortality. Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddha's, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

The latest addition to the temple complex is the 30.2m bronze statue of the Avalokitesvara - Goddess of Mercy or Kuan Yin - on the hillside above the pagoda. This statue was completed and open to the public at the end of 2002. If you want to get a close-up look of the Kuan Yin statue, then go left as you get to the furthest hall, which is also the largest and look for the signs for the 'incline lift' to the goddess.
The incline lift is more of a tram -- an elevator-sized glass box mounted on rails which goes up to the terrace above the existing temple where the goddess stands. Use of the lift costs RM 2 each way.

The route up to the 'main' prayer hall of the Kek Lok Si and the pagoda is on the other side of the large prayer hall. From the 'incline lift' you need to cross the hall and go through the souvenir stands to find the desk where you must pay a 'voluntary' donation of another RM 2 to go up to the new prayer hall and the pagoda. Don't worry: you'll receive a ticket!
If you haven't visited the "Goddess of Mercy", then this is the moment to do it now!

The Kek Lok Si project was mooted by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism
Reputedly the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, situated close to the bustling Air Hitam market. The temple's enclave including a pagoda and a huge statue of the Goddess Kuan Yin is prominent. Besides the monastery, a seven-storey pagoda of 10,000 Buddha images displays the essence of an eclectic mix of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. The main hall has colourful souvenir shops. A shrine filled with statues and a courtyard where a large pond full of carp and the tortoises are main attractions. Here a pathway that leads to a stairway will take you to the Pagoda.

Kek Lok Si Temple Night View

Penang Bridge

The Penang Bridge is no doubt one of the many architecture wonders of Penang. Ranks as the longest bridge in Asia and 5th largest in the world, the iconic bridge that took 5 years to complete was the beloved bridge for every Penangtes. It marks the new milestone that brings Penang closer to the world attention.The dual-carriageway bridge connecting Gelugor on the island of Penang and Seberang Prai on the mainland of Malaysia has become a symbol of pride and national landmarks.
Its distinctive design and features saw the Penang Bridge won many awards.
1986 - Grand Award in the United States of America Engineering Excellence Competition sponsored by the Council of Consulting Engineers, Washington.
1993 - FIABCI Special Award (Development and Construction Phase Category) from the International Real Estate Federation of Malaysia.The bridge also play host to an annual Penang Bridge Run since its inception and has become a very popular event ever since. Local & international participant took part in a run that incorporates a marathon, a half-marathon and a quarter-marathon.Perhaps, it was the broad & bold vision of the then prime minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir that the mega scale construction could be realize.





The History of Penang Bridge
In actual fact, the talk about having a bridge linking to Penang was first mooted out in 1950s when traffic condition is in deep chaos. During that time, Penang economy was booming, causing a massive congestion on the Ferry terminal. Ferry’s during that time was the only mode of transport to connect Penang Island to the Mainland.Some suggesting extending the ferry’s service, building a tunnel and some come out with the ideas of a bridge. However the bridge stood out as the firm favorites for the Penangtes. Many hope that with the bridge, their long battle with endless jammed will be eliminated thus brings more business & prosperity to the island.Using the Penang Bridge as manifesto, Dr Lim Chong Eu, former Chief Minister of Penang swept to a landslide victory in Penang party election in 1950s. After that, Penang Bridge has become a standing joke of town as nothing materializes. It has face many obstacle - High construction cost, opposition objection & complication of building such a massive project.
The dream of having a bridge finally triumph when Dr Mahathir took over as Malaysia prime minister. He pushed on with the mega scale project despite many objection and obstacle. His persistency and acute thinking made the reality of Penang having a bridge comes true.On 23 July 1981, Work Minister S. Samy Velu announced that the Penang Bridge would be constructed using the cable-stayed concrete girder of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge instead of the steel-tied arch in the style of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This marks the starts of massive construction projects that will be implemented.
Dr Mahathir sank the first pile in April 1982 to kick off the grand projects and the dream of having a bridge in Penang finally becomes a reality. There will be no more u-turn, says a beaming Mr Loh - One of the many Penangtes that supported the bridge projects from the beginning.

Batu Caves

The Batu Caves stand out as a monumental facal point of the significant contribution made by the Indian settlers in the development of Malaya and then Malaysia. The 113 year old main temple, dedicated to Lord Subramaniar, is lodged in a cave about 400 feet above ground level.

Batu Caves, as it is popularly known, is located about 12 km north of Kuala Lumpur. It is nestled close to the main highways leading to northern parts and the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Thaipusam is grandiose affair. It attracts about a million worshippers and tourists from within the country and abroad over three days of festivities. Nowhere else in the world is this festival celebrated on such a grand scale.

Thaipusam falls annually on the full-moon day in the Tamil month of Thai which occurs between January 14th and Febuary 15th. This is when the moon moves through the zodiac period of Cancer according to the Indian Calender.

Apart from the annual Thaipusam festival, tourist and devotees visit Batu Caves regularly. Throught the year, the Temple Caves attract between 3,000 to 5,000 people daily.

At the base of the hill, at the ground level, there are three caves with statuary and mural depictions of scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharat and the lives of renowned Tamil poets.

Bukit Bintang Street (Bintang Walk)

Malaysia’s own version of Tokyo's Ginza, New York's Fifth Avenue and Singapore's Orchard Road, Bukit Bintang boasts of the highest concentration of shopping outlets in Kuala Lumpur. Bukit Bintang spans over 3 roads, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Sultan Ismail, and is a part of Kuala Lumpur's famous Golden Triangle. Bintang Walk is located along the Jalan Bukit Bintang shopping strip. Over the last 5 years or so, the area has seen a rapid change and today is one of the busiest streets in Kuala Lumpur. Bukit Bintang features hotels, a countless number of cafes, clubs, dining outlets and shopping complexes which include Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Imbi Plaza, Kuala Lumpur Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Low Yat Plaza, Starhill Gallery, Lot 10, and Pavilion KL. During weekends and during festival times when shopping is at its peak, the Bintang Walk is an absolute beehive of activity with thousands of tourists and locals flocking its streets. Bintang Walk is also quite popular for the major nightlife events that take place here like the New Year's countdown, Merdeka eve celebrations, as well as fashion shows, street concerts and parties. In addition to all this its also easily accessible making it one of the most popular destinations in Kuala Lumpur. Bukit Bintang hotels are also aplenty and add to the area’s popularity among tourists.

Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.

Petaling Street (China Town)

This is Kuala Lumpur's dedicated Chinatown zone, though you get people of all races and international tourists flocking to this area from afternoon till late night. Easily accessed from the main road of Jalan Cheng Lock, the entrance is unmistakable. Visitors travelling on buses and taxis around Kuala Lumpur are bound to pass this busy road, and thereby, glimpse Petaling Street.
An oriental arch of red and green in marble greets first-time visitors to Chinatown. Entering inside, you will be swept up by the massive crowd of shoppers perusing each stall in the narrow road, as well as be immersed in the din of haggling and traders throwing prices. Not an atmosphere for the claustrophobic, but you'll certainly enjoy being dazzled by the array of items on sale, as well as feasting on the delightful local food served.

One of Petaling Street's main offerings is bootleg goods; in terms of fashion, you'll find the latest shirts from 'Nike', handbags from 'Prada', jeans from 'Guess', bang & pouches from 'Reebok', soccer jerseys from 'Adidas' and caps from 'Fubu'. These fashion items may not be the real deal, but they certainly look the part and cost one tenth of the price. Nowadays, the bootleg fashion clothing are so good, they even feel and wear like the real thing!
Another bootleg item that Petaling Street is famous for; 'branded' watches! For less than RM50, you can get imitation watches from a variety of names such as Rolex, Swatch, Seiko, Casio, Tag Heuer, Gucci, Mont Blanc and Cartier. The 'Rolex' watches are in fact, affectionately called 'Lo-Lek' watches, which is 'Rolex' pronounced with a distinct Chinese slang and used to poke fun at their mimicry.
Other bootleg items to find are the 'latest' perfumes from 'Christian Dior', 'Armani', 'Polo' and others, which don't smell quite as good but you can get them at less than a quarter the price of real scents. Then imitation sunglasses are also very popular and can be had for dirt cheap prices, including 'Ray-Bans', 'Versace' and 'Police'.







Famous "Air Mata Kucing" in Petaling Street.











"Sir, Rolex?...... Good quality, buy two can get discount"

Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC)

Petronas Twin Towers is the anchor project of Kuala lumpur City Center or KLCC. Standing at 451.9M high, it has a two towers of 88-storey office building. The 1.8bil Ringgit Petronas Twin Towers building was officially opened on August 31, 1999 by Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad. The Petronas Twin Towers was designed by Argentinian architect Cesar Pelli. The original design was 421M tall but later reworked to the present height.

There is a 192ft-long (58.4m) double-decker skybridge linking the Petronas Twin Towers at the 41st and 42nd floor (175m above street level). This skybridge linking the two sky lobbies from each tower facilitates the movement flow between the two towers. The Petronas Twin towers also houses a 864-seat acoustic distinction concert hall - the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.

Next to the Petronas Twin Towers is the premier shopping mall of Kuala Lumpur City Center - Suria KLCC. The design of the mall utilizes maximum skylight form the spacious center court for natural lighting, tobefit the name Suria KLCC - "Suria" means sunshine. Its huge 6-level crescent shaped shopping mall contains over 200 shops of specialty stores, 3 departmental stores, fashion boutiques, cinemas, a 1200-seat food court on the second floor and a 300-seat local food court and theme restaurants on the fourth floor. At the ground floor of Suria KLCC there are several cafes facing the beautiful KLCC Park.

Outside Suria KLCC is the 20-hectare KLCC Park, part of the KLCC project designed by the late Brazilian landscapist Roberto Burle Marx. The KLCC Park includes a Symphony Lake with its 2 playful musical fountains at the esplanade just outside Suria KLCC. A 2-acre kiddie playground with colourful child-safe play equipment, a public wadding pool, patterned footpaths and a soft and well design jogging track. Close to 2000 indigenous trees from 74 species are planted in the KLCC park with about 40 trees preserved and replanted from the former Selangor Turf Club.