We took off from KL at 7.30AM on the 2nd day of CNY. Traffic on the NS highway was smooth flowing. By 9.15AM we were already in Ipoh buying pomelos and looking for a place to eat breakfast. There was a big crowd at the popular Nam Heong coffee shop when we arrived. We had to jostle our way in and hustle for a table. On a positive note, the Sar Hor Fun and Ipoh white coffee did not disappoint and helped to make up for the minor inconveniences.
Continuing the journey north after breakfast we discovered through Facebook the bad news. My B-I-L’s house in Sibu was broken into the night before. He and the wife decided to fly back immediately. So the first destination in Penang was the Airport. Fortunately, they managed to get tickets for all the connecting flights home on the same day. The group of 10 was thus reduced to 8. The holiday mood was somewhat dampened especially for the children.
It was a scotching hot afternoon as we negotiated through heavy traffic to the Bay View Resort in Batu Ferringhi. After resting for a couple of hours in the comfortable family suite we went down to the beach. I have been to nicer beaches in PD. Nevertheless, ML and her cousins had a whale of a time perfecting the jump for the photo shot and the earlier gloom soon dissipated.
The trip from Bay View to Gurney Drive for dinner, which should takes 15 minutes, took us more an hour. It was a nightmare to drive through the gridlock and a true test of patience. The traffic situation was probably made worse by Ah Jib Kor’s just concluded CNY open house at Marina Bay. The Hawker Centre in Gurney Drive was also packed to the brim. There were long queues at the more popular stalls. The much talked about Penang Hawker food of Assam Laksa, Fried Kway Teow, Rojak, Pasembur, O Chien, Chendol, etc were actually not such a big deal. One can easily find the same dishes in KL that taste just as good.
By the time dinner was over it was 11pm but the traffic had not eased up. Having heard so much about the lights of Kek Lok Si Temple, we decided to make our way there. Unfortunately, the quirky Garmin GPS had to screw up at the most inopportune time. We ended up lost. Going around in circles we finally decided to call it a night. By the time we arrived back to the hotel it was already 1.00AM.
Early next morning, despite the huge crowd, we managed to ride the funicular car up to the Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera. At 800M above sea level, even though the sun was shining brightly the breeze was actually quite cool. Still in a festive mood we decided to get some tattoos. The tattoos were painted on with indelible ink and last up to 10 days.
The 45 minutes long conducted tour of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion or more commonly known as the Blue Mansion was quite informative and entertaining. The guide started with a brief biography of the Chinese tycoon and explained in detail the Feng Shui considerations in the layout and design of his house and what each artifact and deco meant. By contrast the visit to Khoo Kongsi was a disappointment. As part of the World Heritage site, the buildings there were by no means historically less significant. What was sorely missing is a well informed guide to take visitors around.
After 2 rounds of Assam Laksa and fried Kuey Teow no one was keen on more hawker food. The Ship Restaurant in Batu Ferringhi was within walking distance from the hotel. Surprisingly the service was prompt and I loved the warm bun they served for starters. After dinner we took a stroll around the busy night market.
We headed out to Kek Lok Si Temple again after 11.00PM. Traffic was slightly better and we did not get lost this time. We were surprised that we could actually drive right up to the temple on the hill. The temple ground and buildings were all beautifully lighted up and was a sight to behold. After about 20 minutes and before we could tour the temple grounds, the monks started locking up the place and switching off the lights and we had assumed that it was open 24 hours. Luckily we were there just in time otherwise it would be another wasted trip.
simon 2 feb 2012
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