During the last Chinese New Year, i was having a long break back in KL. It was great to spend some quality time with my family members and friends :)
On the 6th Jan, we decided to have a family trip and drove to Penang, a northern island of Malaysia.
Along the way, we stopped by at Kampar, for some delicious fish ball noodle. Kampar was a tin mining town in the old days. Unfortunately, many tin-mining companies were forced out of business during the economic recession in the 80's. On top of that, Since the completion of the PLUS highway, Kampar's status as a bustling town has declined rapidly. Food wise, it was famous for its hand made fish ball noodle, and baked chicken in bread. The the photos below have been re-touched to give the 'good old days' mood of the town.
We reached Penang after 5 hours of car ride. I love the island city very much. I like the food, the beach and the atmosphere, and many many more.....
Penang is indeed unique in many ways, first of all, is the food, if you wanna try the the following local food, in authentic, original version, you must try it in Penang, no where else offers the better taste, trust me.
1. Penang asam laksa (the best) - it is a sour and spicy fish-based soup noodle, top with thick prawn paste sauce. Speechless..........
2. Penang Rojak - It is basically a mix of various local fruit salad, like pineapple, cucumber, crackers, squid, raw mangoes.... dress in thick yummy prawn paste with finely chopped roasted peanuts.
3. Char kway teow - Stir-fired rice noodle (河粉) with black soya sauce, bean sprout, chinese sausages and prawns.
other great food are like Nasi Kandar (indian muslim mixed rice), Chee Cheong Fan with prawn paste, Orjian (fried oyster cake)......
Other than food, Penang is also famous for it sandy beaches - Batu Ferringhi, and Tanjung Bungah. If you have been to Phuket or Bali island, expect the same but cleaner, and most importantly less crowd and not over commercialized.
Oh, did i mentioned that i'm lucky enough to meet a gorgeous penang girl who show me around the island.
If you are planning to travel to south east asia with your hard earn money, Come to Penang and experience the great culture, the food, the atmosphre and the people. forget about Singapore, where basically offers the similar attractions but at least twice the price!,
The main street of Kampar in B&W
Old style Sundry Shop
Drying the chopsticks - Kampar street
Kampar street - Pre- war houses
Kampar Street
This lady is famous for her fish ball noodle
Penang flag on the right
display of lanterns
Kek Lok Si Guardian statue
Monks are busy writing good phases for the visitors
the magnificent Kuan Yin Staute
Close up on the Kuan Yin Statue
Great scenary surrounding the temple - good feng shui....
flower offerings
Wishing you all 'have a safe journey 'and 'happy forever'
A buddha statue in the temple
i pray that .......
Pineapple candles
The entrance of the temple
Food Time !! Remember this, you will not be disappointed.
Delicious Authentic Asam Laksa only in Penang - for your information, i had 2 bowl of this.....
Variety of local pickles - papaya, nutmegs, mangoes, onions , garlic......
Variety of local prawn paste, belacan (dry prawn paste), chili paste, Rojak sauce ....
Part of the beach activities - para gliding.....cool.
a small boat by the beach
Malaysia's national flower - Hibiscus
The garden of Park Royal Hotel - perfect place to get a golden tan.
Here comes the beautiful penang girl that i talked about.
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Last but not least - my lovely little Amberlyn.
