One year ago in April, I started the venerable Ramblings of Robert. I wanted to establish my own platform to share my knowledge in a number of topics. My very first Ramble was to elucidate my process of obtaining a Malaysian spouse visa. It is my hope and desire that others, that are going through that process, can rely on Ramblings of Robert as a go-to source of information to help them on their own spouse visa journey
To mark this special occasion, I thought I would begin a series about the crown jewels of my new home "the Pearl of the Orient", Penang, Malaysia.
Penang, which consists of a roughly swimming-turtle-shaped island; as well as a chunk of mainland real estate, really has a lot to offer in the way of both man-made and the natural. Now, living here for over 3 years and half of a 4th, I have come to experience some of what is the essence of the Pearl of the Orient. My five senses have experienced novel wonders not experienced in my native land. Granted, I never heard of roti canai or knew that you could have coffee in 10 different ways before I landed upon these shores. Kopi C Peng, Kopi 0..those concepts were foreign to me. If I went into a restaurant where I am from and asked for roti telur bawang, I would get many a quizzical look from the serving staff.
But I digress.. I plan to do a future blog post about one of Malaysia's most ubiquitous drinks made from a certain caffeinated berry of a tropically endemic plant. This blog post promises the first in a periodical series about the natural wonders of my new home.
One such natural wonder that I speak of is the highest point of Penang..PENANG HILL!! Towering some 864 metres above sea level, Penang Hill can be seen from anywhere in the George Town city area. It dominates the city skyline (yes..George Town is actually an official city..someone should notify NORAD so Santa can come here this year. My American Ramblers will get this reference) like a sentinel. It's green lofty peaks are even visible from mainland Penang on a clear day.
As this is one of Penang's main tourist attractions, there is a developed station at the bottom with some shopping opportunities for some refreshments or souvenirs.
It's elevation offers respite from the sultry temperatures of the lowlands..about 5° Celsius on average. I have had the privilege of venturing to this lofty peak twice since I have come here. There were many improvements from my 1st and 2nd trips up there that I will get to in a moment. Now, there are different ways of ascending the heights
1) You can hike up to the top via a 5 kilometre trail that begins at the Penang Botanical Gardens (another future blog). It will take you a few hours to make the trip so prepare accordingly. Wear comfortable clothing, good running shoes and bring plenty of water to remain hydrated, as the weather will be warm. Protein snacks also help give delicious energy to keep you going.
2) If you are a bit less athletic, then a much more popular way (and the way I went up both times) is via a funincular train. This type of train is unique from a conventional train in that it is smaller, plus the cars and track are at an angle. It can be a bit disorienting for certain passengers. When you are in it, you can see the lush hillsides passing you by as you ascend. This system was originally built by the British, but of course, modernised and upgraded in 2011. The journey takes about 15 minutes to make the trip.
This is what greets you at the top of Penang Hill
Opened in 2015, the viewing deck offered us visitors simply stunning 360° views of George Town, both Penang Bridges, as well as mainland Penang on a clear day. It is a major difference to my first trip up Bukit Bendera in 2012. Now, covered, raised walkways lushly planted, affords visitors views over the tree tops.
Of course, there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of these fine-featured activities:
1) Owl Museum--It is simply that--a air-conditioned building containing all things strigine, or of the wise owl. I got to experience this wonderment of this place for the first time in 2014. You can also feel free to dress up like the young wizard Harry Potter, as they have capes, glasses and the magic wand.
2) Monkeycup Garden--This hilltop attraction lies,not near the hilltop station, but a 1.5 km walk down a paved road. Still at the hilltop, this road passes by some quaint old cottages reminiscent of the British country cottages. You also pass Penang's first post office box, put there in 1818.
Once you reach the Monkeycup Garden itself, the RM10 entry fee gets you in to marvel at the namesake plant. The monkeycup is so-named due to it's cuplike shape that can hold in rainwater. Later, monkeys, and other animals, come and drink out of them. You also get to gaze upon other prominent carnivorous plants. I believe most of you know the famous Venus' flytrap? That is found there. All-in-all, they have a sizeable collection of these plants; some come from Malaysia and Indonesia. also, plants from Central and South America can be had, as well. Oh, did I forget to mention that they have live specimens of some of your fave creepy-crawlies? You can hold a good-size centipede, and a SCORPION? Feel brave enough?
**Be sure to bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as there can be a lot of mosquitoes if you sojourn there in the late afternoon**
3) The new observation deck pictured above. This will afford some of the best nearly 360-degree views of the state of Penang. You can see the whole eastern half of the turtle, as well as far into the mainland. Your view will encompass from Tanjung Bungah in the north to Batu Maung to the south; a nearly-180° panoramic view of the Pearl of the Orient.
4) David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace, Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, Penang
This establishment greets every visitor to the summit. Tucked away amidst lush greenery, diners can enjoy the spectacular hilltop view while dining alfresco. Imagine enjoying a delicious beef wellington or a spicy aglio oliodinner amidst the beautiful garden resplendent with lilies and an elegant pond. In the evening, this garden takes on a magical hue as it will become illuminated by dim yellow lighting. You could almost imagine fairies to come out and flutter amongst your table.
The Sky Bar is a recent addition to David Brown's. This raised cantilever deck houses a beautiful wooden covered patio and is the perfect place for enjoying live music under the stars and the twinkling lights of Pulau Pinang just beyond the verdant slopes of the Hill.
You can reach them at +604 828 8337 or 018 409 6277. You can also email at: st.penanghill@gmail.com
You can also view their complete menu at their site as well.
When the sweet siren song of Pulau Pinang comes a-callin', please make it a point to visit this natural wonder. I guarantee that you will not regret it
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