Life in Penang exists in a veritable rainbow of culture that churns with a succession of exciting festivals celebrated in a manner not seen anywhere else in the world except in Penang , Malaysia.
This blending of traditions is believed to have developed after the 'the island of the betel nuts' , once governed by the Kedah Sultanate , was opened to the world by the British East India Company in 1786. As the island became a busy center for entrepot trade, it welcomed a diaspora of migrants form many countries. Despite the inter-cultural fusion that has evolved over the years, the individual identities of the ethnic groups have been retained and enchanced through their religious festivals and celebrations.
Events like Deepavali (1) , Hari Raya Aidilfitri (2) , Chinese New Year (3) , Chap Goh Meh (4) , Vaisakhi (5) , Wesak Day (6) and Christmas (6) are but a few of the major events celebrated throughout the year. Penang's festive calendar also includes festivals like the Hungry Ghosts Festival (7) , Thaipusm (8) , Songkran (9), St. Anne's Feast Day (10)
, the Nine Emperor Gods' Festival (11) and Easter (12) while the Lion Dance is an inergral part of all Chinese celebrations.
Some events like the Dragon Boat Festival(13), have become international affairs that draw participants from across the world every year . You can also experience a wholde gamut of arts events from plays to theatre or concert performances , exhibitions and competitions during Pesta Pulau Pinang.
A true melting pot of Asia's great cultures , Penang is a pulsing destination alive with the spirit of human cultures kept alive and active for you to experience.
Deepavali(1)
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (2)
Chinese New Year (3)
Chap Goh Meh(5)
Vaisakhi(6)
Wesak Day (6)
Christmas(7)
Hungry Ghost Festivals(8)
Thaipusm(9)
St. Anne's Feast (11)
The nine Emperor God's feast (12)
World of Turtle - Pantai Kerachut Teluk Bahang
Registration Office in Teluk Bahang. No problems with Affendi!
Info
Length: 3 km 1½ hours
Recreational grading: 2-3
Condition: little disturbance
Use: moderate to regular on weekends.
Status: National Park
Looking at the little turtles with Affendi (Affendi - at the right). Photo: Lenie Maaskant
Taman Negara Pulau Penang in the north-west of the island, being the only national park in Penang, is also the smallest national park in Malaysia. Pantai Kerachut is one of the beaches with a turtle hatchery.
There is a Registration Office when you get in, that takes visitors names, and also gives advice on the park. You can see a picture of the Registration Office above.
There was two main trails, one leads to Muka Head, where the northwest light house is located. The Monkey Beach is also located here and this place is very popular with Japanese Tourist.
The second trek leads to Pantai Kerachut, where Pantai Acheh is located and a turtle sanctuary. This beach is less known to the foreigners and solely visited by the locals.
There is more than one way to reach Pantai Kerachut. This trail is the shortest route. The entry point is near the fishing boats. Here is a Registration Office. You have to register before entering the National Park.
Follow the track along the coast until you cross a suspension bridge. There is a signboard showing the trails to the different beaches. Take the path on the left which leads away from the coast.
About 20 metres away from the signboard there is a steep flight of steps going uphill. Climb the steps. After about 20 minutes you will reach a junction. Continue straight ahead. You will cross a stream and pass a track which leads down towards Sungai Tukun. A minute or so later you will be standing at the highest point on this trail. Look out for the rengas tree. If it is raining, do not stand under it. The black poisonous sap will rot your skin. There are many paths leading away from this junction. Take the one that goes directly downhill.
If you are observant, you will notice many trees with name tags along the way. You could find the famous eurycoma longifolia. This tree is locally known as tongkat Ali, and is reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities. The last part of the trail makes a steep descent into the Pantai Kerachut valley. Pantai Kerachut is just ahead. You have to wade across a stream to reach the beach.
One of the special attractions of Pantai Kerachut is the meromictic lake, visible for only six months of the year. The lake has two layers of water of different temperatures. The bottom layer of sea water is normally warmer than the surface fresh water. The beach is a popular campsite.
There is a turtle hatchery at the far end of the beach. Take care not to disturb the turtle nesting grounds. If you must camp, do not light a fire. Pitch your tent away from the beach. Let's save the turtles.
Meromictic Lake
Dorsett Hotel Penang
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Ideally situated in the heart of Georgetown with panoramic views of the city and the ocean. Conveniently located within the commercial district, this hotel is adjacent to the shopping complex, Penang Plaza. The ferry terminal that connects Penang Island with the mainland is just 5 minutes drive from the hotel. In addition, historic pre-war buildings that is part of Penangs rich heritage encase the hotel allowing guests a glimpse of an era of what Penang once was. Dorsett Penang Hotel redefines the city hotel. The hotel combines chic style with comprehensive facilities, offering the traveler a broad range of leisure and business amenities, luxurious accommodation and most importantly, convenient access to Penang’s prime business district.
Uniquely set in the historical enclave of Georgetown, the Dorsett Penang Hotel is ideally situated for discovering Penang's many secrets. Here you're free to enjoy the excitement and delights of the city, without having to travel far. From our 276 tastefully decorated and well appointed guest rooms and suites to interesting dining, entertainment venues and multi-purpose meeting facilities. Our hotel offers the finest accommodations. High Speed Internet Broadband Access is also available in all of our guest rooms, meeting rooms and outlets. 
Location:3 Jalan Larut,
Penang, 10050,
Malaysia.
Telephone : 04-2267888
Fax : 04-2266615
Email : info@dorsettpenang.com.my
Pormotion:
Promotion Rate
Deluxe Room @
RM 240.00 nett
Inclusive of:
· Buffet breakfast for two persons
· Complimentary usage of Clark Hatch Fitness Centre
· Complimentary parking facility
·
Regardless of leisure or business, we are now inviting all of you to stay and experience the comfort and rejuvenated service of Dorsett Penang Hotel. Situated in the heart of
Book with us now as this promotion only lasts till December 2008. For further information, please call us at 604-2267888 or e-mail us at reservation@dorsettpenang.com.my. You can also fax to us at 604-2263140.
http://www.penang-hotels.com/
Ban Chean Kueh
Ban Chean Kueh is a type of Hokkien Pancake .It is made from flour and eggs batter, dusted with sugar (some hawkers have brown sugar as well) & ground peanuts. A spoonful of majarine and sweet corns are added to make it tastier. You can also make your own choice to add sausage , cheese etc.
The Ban Chean Kueh full fill with corns , ground peanuts and some sugar .
The skill to eat it
Huh ? Eating Ban Chean Kueh also need skill ?
Totally i'm not kidding with you , if just eat the Ban Chean Kueh without skill , it wouldn't be tasty.
Skill
The Ban Chean Kueh taste good only when it's hot , hot , hot from the pan . Don't let it cool down cause the outer layer of Ban Chean Kueh will be rubbery and the fillings will not be as nice anymore . The edge will
not be crispy.
Price
Normally , a piece of Ban Chean Kueh just with sugar will cost you Rm0.50-Rm1.00.
It's not really expensive but you must try it because it's really Delicious HO CHIAK !!!!!!
Penang has many hotels. The two top hotels are: Rasa Sayang (Batu Ferringhi). Underneath I did put some addresses, which are linked to the hotels. Your stay on Penang can be from R 50 toi RM 500. The hotels in George Town are mostly cheaper, although there are expensive hotel in town (Shangri-la; Evergreen; Sheraton; Eastern & Oriental a.o).
The most expensive hotels are outside the city. When take the bus or a cab and you leave busy city of George Town behind you, you pass the town of Tanjong Bungah. There's the Copthorne Orchid Hotel (the former: Novotel) situated. This hotel is often mentioned in travel brochures. Realize, when you book this hotel, that it's not situated at the most beautiful beach (Batu Ferringhi).
Just like the Crown Prince and Paradise Sandy Bay (also Tanjong Bungah) it's not in the most beautiful part and tourist site of the island. But in the summer holidays of me (July) they have great offers for me (room rate RM 100)
When you have left Tanjong Bungah, you come to the Ferringhi Hotel. That's already Batu Ferringhi, but it lays deserted outside the town. When you go to the beach you have to cross the street. Also they have great offers (room frate RM 100)in July and August. There are also some building activity's around the hotel. For a pleasant evening you have to go to Batu Ferringhi or George Town.
After some curves, you'll reach the long and most beautiful beach of the island: Batu Ferringhi This is a sandy beach with waving palms and casuarinas. They grow to beach. Here are the most hotels of the travel brochures: Rasa Sayang, Golden Sands, Lone Pine hotel, Holiday Inn, Pan Pacific, Casuarini Hotel, Bayview Beach.. Here you have many sporting activities to choose from, such as parasailing, jet skiing, wind surfing and water skiing. Dining is a delight with nearby restaurants offering a variety of seafood, local, Continental and Asian dishes. The roadside is also lined with numerous stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, fake t-shirts and fake watches..
The Rasa Sayang en Golden Sands are from the same hotel company: Shangri La. This means that you can use each other facilities. These hotels have an activity program for their guests: cooking class, napkin folding, jungle trekking, wet market visiting in George Town, hotel tours, kampong visit, tennis lessons and many more..
Rasa Sayang
Golden Sands
Both hotels have free bus shuttles to George Town. The Rasa Sayang has an old part (Old Wing) and a new part (Garden Wing). The prices and rooms are different. In "the Old Wing" there are some rooms with hill view. These are not so expensive. The hotel has two pools. At Garden Wing is the most beautiful pool: with a slide, tree hut en poolbar).
The Golden Sands also has rooms with hill view. Try to avoid this rooms, because under you is a mosque and severals times a day they're calling their worshippers to pray. Starting early in the morning and they have a good audio system. Sea view rooms are ok.
The difference between these hotels is: the Rasa is more expensive, has a little bit more class, is a little bit more quiet and has a little bit more comfort. Golden Sands is also a family Hotel.
Lone Pine hotel is the 3-star hotel of the beach. It was the first hotel in Batu Ferringhi. It's very quiet and has a lot of pine trees around. It has been renovated shortly and has a very good restaurant at the beach: the Bungalow. It the evening it lovely to dine here. There's a new swimming pool. The hotel looks a family hotel.
Each room has an TV with satellite programmes, airconditioning, IDD telephone, mini-bar, coffee/tea-making facilities, hairdryer and a large in-room safe.
Lone Pine; seen from the beach
Holiday Inn has actually two hotels. One at the beach (Beach Wing) and across the street (Garden Tower/Wing). They are connected by an overhead bridge. The one at the beach is the oldest, but is also newly refurbished. The highest is the latest and has a wonderful view. The post office, restaurants and shop are nearby. All rooms have: radio, air conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, colour TV, mini bar, king or twin beds. Guests are mostly coming from the Middle East.
Holiday Inn (Beach Wing)
Park Royal is one of the latest hotels in Batu Ferringhi. It has a beautiful pool with a slide for the children. It has an open lobby that seems to stretch out to sea. There are several shops in the hotel and it lays in the hart of Batu Ferringhi.
All rooms have: radio, air conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, colour TV and in house movies, iron and ironing board, toiletries and hair dryer in bathroom, advanced safety and security system, mini bar.
In the neighborhood are some Malaysian shops like, photo shop, mini supermarket, tailor and hairdresser. Opposite the Park Royal is the police station.
Park Royal
After the little village of Batu Ferringhi comes the Casuarina hotel. It looks like an old hotel, but it isn't. It right at the beach of Batu Ferringhi. It lays between swaying casuarina trees. The night-market starts at at the Rasa Sayang and ends at the Park Royal. Do you want to to visit this market (who don't?), you'll have to walk 1 kilometer.
All rooms have: air conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, satellite colour TV, mini bar.
Pool of thet Casuarina-hotel
After the Casuarini hotel comes the last hotel on the beach the Bayview Hotel. This hotel is the latest and is situated at the end of Batu Ferringhi, where the winding road to Teluk Bahang starts. The resort overlooks the tranquil & historic bay of the 'Foreigner's Rock' or Batu Ferringhi.
Cold drinks on sunny days are just a step away at the Pool Bar and the Senja Bar right at the beachfront, the Swing Pub offers high times after dark and also the more serene Lobby Lounge.
La Veranda, a 24-hour coffee house offers a range of Malaysian favorites as well as western dishes, while the Marco Polo Chinese Restaurant features Cantonese specialties. The Mistral fine dining restaurant offers an exciting and adventurous Euro-Oriental fusion in addition to tasty steaks and juicy seafood.
All rooms have their own balconies, individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, radio, TV with in-house and satellite, minibar, coffee/tea making facilities and bathrooms with hairdryers.
Bayview
Now there's a much easier way to visit all the beautiful sights in and around the centre of Penang. Thanks to the State Government, tourists and locals are enjoying now the free shuttle service in George Town. This free service helps you save time and money touring Gorge Town heritage and commercial attractions.This bus service is provided free-of charge.
The service runs at regular 12-minute intervals from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Mondays to Fridays and 7:00am to 2:00pm on Saturdays.
There is no service on Sundays and public holidays.
The bus shuttle passes through the major roads in George Town. It starts at the Jetty (to Butterworth), Weld Quay and passes by the Komtar, Penang Road before returning to its starting point.
The entire journey takes approximately 45 minutes. A bus is scheduled to arrive every 12 minutes at all bus stops (20) located on this route.
The free shuttle bus goes in a circular direction. So you can hop on and off, you do not need to book a tour of George Town because it's small enough to get around, just get the places-to-see list from the tourist board office near the Clock Tower. 
You can recognize the bus stops at those round red signs and on that sign is written: "Stesen" and "Bas Shuttle". Sight Seeing George Town:
Fort Cornwallis 
Fort Cornwallis is situated at the spot where Captain Francis Light was supposed to have landed in 1786. Originally a wooden structure, the fort was rebuilt between 1808 and 1810 with convict labour. It was named after Charles Marquis Cornwallis, a distinguished Governor General of India, and designed to protect the harbour from possible French attacks. Khoo Kongsi temple
This clan temple for Chinese with the same surname, is one of country's oldest and grandest clan temple. The intricately decorated roof, pillars and walls are fine examples of traditional Chinese architecture and craftsmanship.
(see the special site about the Khoo Kongsi temple) Kapitan Keling Mosque
It was built in 1801. It was founded by Cauder Mydin Merican or Kapitan Kling. He was the headman of the Muslim community during that era. It's present form is the result of a second renovation undertaken in the 1930's. It's a grand Indian-Muslim mosue, which boasts of Moorish architecture.
(see the special site about this mosque) Goddess of Mercy Temple
It was founded in 1801 on East India Company land by Chinese immigrant settlers, the temple looms over visitors with its prominent red roof, snarling dragons and lions. It bristles with endless activity all year round and the air is perpetually permeated with sandalwood incense, burnt joss sticks and smog from nearby traffic. On the Goddess of Mercy's feast days--the second, sixth and ninth lunar month, there are puppet shows and authentic Chinese operas and if you are lucky, you just might be able to catch the majestic dragon dance.
Little India
This area is widely and fondly known as Little India due to the focus of Indian shops. Most of the Indian community here are Southern Indians who open shops, stores and eating places selling saris, garlands, trinkets, sculptures and all things Indian, even music.Sri Mahariamman Temple
At Lebuh Queen is the Mahariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in town. Built in 1833, it boasts of a splendidly sculptured gate at its entrance, which still welcomes the Hindu community who turn up in full force to celebrate the enlightenment days of their deities.
Weld Quay
Weld Quay is at the waterfront. At the waterfront is the Chew Jetty. This is a clan jetty, a village built on stilts over the sea and populated by members of the same clan. . There are at least 6 clan jetties along Weld Quay, the Chew Jetty, Yeoh Jetty, Lim Jetty, Lee Jetty, Tan Jetty and Ong Jetty.
Other interesting sights in George Town:
- Clock Tower
- City Hall
- Town Hall
- Court Buildings
- State Museum
- Yap Kongsi Tempel
- Dr Sun Yat Sen's base on Penang nr. 120 Armenian Street (1909 - 1911)
- Mosque: Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh
- Penang Museum
- Cathedral of the Assumption
- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
- Residence of Ku Din Ku Meh
- Nagore Shrine
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