A pretty awesome day. Penang rocks.
Woke up early to hitch a ride from Father as he was going Penang for some stuff to do. A ship transported Father’s and many other cars from Butterworth to Penang. Looked pretty cool. Thought he was gonna drive through the Penang bridge at first.
Landed at Penang and was dropped at Penang Museum. However, it was still early and the museum had not open yet. Took a walk around Penang.
Penang is seriously awesome. Almost everywhere I go I can see the distinctive features of Penang. All sorts of buildings with unique designs are spotted all over George Town. Everywhere were busy with people but the hustle bustle is different from places like KL. All sorts of people you can see walking around the streets. Indians aren’t really a small community here and Penang people aren’t just limited to Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Backpackers/foreigners/tourists are everywhere too as if they are part of the local community.
I had breakfast after visiting the museum and the food was awesome as rumoured. The museum was typically full with facts and histories.
Asked around for a possible accommodation for people like me and was led to a bakery in the end. I thought communication would be a problem with language barrier but it looks like I was misled all along. Guess sometimes we need to see/experience things by ourselves to really know the real situation. At least, language is no problem in George Town.
People at bakery are awesome and the owner is an interesting person. Got a place to stay for days and followed the uncle and aunty around without any apparent objective.
Back to Penang from mainland and settled down. Took an evening stroll around in conjunction with watching sunset. Enjoyed enough and went back to bakery. Hanged around and waited till the store closes. Went eat and felt like I was conned. Gonna go sleep now. Really tired.
Showing posts with label Week 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 3. Show all posts
Day 20
After a day of horror, the journey continues. Really tired at the moment, so will make today’s ‘report’ simple.
Rained heavily in the morning and kampung houses was leaking. Rain stopped. Got a ride to Tunjang. Took a bus from there to Jitra.
At Jitra, looked for the lake nearby Darul Aman golf club as recommended by locals the day before. Found the place and it was worth visiting. Able to reach Darul Aman park quicker with a free ride. Walked all the way back where I came from and looked for a place for lunch. Food here is really cheap.
Took a bus to Alor Star and changed bus to Kuala Kedah. Visited the town – a very prominent fisherman village. Sea was awesome accompanied by the breeze. Town was fine too. Crossed the Tok Pasai bridge at Kedah river to go Kota Kuala Kedah. Once again, walking is so much better than driving as the view at the bridge was amazing.
On the way to Kota Kuala Kedah, saw a kid playing around near a river and threw whatever he found on the floor in the river. Reached Kota Kuala Kedah and the fort looks good. Simply visit around as usual. Walked to the edge of the fort and found a spot in which many people were fishing. I took the opportunity to enjoy the environment too. There was some pretty good looking building nearby that I thought was the fort initially. Anyway, doubt it’s a public place.
Walked all the way back to where I came from again and took a bus back to Alor Star. Took another bus at Alor Star to the bus terminal, Shahab Perdana, as I was dropped at Pekan Rabu only from Kuala Kedah.
Wanted to go Kulim but the last bus has left. Changed route again to visit Butterworth first. Will go back to Kulim some other time.
Reached Butterworth and as usual, feeling lost, confused, and a little uncomfortable as it’s a new place and environment. Pretty much like KL city, so I better be alert. Spending the night at St. Mark’s church.
Rained heavily in the morning and kampung houses was leaking. Rain stopped. Got a ride to Tunjang. Took a bus from there to Jitra.
At Jitra, looked for the lake nearby Darul Aman golf club as recommended by locals the day before. Found the place and it was worth visiting. Able to reach Darul Aman park quicker with a free ride. Walked all the way back where I came from and looked for a place for lunch. Food here is really cheap.
Took a bus to Alor Star and changed bus to Kuala Kedah. Visited the town – a very prominent fisherman village. Sea was awesome accompanied by the breeze. Town was fine too. Crossed the Tok Pasai bridge at Kedah river to go Kota Kuala Kedah. Once again, walking is so much better than driving as the view at the bridge was amazing.
On the way to Kota Kuala Kedah, saw a kid playing around near a river and threw whatever he found on the floor in the river. Reached Kota Kuala Kedah and the fort looks good. Simply visit around as usual. Walked to the edge of the fort and found a spot in which many people were fishing. I took the opportunity to enjoy the environment too. There was some pretty good looking building nearby that I thought was the fort initially. Anyway, doubt it’s a public place.
Walked all the way back to where I came from again and took a bus back to Alor Star. Took another bus at Alor Star to the bus terminal, Shahab Perdana, as I was dropped at Pekan Rabu only from Kuala Kedah.
Wanted to go Kulim but the last bus has left. Changed route again to visit Butterworth first. Will go back to Kulim some other time.
Reached Butterworth and as usual, feeling lost, confused, and a little uncomfortable as it’s a new place and environment. Pretty much like KL city, so I better be alert. Spending the night at St. Mark’s church.
Day 19
I must be a real idiot. To have done the same thing in two days – what a way to celebrate new year.
Started the day by travelling to Padang Besar on bus to get myself a new pair of shoes at the bazaar. My scout shoes won’t last long at this rate and I bid them farewell at Kangar. *Thank you for your services up to now*
Travelled back to Kangar on bus and then took another bus to Arau nearby. Wanted to visit those ‘Diraja’ places but was stopped and told that it’s not a public place in which people can just enter and exit. There are procedures to follow. Guess those famous places are really ‘royal’ and not grand in just the names.
Nevertheless, the outside of those royal places are good enough to look at. The state mosque was good too. Arau is pretty much a city of Perlis despite Kangar being the capital. Environment is pretty similar to Subang Jaya, only with more royal places and administration centres.
Walked from Arau to Kodiang and on the way to Padang Sera, saw signboards stating “Gua Kerbau”. This is the benefit of walking to places: you get to visit ‘mini’ attractions that people would have miss if they were driving. These places are usually not stated in tourism maps but worth visiting.
Was directed to a Kampung in which Gua Kerbau and Gua Batu Putih are located. Chatted with the locals for awhile before climbing the hill. Didn’t want to explore the cave as it was pretty late in the evening already.
Well, about the climbing experience…. it was pretty much getting lost around after reaching the peak. It was at night when I got lost. Reached a point where the locals I chatted with got worried and contacted Police and RELA team to look for me. They saw my flashlight and shine theirs at me and I responded by flashing mine back at them. That’s how they found me and I was safe again.
Too lazy to write the rest of the story. Basically, I created history at Gua Kerbau and Batu Putih and now am ‘tumpang-ing’ at one of the people who helped me earlier’s house at Kampung Gelung Rambai.
Started the day by travelling to Padang Besar on bus to get myself a new pair of shoes at the bazaar. My scout shoes won’t last long at this rate and I bid them farewell at Kangar. *Thank you for your services up to now*
Travelled back to Kangar on bus and then took another bus to Arau nearby. Wanted to visit those ‘Diraja’ places but was stopped and told that it’s not a public place in which people can just enter and exit. There are procedures to follow. Guess those famous places are really ‘royal’ and not grand in just the names.
Nevertheless, the outside of those royal places are good enough to look at. The state mosque was good too. Arau is pretty much a city of Perlis despite Kangar being the capital. Environment is pretty similar to Subang Jaya, only with more royal places and administration centres.
Walked from Arau to Kodiang and on the way to Padang Sera, saw signboards stating “Gua Kerbau”. This is the benefit of walking to places: you get to visit ‘mini’ attractions that people would have miss if they were driving. These places are usually not stated in tourism maps but worth visiting.
Was directed to a Kampung in which Gua Kerbau and Gua Batu Putih are located. Chatted with the locals for awhile before climbing the hill. Didn’t want to explore the cave as it was pretty late in the evening already.
Well, about the climbing experience…. it was pretty much getting lost around after reaching the peak. It was at night when I got lost. Reached a point where the locals I chatted with got worried and contacted Police and RELA team to look for me. They saw my flashlight and shine theirs at me and I responded by flashing mine back at them. That’s how they found me and I was safe again.
Too lazy to write the rest of the story. Basically, I created history at Gua Kerbau and Batu Putih and now am ‘tumpang-ing’ at one of the people who helped me earlier’s house at Kampung Gelung Rambai.
Day 18
A crazy way to begin the first day of 2011. I actually kept praying for so long and reminded myself of my promise over and over again. Let me slowly explain what happened.
Firstly, took a bus from Kangar to Kaki Bukit to visit Gua Kelam – one of Perlis’s main attraction. Gua Kelam was damaged by the ‘banjir’ recently so nobody is allowed to go in the cave for exploring. Walked around to take a look outside of Gua Kelam – recreational park, river, campsite, etc. Saw a staircase leading uphill with a signboard saying: “Lookout point”. This is where the horror begins…
Climbed the stairs and reached a split road. One leading higher uphill, another downwards. Eventually, walked the path leading up as I was going for the lookout point. Reached a point where everything turns into rock climbing. Climbed nevertheless. Finally, when I almost reach the peak, the terrain was too difficult. It was 90° uphill similar to those rock climbing centre ones. The difference was that there is no mattress below and abseiling/rappelling ropes and gears on me. Took a few steps up and decided to turn back as it was too risky. That’s when I made a BIG mistake.
On the way down, purposely took a different trail to ‘try new things’. Walked and walked and walked….. realized that something is not right. Before I knew it, I was lost. Lost uphill for almost 2 hours before finding the correct trail downwards. Experience was horrible. To make things worst, it wasn’t a ‘bukit’, but a ‘banjaran’. Nevertheless, I’m safe and sound now. Although with an injured left wrist and many scratches. Record (failed attempt):
Gua Kelam (Banjaran Nakawan) – Start: 1010, End: 1240, Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
The first time I actually turn back without reaching the peak. Not forgetting, Gua Kelam is a great place with serene environment (that is, before everyone comes in the afternoon).
Ate at Kaki Bukit and met 2 uncles from Ipoh which eventually gave me a ride to Padang Besar. Checked out the bazaar and went back to Kangar after waited for the bus for 2 hours or more.
No more shorts and pouch bag soon. Shoes spoiling.
Firstly, took a bus from Kangar to Kaki Bukit to visit Gua Kelam – one of Perlis’s main attraction. Gua Kelam was damaged by the ‘banjir’ recently so nobody is allowed to go in the cave for exploring. Walked around to take a look outside of Gua Kelam – recreational park, river, campsite, etc. Saw a staircase leading uphill with a signboard saying: “Lookout point”. This is where the horror begins…
Climbed the stairs and reached a split road. One leading higher uphill, another downwards. Eventually, walked the path leading up as I was going for the lookout point. Reached a point where everything turns into rock climbing. Climbed nevertheless. Finally, when I almost reach the peak, the terrain was too difficult. It was 90° uphill similar to those rock climbing centre ones. The difference was that there is no mattress below and abseiling/rappelling ropes and gears on me. Took a few steps up and decided to turn back as it was too risky. That’s when I made a BIG mistake.
On the way down, purposely took a different trail to ‘try new things’. Walked and walked and walked….. realized that something is not right. Before I knew it, I was lost. Lost uphill for almost 2 hours before finding the correct trail downwards. Experience was horrible. To make things worst, it wasn’t a ‘bukit’, but a ‘banjaran’. Nevertheless, I’m safe and sound now. Although with an injured left wrist and many scratches. Record (failed attempt):
Gua Kelam (Banjaran Nakawan) – Start: 1010, End: 1240, Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
The first time I actually turn back without reaching the peak. Not forgetting, Gua Kelam is a great place with serene environment (that is, before everyone comes in the afternoon).
Ate at Kaki Bukit and met 2 uncles from Ipoh which eventually gave me a ride to Padang Besar. Checked out the bazaar and went back to Kangar after waited for the bus for 2 hours or more.
No more shorts and pouch bag soon. Shoes spoiling.
Day 17
A new year, a new beginning. Nevertheless, my journal needs to continue.
Perlis’s sceneries just never ceased to amaze me. Time and again I was ‘wow-ed’ by the fantastic, marvelous, or whatever word it is to describe the beauty.
Started the day by travelling to Beseri. On foot, again. Was surrounded by paddy fields, hills, plants, animals, etc at a certain point. It was certainly an amazing view. Nature is so wonderful haha.
Somehow reached Tasik Melati before Beseri. Explored the place and once again, another beauty in Perlis. Have to give credit to whoever that designed the recreational park as well.
Changed the order of my route and headed to Bukit Keteri. People can really be different despite being from a town slightly further away only. Simply passed Bukit Keteri as it obviously doesn’t seem ‘climb-able’ without equipments.
Headed over to Bukit Jernih and didn’t climb it either cause apparently, it’s dangerous during raining season. Plus, the locals said it’s difficult and the trail can take at least one whole day to climb. Simply crazy. Talking bout climbing, a flashback at Bukit Ayer:
Bukit Ayer – Start: 1500, Reached: 1535 (considered a peak I suppose), End: 1615, Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Wanted to explore the cave at Bukit Jernih. Reached the cave entrance and found out a river ‘lives’ there. Didn’t want to dirty and wet myself like that so I turned back. Completely forgot the real caving has water to a pretty high level.
Finally headed to Beseri and then Tasik (Empangan) Timah Tasoh. View was fabulous. Surrounded by hills and all. Too lazy to describe them already.
Walked a long stretch of road non-stop to go back Kangar and my feet are hurting now. Literally ‘screwed’.
Need a new pair of shoes. My shoes are currently ‘screwed’ too. Money is really an issue. Hopefully I can survive.
Perlis’s sceneries just never ceased to amaze me. Time and again I was ‘wow-ed’ by the fantastic, marvelous, or whatever word it is to describe the beauty.
Started the day by travelling to Beseri. On foot, again. Was surrounded by paddy fields, hills, plants, animals, etc at a certain point. It was certainly an amazing view. Nature is so wonderful haha.
Somehow reached Tasik Melati before Beseri. Explored the place and once again, another beauty in Perlis. Have to give credit to whoever that designed the recreational park as well.
Changed the order of my route and headed to Bukit Keteri. People can really be different despite being from a town slightly further away only. Simply passed Bukit Keteri as it obviously doesn’t seem ‘climb-able’ without equipments.
Headed over to Bukit Jernih and didn’t climb it either cause apparently, it’s dangerous during raining season. Plus, the locals said it’s difficult and the trail can take at least one whole day to climb. Simply crazy. Talking bout climbing, a flashback at Bukit Ayer:
Bukit Ayer – Start: 1500, Reached: 1535 (considered a peak I suppose), End: 1615, Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Wanted to explore the cave at Bukit Jernih. Reached the cave entrance and found out a river ‘lives’ there. Didn’t want to dirty and wet myself like that so I turned back. Completely forgot the real caving has water to a pretty high level.
Finally headed to Beseri and then Tasik (Empangan) Timah Tasoh. View was fabulous. Surrounded by hills and all. Too lazy to describe them already.
Walked a long stretch of road non-stop to go back Kangar and my feet are hurting now. Literally ‘screwed’.
Need a new pair of shoes. My shoes are currently ‘screwed’ too. Money is really an issue. Hopefully I can survive.
Day 16
Another new day. Need to get more sleep to maintain my physical fitness.
Walked around Kangar in the morning to check out some place that I might have missed. Found Pengkalan Asam Recreational Park. Saw crocodiles again. The jogging trail extends so far that I’m too lazy to check it out.
Walked around again and found Sungai Kechor Recreational Park. Checked out the place and took a few more rounds in Kangar before heading to Sungai Batu Pahat.
On the way, enjoyed the view again. Perlis is full with hills everywhere that it actually forms a border or boundary kinda thing. Rained on and off periodically but not as bad as Subang Jaya’s thunderstorm.
Arrived at Snake & Reptile Farm but didn’t go in as a fee is required. I’d rather use the money on one meal haha. Guess lack of money made me stingy despite the farm charging so little as entry fee.
Visited many places: Putra Golf Club, Bird’s Park, Sungai Batu Pahat Recreational Park. Didn’t visit Herbal Farm for the same reason as Snake & Reptile Farm. Missed many places for some reason although there’s only one road with all these tourist attraction places. Example of places I missed: Harumanis Farm, Grape Farm. Some places were closed or too new that is hasn’t start operating yet.
Somehow there’s rabbit in Bird’s Park. And I took a ‘titi’ road in Bird’s Park which is apparently 830m leading me to some place I do not know. It seems that I just came out slightly further up the single road towards Bukit Ayer.
Frankly speaking, there were so many interesting places along a single road that I missed quite a number based on various reasons.
To make things short, I shall skip to Bukit Ayer Forest Reserve – the main attraction at the end of the long road. Ate 3 ‘kebabs’ as my first meal of the day. Climbed the hill but I wouldn’t say I conquered it as there is no yardstick like other places. In short, it was muddy, wet, raining, and difficult. At the end of the day, 5 leeches.
Walked around Kangar in the morning to check out some place that I might have missed. Found Pengkalan Asam Recreational Park. Saw crocodiles again. The jogging trail extends so far that I’m too lazy to check it out.
Walked around again and found Sungai Kechor Recreational Park. Checked out the place and took a few more rounds in Kangar before heading to Sungai Batu Pahat.
On the way, enjoyed the view again. Perlis is full with hills everywhere that it actually forms a border or boundary kinda thing. Rained on and off periodically but not as bad as Subang Jaya’s thunderstorm.
Arrived at Snake & Reptile Farm but didn’t go in as a fee is required. I’d rather use the money on one meal haha. Guess lack of money made me stingy despite the farm charging so little as entry fee.
Visited many places: Putra Golf Club, Bird’s Park, Sungai Batu Pahat Recreational Park. Didn’t visit Herbal Farm for the same reason as Snake & Reptile Farm. Missed many places for some reason although there’s only one road with all these tourist attraction places. Example of places I missed: Harumanis Farm, Grape Farm. Some places were closed or too new that is hasn’t start operating yet.
Somehow there’s rabbit in Bird’s Park. And I took a ‘titi’ road in Bird’s Park which is apparently 830m leading me to some place I do not know. It seems that I just came out slightly further up the single road towards Bukit Ayer.
Frankly speaking, there were so many interesting places along a single road that I missed quite a number based on various reasons.
To make things short, I shall skip to Bukit Ayer Forest Reserve – the main attraction at the end of the long road. Ate 3 ‘kebabs’ as my first meal of the day. Climbed the hill but I wouldn’t say I conquered it as there is no yardstick like other places. In short, it was muddy, wet, raining, and difficult. At the end of the day, 5 leeches.
Day 15
A fine day today. Starting to find Perlis a really nice state. The best place I went so far.
Woke up late again. Guess the tireness accumulated a week ago resulted in this. Settled some stuff before heading to Kuala Perlis. Random remark: Ate ‘lo mai kai’ for breakfast.
Journey to Kuala Perlis was great. The scenery of Kampung lifestyle just made Perlis a really great place. Enjoyed the tranquil surroundings.
Reached Kota Indera Kayangan, now known as Kayang Museum. Checked out all the galleries available in a rush as I’m not that interested into facts and history and wanna save time for other places. Just quickly browse through the items. Walked around the place to explore. Nicely built and designed place. Went in Gua Kayang and nothing much to be seen.
Headed to Kuala Perlis next. A really ‘fisherman style’ town. Reached the so called ‘Ocean Glow’ and the view wasn’t that great. Went at the wrong time of the year perhaps.
Passed by ferry terminal to Langkawi. Headed to Bukit Kubu next. Another random remark: Ate a ‘tau sa pau’ and ‘Roti Arab’ on the way. Reached the place and asked around for more info on the place. Climbed the hill and did a little exploring. Record:
Bukit Kubu – Start: 1455, Reached: 1505, End: 1520, Duration: 25 mins
A little comment on Bukit Kubu: I thought Bukit Lagi (a.k.a. Gua Cenderawasih; just found out) was easy. Apparently, this is easier. Explored many so called caves to no avail. Exploring results: 2 entrance/exit, 1 main peak, many trails that connect in circles.
Caving is really a new experience. More to come from Perlis.
Walked a long way back to Kangar and stuffs happened. Things are pretty good in the end anyway.
Woke up late again. Guess the tireness accumulated a week ago resulted in this. Settled some stuff before heading to Kuala Perlis. Random remark: Ate ‘lo mai kai’ for breakfast.
Journey to Kuala Perlis was great. The scenery of Kampung lifestyle just made Perlis a really great place. Enjoyed the tranquil surroundings.
Reached Kota Indera Kayangan, now known as Kayang Museum. Checked out all the galleries available in a rush as I’m not that interested into facts and history and wanna save time for other places. Just quickly browse through the items. Walked around the place to explore. Nicely built and designed place. Went in Gua Kayang and nothing much to be seen.
Headed to Kuala Perlis next. A really ‘fisherman style’ town. Reached the so called ‘Ocean Glow’ and the view wasn’t that great. Went at the wrong time of the year perhaps.
Passed by ferry terminal to Langkawi. Headed to Bukit Kubu next. Another random remark: Ate a ‘tau sa pau’ and ‘Roti Arab’ on the way. Reached the place and asked around for more info on the place. Climbed the hill and did a little exploring. Record:
Bukit Kubu – Start: 1455, Reached: 1505, End: 1520, Duration: 25 mins
A little comment on Bukit Kubu: I thought Bukit Lagi (a.k.a. Gua Cenderawasih; just found out) was easy. Apparently, this is easier. Explored many so called caves to no avail. Exploring results: 2 entrance/exit, 1 main peak, many trails that connect in circles.
Caving is really a new experience. More to come from Perlis.
Walked a long way back to Kangar and stuffs happened. Things are pretty good in the end anyway.
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