Long Time No See

Hey all! It has been awhile since my last entry, approximately 4 months. Gosh, it's really that long. 2011 came and gone and now it's 3 months past the start of 2012.

2012 didn't start well for me. My stomach problems kept resurfacing in the month of January that I was hospitalized thrice within a month period. After a biopsy, that suffering moment reduced dramatically. There's is some discomfort but I'm recovering well under proper routine medications.

Work always been a bitch. My hospitalization leave took up almost half a month of January. Poor colleagues of mine. But a bit of compliments and some sugary treats, all seems well. Though things are not getting any better but I'll still be staying due to the scholarship that I applied. Praying to get the admission which will be out in late May.

Time is very tight nowadays, so I made a new year resolution to properly organized my daily itinerary. That would surely help once I start school. I forecast my schedule to include work, school, studies, game, reading and workout. So friends, please tell me in advance should you want to plan some events. I would dearly loved to attend where possible.

Judging by SIN, I've been spending tremendously a lot. Seems like I'll be doing a monthly visit to H&M and be glued to the TV with the tons of games I've bought especially with my new impulse-purchase-by-work-stress PS3. To date, it's still MISB.

After getting the PS3 and a monthly H&M spree, I noticed that I don't really have much space in the room. Partly due to my roommate's stuff but I do find I have many unused items as well. My 14 years of collectibles and VCDs and DVDs were the culprit. It is a waste to just dumped them so I managed to pawned the BFC  approved VCDs and DVDs for some money. The "unauthorized" were simply dumped away. As for the collectibles, there are great value but not much. I gave some off to my nephew and put up another blog (and now I have 4) Rydikulez Collections as a catalog of collectibles I'm letting go. They are quite reasonably priced. So if you have interested friends, please direct them there.

2012 will definitely be a busy year once I start school. I'm not sure whether holidays would be possible. Then again even without school, I only managed 2 holidays to Penang and Taiwan in 2011. This year, I've made my way up to KL with Hakimbo, Bob and wife Norlin, a new tolerable travel companion. I've also done arrangements for a Birthday Trip to South Korea. Plans for Busan, Jeju and Seoul are completed, just waiting for the day to come. I hope I can still slot in a holiday before school starts or during school break. That would really help for a breather.

3 months past 2012 and all seems well. Let's hope and pray things turn out well for me and others. I finally managed a sideline for extra income through Rydikulez Collections. I'm even in the midst of extending the services to assist others in their "junk" once I get a good traffic.

Live Long and Prosper!!!

Taiwan: Day 4

After a long day of trekking, one should relax for the day. And after all itinerary has been covered, it's time to shop and once shopping is done, it's time to gorge down all the great food. That is what Day 4 is all about.

Waking up late was the plan but we ended up waking early. Another breakfast out of the hotel and we made our way toward Beitou which is known for the hot spring resorts. Beitou is about 45mins train ride from Ximending and is connected to another line to Xinbeitou. Eventhough it is just a stop away, the train has an interactive service which took the journey longer than other services. It was about a repetitive 10 mins ride.

Besides hot spring, other attraction would be its natural hot spring known as Hell's Valley. The hot spring is at 100 degrees Celsius so it's not permitted for entrance except the surrounding path. Gazed upon the steamy natural hot spring which trailed down a stream towards a cooler temperature where local will dip their feet into. The stream runs further towards the Beitou Library which is quite a stunning view

There is also a Hot Spring Museum which is a free admission but we did not enter due to no shoes permitted. Someone was wearing stylishly in boots which was a nuisance to remove.

Main intention for the visit to Beitou was the hot spring. I did not managed to experience a communal hot spring in Japan and upon hearing that Taiwan has one, I went to try there instead. There are a few hot spring resorts and an outdoor hot spring which is overrun by the elderly. I did my research and was excited to visit Asia Pacific Resort. I did not made any reservation as the reviews mentioned that walk-in public bath was effortless. I was disappointed when I reached the venue.

Facility as shown on the website

But arrived to this

Asia Pacific Resort has been demolished. I've just checked the website the day before but there wasn't any updates of it closure. There was a guard there and he directed us to a sub-company hot spring which was just across the street, Poetry Among The Trees. The resort has the same rates and facilities as Asia Pacific Resort. Thankfully I ended happy again.

Even though we had a communal bath, we were the only one present. So I did managed to snapped some photos. Check it out in the Beitou album.

So after a rejuvenating bath, we ventured out to our sins desire - SHOPPING. We went to Taipei City Hall again for a quick lunch at Agnes B cafe and then onwards to Eslite and ATT 4 Fun for bags and shoes, Dun Hua for another bag and Lomography stuffs, and to Ximending for some last grabs. We went back to the hotel rooms with tons of shopping bags. 

After all the shopping and expected that we'll be hungry, we set out to Shihlin again to fill our tummy's desire. We made ourselves famished to enjoy the street food available. 

Curried Fish balls

Famous Crispy Chicken

Spicy Shrimp Balls

Not sure but something like Kaya Balls

Massively huge Herbal tea to cool down the many spicy treats

I had a blast with all the food though I had a slight disappointment with the crispy chicken - it has bones unlike Singapore which does not. The taste is superb still, better than Singapore nonetheless. The chili powder of the chicken burnt my lips but thanks to the massive herbal tea, I managed to cool it off. I had multiple rounds of the fish balls and the shrimp was too darn good that I did not remember which street I got it from. I had the intention to try the smelly tofu but didn't managed to fulfill the crave. After all the foods, the smell of it nearly made me throw out all the good food. Hence there was no regret.

Day 5 was mostly lazing around before flight. So there won't be a Day 5 entry however I would like to add that I had the worst returning flight. Firstly, it was delayed due to a long taxi in Taoyuan and secondly, every seats are fixed to it's upright position. I can see the discomfort of all the passengers especially those who transit from Osaka. I was actually happy when we've landed in Singapore.

I had a great time in Taiwan. It could have been a great solo trip but to have someone is better especially during dining. I would really enjoy to dine with someone so that I can savor many foods and share it with them. I understand the Chinese conversations but I have a problem replying so thank you Hakimbo for being the translator. Given the chance to go Taiwan again, I would revisit Taroko Gorge for the trail with permit and to travel to the western and southern side of Taiwan.

Next up, it's a quick get-fat getaway to Kuala Lumpur in mid January and a Feb-Mar-Apr trip to Korea. Let's hope my Hanguk would be good by then.

Taiwan: Day 3

With the early retreat from a day of exploring Taipei City, we had to wake up early in the morning around 5am to prepare and catch the earliest train out of Taipei to Hualien County.

To get the a confirmed seating of the train with Taiwan Railway, booking has to be done 2 weeks before departure but that depends on your luck. Passengers can make reservation online but must collect the tickets within 3 days unless an online payment is made. If no payment and no collection are done, the reserved ticket will be put up for sale once more. I couldn't get the ticket exactly 2 weeks in advance but managed to get it 3 days after, knowing someone did not make payment nor collection. A return ticket to Hualien county cost around SGD45.

There are several trains en-route towards Hualien under the Tze-Chiang, an express non-stop service or Chu Kang services, a slower and a lower class service.

I've managed to book the Tze Chiang express service departing at 6.30am which was approximately a 3 hour ride. So much for an express service as it stops almost at every stop. Uniquely though, we were surprised that our seats were taken when we board the train. Upon checking, the passengers were students going to school several stops away. Their ticket was without seats so they will take every opportunity for an empty seats. No way I'm going to stand for the next 3 hours.

The journey is a scenic coastal route with plenty of open sea, mountain and valley views. The scenery is nature at it's greenest. No wonder Taiwan was known as Formosa,  a Portugal word for Beautiful Island. I was exhilarated to reach our destination

After a three hours of snapping scenic shots, we finally reach Hualien. It feels like a lonesome town from the long distance to the previous stop. The mountainous view from the station was stunning.

I've did an intensive research on Hualien or more notably Taroko Gorge. I read about moving around Taroko, by public bus, by bicycle, by tour coaches which are mostly in chinese, and by personal guides. I've read great reviews of some guides from Tripadvisors.com. I would settle for a female guide but initial solo plans may cause an awkward moment throughout the trip. So I made reservation with another notable guide who is great in English, Tonny Teng. His charter service cost around SGD 120 for 4 heads. No matter the headcount, you still pay him the amount. I almost paid that amount as a solo traveler but thanks to Hakimbo, he shared the cost. 

Tonny actually drives a taxi but made it into a charter service for Taroko Gorge. He also planned the best itinerary for the whole tour and it was quite organized. Upon reaching the entrance of the the gorge, we stopped for a scenic view and a photograph of the legendary gate.

The start of an awesome adventure

Next on the itinerary was the start of our first trail. From the entrance was about a 5 minutes drive through tunnels and cliffside roads.  Shakadang trail is a truly a magnificent trail alongside crystal clear stream. The trail is a 4km long hike and is truly breathtaking at every inch. The trail ends at a cabin and requires a permit to pursue further. Tonny mentioned that we do not need to complete the 4km but to our own discretion on the turning point. We trailed up to 3.2km as the path gets too repetitive and we covered majority of the scenic location advised by Tonny. The Shakadang Trail took us approximately 1.5hrs for a total of 6.4km plus all the stops for photographs.

Next on the list was a short stopover at Eternal Spring Shrine. There is a trail there but Tonny advised that it would best be the last hike. So for then, he recommend to take pictures of the clear area as later during the day the place will be overrun by China tourist hogging the best view. After a few snaps, we ventured on to another location. We had a quick stop along the way to view and snap some gorgeous scenery such as waterfall and rock formations. There was also a road block that opens every hour due to construction and clearing of landslides. 

The next trail would be the Swallow Grotto which is a tunnel roadside trail. There were nesting formations in the tunnel for the swallows alas the name. Opposite the cliffs were potholes formations and a pretty waterfall. Halfway of the trail, Tonny was waiting for us to show some unique formation - an Indian Chieftain and a gorilla. Check out the picture on the left and spot them.

Tonny left us again and we continued on the trail. There wasn't much interesting things to see but the beauty of the area is just captivating. Not sure how long the actual trail was but Tonny awaited at a very wide cliff formation. Cameras can't capture the vastness of the cliff but we were awestruck when he brought us to view it from a different location. We were practically tiny.

Too sexy

There were many more stopovers for stunning cliff and rock formations, and also waterfalls. A usual planned itinerary would be the Tunnel of Nine Turns trail but the trail has been closed for quite awhile due to the constant rock falls. Moving on to the next trail before we return back towards the Eternal Spring Shrine is the Lushui Trail which is a 2km nature trail. Approximately 1km into the trail is 30m long tunnel which is pitch black. A torchlight is recommended but you'll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel after a turn in the tunnel. However, if you're walking behind someone, all the best because that person will block the entrance light until you get nearer. Tonny waited us at the end of the trail and brought us back to the intended last hike.

As Tonny previously mentioned, the Eternal Spring Shrine was packed with rowdy China tourist. Even he was irritated by the commotion. Since we had a clear shot earlier, we pursued the last trail which was an inclined trail of 2.4km long. There were 4 sections to the trail, the bottom, middle and top shrine, and lastly a temple which is hidden behind the cliff as pictured below.

Eternal Spring Shrine

The trails were mostly stairs indented along the cliffs. The steep steps from the bottom were gruesome till Hakimbo experience cramps. As we get higher, the steps became broader. We kept on walking not realizing that we passed the middle shrine which was lower than our current path. We decided to forgo due to the thought of re-climbing the steps so we ventured on towards the next location which was the top shrine. The view was amazing, overlooking the accomplishment from the start of the trail to where we were standing and also the end point - the hidden temple. The last obstacle is a suspension bridge (worst idea after all the climbing) where Tonny awaits our arrival. Our legs were like jelly but Tonny didn't let us through, explaining the beauty and history of the trail. And as a reward, he gave us a wild plant which was quite refreshing with all the natural fibre and moisture to refresh yourself. 

The wild refreshing plant

That marks the end of Taroko Gorge. We ended earlier than expected which Tonny was impressed. With all the military training, the trail was an ease. We completed it earlier than most of his other groups.  Taroko Gorge was my main highlight of Taiwan. Everyone was shocked that I would go trekking on a holiday but it truly was a great experience.

Tonny has been a great guide - with a great itinerary and an excellent English speaker. He even help to re-book our train back to Taipei as we had to wait 3hours for our purchased train ride. With his help we managed to board the next approaching train.

Do check out the photos of Hualien and Taroko Gorge below. Also if you are truly interested, I would recommend Tonny as your guide. Below are his details.

Taroko Gorge Part 1

Taroko Gorge Part 2

Tonny Teng

Whatsapp/Mobile: +886 975 101232

Taiwan: Day 2

After a good night sleep on a uber comfortable bed and excellent hot shower, the day became dark and we equipped with an umbrella each. Sadly, the day was bright and windy the whole day so we were carrying a redundant umbrella the whole day.

Breakfast at the hotel was not that great. Firstly, there isn't much of a variety and secondly majority of the variety are with pork. Not that it matters but it was not that appetizing hence we had breakfast elsewhere.

First stop on the itinerary was Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It's just 2 stops away from Ximending and upon exiting the station, we're blown by the chilling wind till my hair was messed up. And as we walked through the garden, we were greeted by a square in view of a concert hall and a theater by the sides, and the CKS memorial hall up ahead.

The view up ahead - Chiang Kai-Shek

View from CKS

The Guard of Honor stationed at the CKS hall will conduct a changing of guards ceremony every hour. With an hourly ceremony, I won't expect it to be like those in Singapore which is only conducted every first Sunday of the month. The ceremony was quite simple but the precision marching would put some shame to Singaporean GOH. I know because I was one of them.

After checking out the exhibits, we made our way toward Taipei 101by MRT to Taipei City Hall. There is a shuttle to Taipei 101 but as a traveller, we walked towards the tower. But it was a wrong thing to do because we were greeted by great shopping mall. Eslite was one of them which was on my itinerary too. The main objective was the tower so we continued onwards but keeping our mind to return to Eslite.

Taipei 101 is a shopping centre with a tower observation deck on the 89th floor. Entry is SGD17. The queue on weekend are crazy but they had a queue timing, every 100 visitors for every 20 minutes.

There are 4 levels to the observation deck. First is the main observation floor on 89th floor which has the 360 views of the city. On the higher floor is the outdoor observation deck. Still the same windy day, my hair messed up in another direction.

Moving lower to 88th floor is the world largest and heaviest wind dampener. The dampener was coated in yellow which look like a huge luxurious golden ball. Moving along towards the exit, you'll go through the souvenir store which sell jewelries made of coral reefs and attractions souvenir shops. That was the best opportunity to get stuffs for back home and work.

As it was past lunchtime, we went down to the shopping centre in search of food. Majority of the food stores are located at the basement floor and compact in one huge dining area. There were many variety of stalls including 2 halal stall which were either Indian or Mediterranean.

We made our way back towards Taipei City Hall MRT station and visited the malls that we past. Still succumbing our desire to shop, we took note of all the items that we aimed to get.

With Hakimbo's passion of analogue photography, we decided to visit the Lomography store in Taipei at Dunhua. Without any research of Dunhua except the location of the Lomography store, we were amazed with what Dunhua has to offer.

Dunhua is a much more trendier place than Ximending and Shihlin, housing many well known brands such as Lomography, ABC Mart, and Porter International to name a few. More window shopping and an extending shopping list.

Due to a very long event the day after, we headed back to the hotel for a well deserving rest.

A mix of Day 1 and 2

Taiwan: Day 1

It took me more than a month to finally sit down and rewrite my entry about my trip to Taiwan a month back. The original entry was planned by segregating by places and the activities but it was just too much work. So I will rewrite by the days and events. Alas the first entry Day 1.

It has been 3 months since the last trip. Actual plan was for a solo trip but someone managed to slip in, non other than my best bud - Hakimbo. At least we managed a proper hotel rather than a guest house if I'm traveling alone.

The best departure and cheapest flight is by Tiger Airways for about SGD600, a morning departure and a 4hours flight. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, the place was a bit run down. Parts of the airport were under construction so there wasn't much to shop. There was only 2 ways out of the airport, by bus or by taxi. Taxi would cost around SGD40 so we got on the Kuo-Kang bus service 1819 which is only SGD5. The journey from the airport to Taipei City is 45 mins to 1 hour depending on the traffic.

The last alighting station is at Taipei Main Station which a central for all transportation, be it bus or MRT. Our hotel is an MRT station away. With a luggage in tow, we took the MRT from Taipei Main Station to Ximending. Getting around was easy as the signs are in Chinese and English. Buying the token was even easier. A day pass is TWD350 (SGD 10) for unlimited rides but majority of the trips would cost as low as TWD20 to TWD55 (SGD 0.80 - 2.30).  Hence getting a day pass is not worthwhile due to most places are within a few stations away.

The hotel Just Sleep is 5 minutes walk from the station. Something unique about the hotel is that the hotel is within an office building hence the room layout is different than other hotel. Average room cost within SGD120 to 220 during off-peak period. With my airline staff pass, I managed a lower rate.

The deluxe room is square spacious but the room facilities are just too awesome. The bathroom is totally cool too with the black tiled wall and a wide window overlooking the next door office building. Another cool feature is the magnetized door sign which you stick on the door outside. The bed is just a nice comfort for sleeping hence the hotel name.

A cool facility wall 

2 Way Business

The hotel is just across a trendy shopping district, Ximen. The whole area is packed with shops of trendy clothing, shoes, bags and novelties. Street foods are a bundle too but not as much as somewhere else. If you're hungry, it will still do. The first day was raining the whole day ever since arrival hence we bought an umbrella each to keep dry. Surprisingly, there are a couple of umbrella shops selling different sizes and grades of umbrella. We got ours at a convenient 7-11 store right underneath the hotel.

Wan Nian is a shopping mall that I've bookmarked in my itinerary. It's not about the clothing stores on the first two floors  but the toys and games stores from the third floor onwards. But most of the toys there were gunplas which are not within my liking. Games however are the same price as in Singapore so now purchase made.

The night was still young and we ventured out to Shihlin Night Market for some grubs. However upon arrival, we were not hungry so we wondered around the streets for the shops. Most of the item are similar to Ximen including ABC Mart. And with more time to kill, we had a massage in one of the few massage parlors around Shihlin.

So day 1 was wondering around shops and adding the shopping list. And of course a good night sleep.

Age Is Not A Matter

People would always say that age is not a matter should you fall in love with someone who way beyond your age range. If you love them, you won't mind all the controversies that comes along with it.

Another situation that age is a not a matter is health. No matter how old or young you are, when your health f**ked up, you might as well be f**ked up. Don't get me wrong. It does not mean that you'll lose all hope and give up to your health condition but the condition might just come without you knowing it even if you take care of you health and diet.

At an age beyond quarter century yet to pass my third decade mind you, I believe it may still be a long way till I experience some health issues. But I didn't really take care of myself in 2010 till I had multiple case of gastroenteritis which left me hospitalized and realized that the current job then was no longer suitable to maintain a good health due to weird working hours. Since then, I got a new office hour job and managed to take care of my health pretty well. I could have 3 type of meal a day, slot in a healthy workout regime daily and still have time to study, read, games and even movies. All is well.

But falling sick is inevitable. I did fell ill over flu and fever but I had tinnitus which I didn't quite understand why. I work in an engine company but handles external repair vendors so it's more of an office environment. I have little visits to the shop floor. Somehow I suffered tinnitus or ringing in the ear. Sure it normal but the prolonged ringing and a sleepless night had me visit the doctors for 2 opinions before moving to a specialist. With the hearing test conducted I experienced a 3% lost of hearing to my right ear. The doctor mentioned that it was caused but viral infection and prescribed some expensive antibiotics (freaking $5 per pill for 2weeks/2 times daily consumption - do your maths) and a vitamin to regulate blood flow.

After 3 months, I returned for a review and test results indicated that my hearing is back to normal but there's still a gap between my left and right ear. The ringing is still there but not as frequent and the frequency is not as high as before. Hence the doctor closed the case.

Hearing Test results
Jul 11(L) and Oct 11 (R)

Since my gastroenteritis incident in 2010, I've been taking care of my health with regular meals and working out. But recently in September, I had another attack, this time during working hours. Previous encounters were in the wee morning but shockingly 2011 is in the day. I went to the doctor and was prescribe the same medication but the pain subsided for a while and grew more painful. Hence A&E was the next option. The doctor managed to subdue to pain and tests showed nothing. Though 2 things came up as a concern - I was having hypertension at 174/110 count and my liver enzyme was at high of 125 count. They asked to check it out.

My recent gasteroentology review could not pin-point the possible cause of my condition and was schedule for an ultrasound and another blood test and a follow-up review afterwards. But again, they point out my blood pressure was at 140/90 and provided a statement to get my blood pressure checked.

So lastly, my blood pressure is high as the last medical review. Doctor asked whether I exercise and take care of my diet which both I managed well. He mentioned that I should continue it regularly as I'm still young to be undergoing the medication. Thank god!!!

After all this medical review and upcoming ones, it definitely burning through my pocket but I'm able to claim it from the company. However, this money has to be taken out from my upcoming travel funds.

We should all look after our health at any point of our life. Do not be naive, saying we are still young. Get yourself checked. I had 3 conditions after my review. Battle now than suffer later.

Take Care.

Penang Getaway

It has almost been 8 months since my last holiday. With the new career and new commitments (it has to do with home and nothing to do with the other half), I'm tied down in populated Singapore. Even my birthday was celebrated in Singapore.

I'd managed to slip in a holiday to clear my leave and deprivation of a holiday hence Penang was planned with Hakimbo for a 3 days 3 nights getaway. Flight booked by Hakimbo via Air Asia and hotel booked by me from Agoda.com.

Firstly, how is the accommodation? With Hakim around, you can literally kiss you bed goodnight. We'll be out most of the time and will only be back at night. Hence a cheaper hotel is the best. I've booked Sunway Hotel Georgetown which is a 4-star hotel and the deluxe room rate was only SGD 65/night. There's a swimming pool and gym which we didn't use. The room is just like most 2-4 star hotel; a necessary need of a comfortable bed, a complimentary wi-fi connection (not listed in website), a bathtub (for my need of relaxation after a long day walk), a fridge to chill the bottles of water and television just in case (under utilized as we brought our own shows in all means - iPods, iPhones and iPad). The hotel stay comes with breakfast but it's such a disappointment. We rather sleep through or eat out rather than coming down for breakfast.

Secondly, getting around can be quite a breeze. Sunway Hotel Georgetown is located about 5mins away from Komtar where every bus passes by. The buses are very similar to Singapore buses for the handicap and it's clean. Trips can cost as much as RM 4+ but majority of our rides cost a maximum of RM2.70. The buses are currently integrating the tap cards. The bus system may not be as idiot-proof as Singapore as they only point out the roads that the bus passes through. When you board the bus, you will have to tell the driver your desired location and ask for the fare which he will manually pass you the receipt. And twice we alighted at the wrong stop, which will be shared later. Taxis are another mean of transportation which we did not venture. Most remarks we received were that they are mostly metered and it's RM1 per minute journey. Note on my last ride, all buses comes with wi-fi connection.

Pasembur and Char Kway Teow

Next, come our belly fulfillment. Food are all over Penang and it's cheap. Just below the hotel, it's a food paradise. The road will be closed and make shift stall are erected to serve culinary Penang dishes like Asam Laksa, Bak Ku Teh, and many other chinese food. Sadly they're all chinese food and no halal food in sight. A great place to fill the tummy is at Gurney Drive. It'll put Newton and Lau Pa Sat to shame. Food there are awesome and selections are plenty. And stall owners do not rip you off your pockets. Anjung Gurney as it's callled only opens after 6pm and the place is packed to the brim. The area are split into halal and non-halal where it occupies a huge area. The Char Kway Teow (it's to die for), Pasembur, Lok Lok and other goodies can be found.

Another food hunts to note are the street peddlers. There are plenty around Penang Road and the famous one to note is the Teow Chew Chendul store which serves classic desserts by the road side. These famous stall are located at the junction of Keng Kwee and Penang Road. There are 2 stores here which serve the same things and both are equally packed on different days which is a wonder. The stall we visit comes with A table hence we patronized a more civilized dessert sitting down. The chendul does wonders especially on a hot day and you'll be begging for more out of thirst. It's definitely refreshing but you'll yearn for water to soothes the throat.

Other food ventures are Chilli's which is only located at Gurney Plaza. Another restaurant we went is David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace, made famous from Cameron Highlands. The food there are wonder and it's quite affordable, converted to SGD.

So, what is there to do in Penang besides belly full-fillment? There's ton of walking around the heritage Georgetown which starts across Komtar. The whole area is filled with old shop houses and prominent buildings preserved by UNESCO World Heritage. There's also great beach activities at Batu Ferringhi which is an hour bus ride from Komtar.Trendy hotels such as Shangri-La and Hard Rock are located there with plenty of water activities such as para-sailing and jet skis.

In the center of Penang is the noted Penang Hill which is about 45 mins bus ride from Komtar. An early alighting lead us to Kek Lok Si temple which sits on a hill. The climb up the temple is not that tiring as your eyes wonder around the many shops surrounding the steps. Mid level of the climb, stood a hut on top of a pond filled with turtles. As we climbed further up, there are many levels to the temple. The entrance, first temple, second temple and another temple at a sub level. Further up is a giant statue which is currently under construction. It's so majestic from the view of the first picture below.

The Base Tram Station

From the base of Kek Lok Si, we're able to see the tram route up Penang Hill. Knowing the slow frequency of the bus, I convinced Hakimbo to walk to the base of Penang Hill which took us about 30 mins walk. That's for making me walk around Georgetown the day before. The tram service up to Penang Hill cost us RM30 but if you're a Malaysian citizen, you'll pay only RM8 if you show your MyCard. Queue for the tram ride is definitely long over the weekend but the line is definitely moving with it's 2 new trams which travels up and down hill faster than those of Hong Kong's Victoria Peak. So what is on Penang Hill. Well, it's practically nothing. There's a mosque and a Hindu temple, an inaccessible hotel with a bird sanctuary and A resident home. Only David Brown's Restaurant is the notable visit for it's food and dessert. It's least prominent as the restaurant sits on the peak of the hill but the view is spectacular. Best to dine outdoors but we had ours indoors as the only tables around were under the scorching sun and leaves were falling at every gush of wind.

The new tram

David Browns Restaurant

Would you expect any shopping done in Penang? If you're a shopaholic, it's possible. There are a few shopping mall around Penang with few selection of known brands. I was there during the Sale period but there wasn't much selection of items to choose from. Gurney Plaza is a great place to shop. The many arrays of shops will definitely thrill the shoppers. But there's nothing that interest me. So most of my trip money went to food.

Lastly, I would like to share my first experience overseas which is watching movies in the cinema. As lame as it seems yet it's true. Transformers DOTM just release so I planned to catch it in Penang. Booking was easy yet different, the website only ask for your mobile number and not your credit card details, and unable to select seats. Upon collection, just provide them the booking number and they allow you to relocate your seating. That was nice but hell broke loose when we entered the cinema. The whole place including the alley reeks of a musky stench. The seats were elevated for better viewing but when the movie ends, just don't look down. The WHOLE cinema was scattered with popcorn and our movie was the first for the day. Seriously???

Another irritating incident was the patrons, who won't shut up. The family (Parent and 2 boys) were yakking and yapping in the show and the mother couldn't sit still, moving in and out of the row which definitely disrupted us hence we switched seats to another row. About 30 mins passed, another patron came in talking on the phone, sat down and left once he completed his call. Seriously??? That's not all. Remember the family, 2 more of their kids(girls) came in about an hour passed the show and yak and yap till we hushed them. And is that the end??? Nope, about 30mins before the ending at it's most climatic scene, remember the family, another 2 guys came in and sit in front of them and turned to talk to the parents. Seriously??? I'm surprised that only Hakimbo and me are the shushing one while the others are not bothered by them. Gawd, can't we enjoy a show in the cinema peacefully anywhere?

So, did I enjoy my Penang trip. I did in a way because I glad that I managed to get out of Singapore. Penang is surely an experience but I don't foresee myself going there again anytime soon within the next 3 decades.

Check out the adventures of Penang.