ygy's blog

Pick a Journey

2009-06-22T15:16:00.015+08:00

5^th June 2009 – 9^th June 2009

1^st Feb 2009 – 16^th Feb 2009

Penang Island Solo Ride

2009-06-20T14:21:00.011+08:00

I always wanted to cycle to a far place, alone. Maybe I was so used to be alone, always doing things alone…but still, I never conquer the fear of loneliness…..

So this time, I am going to cycle around the Penang Island (da WHOLE island). This is the state where I live, but I never really been to every little place, every temple, every street and every corner of the island. Before I left Pg, I think it is good 4 me to travel my own state, because I am PenangKia ma!

I am sure most of Pg citizen never visit those small little place, all they know is only those shopping malls (and where 2 eat). Hehe ,this is damn true coz Penang is famous for the hawkers food, street food and local cuisine influence by Chinese,Malay,Indian & Thai flavours. More than thousand food stalls to choose, millions flavour to taste, now the way Penang Kia pursuit of the perfect food is on the crazy level. As 4 me, sometimes it is headache 2 think what2 eat n where 2 eat…

The name ‘Penang’ originates from the word ‘Pinang’ in Malay, which mean betel nut. Looks like coconut tree, but it is not. Very long ago, when 郑和下西洋，penang was marked as 槟榔屿in his map. Later,Captain Francis Light ‘discovered’ Penang n The British East India Company purchased the island from Sultan of Kedah in return for protection. Then is known as Prince of Wales island. The strategic location made Penang a deep water port n attracting traders from all over the world ,then Penang develop rapidly. Many cultures n heritage still can be seen 2day.

On 7^th of July 2008, Georgetown was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Melacca. So you should be proud to live at the city of world heritage. I strongly suggest that all Penang boys n gurls should hv a visit if can. Don’t wait until those building collapse n historical things 2 fade away, then only pictures left2 see.

Beside food n heritage, penang also an ecological paradise. Penang is a tropical island with sandy beaches, jungle treks, tropical waterfalls n smallest national park. The Penang National Park is located at the North-west corner along Pantai Acheh. There are many jungle trails to beautiful beaches like Monkey Beach, Pantai Kerachut n Teluk Kampi. The park featuring the one n only meromictic lake in Malaysia n the old lighthouse build in 1883 on Muka Head. And now the park newly-build a 250m long canopy walk. While at the centre of the island is the Penang Hill, with Botanical Garden n Youth Park nearby.

* a meromictic lake is a lake that contain both sea water n fresh water but unmixed

Penang is just a small island, but has everything from food to shopping, heritage, culture, medical, education n etc etc…So, I can’t really introduce everything, you just have to explore yourself. Penang island is only about 22km in length n 17km wide. I wonder if u noticed that penang island is in turtle shape. (why don call it Turtle Island)我们是乌龟岛的小孩,then we are called TutleKia…

Penang -> Turtle Island

This trip rounding penang island takes me 5 days 4 nights, and every night I sleep in different places. It is a wonderful trip and challenging especially when cycle SOLO. The whole journey is approximately 130km in distance n I am thankful 4 sunny day all da way through.

The path i travelled in Penang

The reason I like 2 travel by bike is bcoz the feel when da wind blow through ur head n it takes away all ur worry, anxiety, anger n fear… Now, let the story of my penang solo ride begins…..

5-6-2009 Day 1

2009-06-20T14:21:00.009+08:00

This morning, is the first morning of my journey, but unlike last time, this time I dint wake up too early. When I step on my pedal, its only about 7a.m. I take the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) 2 jetty.

This morning I have kinda weird feeling that I dunno how 2 express in word. Its like I put away a lot of things, nothing in my mind, I don’t even think of situation that will happen in front, I don’t plan my journey too specific…I just ride forward. *let the spontaneous bring u surprise*

When I reach Bw jetty, its 7.20 a.m. n the ferry takes about 15-20 min to cross the sea. The fee 4 bicycle is RM1.40. the first landmark I visit is the betel nut roundabout and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower completed 1902.

Betel Nut Roundabout

Queen Victoria Clock Tower

Then I go 2 Fort Cornwallis which build by Captain Francis Light in 1786, BUT it closed…it open at 9a.m. and I am too early there. Sh*****t, this is the first surprise I got. Nvm la, beside the fort is Padang Esplanade or 旧关仔角. Many people go there 4 a morning walk n some kids playing football there. In front of the padang is the War Memorial, City Hall n Town Hall.

Fort Cornwallis

War Memorial

I like this City Hall

Town Hall

Then I pass by St. George Church, quickly go in n take some photo s.

St. George Church

Near the church is the 槟州华人大会堂and 观音亭。The Goddess of Mercy Temple is like more than 200 years n very famous among Chinese community. I pay RM2 for the joss stick. 观音亭香火鼎盛，even on weekdays also many people.

观音亭

After that, I search my way into the Little India. Little India cover few streets n many Indian shops selling Indian stuff like clothes, spices, herbal soap n Bollywood music. Around that area, there is a very famous Hindu temple called Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. I cant help myself to think that the lion statue outside looks ugly n very fierce.

Sri Maha Mariamman

ugly lion

Now, is Malays mosque turn. I pass by the Kapitan Keling Mosque which also a very famous mosque. These 3 famous temple from three major races in Penang located just at the same area, showing that penang is a place of peace n harmony.(maybe once upon a time la)

Kapitan Keling Mosque

The following journey may contain too many temples, pls be prepare before u scroll down. I wil make it as brief as I can la.接下来我到了叶公司的慈济宫，还有谢公司。Cheah Kongsi is the oldest Chinese clan association in Penang, founded in 1820.

叶公司

谢公司

I also came 2 a quite unique temple called Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple 福德正神庙。This temple is unique because it is not a ‘main institution’ but consist of 4 other ‘brotherhood society’ namely 同庆社，宝福社，清和社，and福建公司。Each organisation has their own representatives inside the福德正神庙的信理部。To put these organisations under one roof is 2 have effective management, n the temple act as the apex religious society. Deep leh… kinda hard 2 explain la, visit urself 4 more info.

福德正神庙

the system

Among all Chinese temple, Khoo Kongsi邱公司is the most wanted on my list. Although this khoo is Hockien n I am Cantonese the 邱is still the same ma. So the next stop is Khoo Kongsi. But after I cycle a few round on that area, I stil cant find the way to Khoo Kongsi. Finally after asking few Ah Pek, then only I found the main entrance, which is very very unnoticeable. 囧

the entrance so unnoticeable

The temple is surrounded by shop houses in every direction, just like a protected fort. The entrance fee is RM5 for adult. The roof of the temple is exquisite n the mural (wall painting) is extremely beautiful. Under the temple is a small museum, the exhibition is not bad la at least has explain the history of the clan n the temple.

Gods also play 剪刀,石头,布haha

There are two Sikh guard statues, young n old outside the temple showing last time the wealthy Chinese hire Sikh guard. There are also 2 statues of crying n laughing monks.

we dont cry,

we laugh!

Sikh Guards

Most Beautiful at night

Lai, Jiak,Jiak

到此一游！

After wandering a few round inside the 龙山堂邱公司, until I felt that it worth the entrance fee only I left. My next destination is Sun Yat Sen Pg Base. The first time I reach there, I saw a poster outside one of the shop house, from the look outside, it just an ordinary pg old house. when I decided 2 left , a middle age woman came 2 me n ask me 2 go inside. Then she walk 2 the door n unlock it.

She is the manager the museum n the Sun Yat Sen Pg Base is now open. The admission fee is RM3. Sien lo, now every place also need 2 pay. But the manager, Ms.Goh is a nice person, she explain everything 2 me since I am the only visitor.

Me n Ms.Goh

Before she begins 2 explain, she also plays a portion of movie 2 me. The movie named 夜明 starring Angelica Lee李心洁 and fully filmed in Penang. Ms.Goh explain 2 me that this shop house was the headquarter of Dr. Sun in Penang when he lived for over 4 months in 1910 during his revolution.

革命尚未成功，同志乃须努力!

孙文真迹

The base is also the birthplace of the newspaper Kwong Wah Jit Poh光华日报. So next year,2010 is the 100^th anniversary of 光华日报. Can u imagine the person who made the history of modern China actually planned n organised his revolution in Penang.

interesting drawing on the wall (road side)

Over there I met a little girl, form 3 girl, she is friends of Ms.Goh. She takes me to tourist centre 2 provide me more information about the heritage site. First she brings me to PTGA which stand 4 Penang Tourist Guides Association. Then we go Anak-anak Kota, a workshop 4 youth about arts education programmes n heritage trails. She is a member there. I like this facility bcoz it allowed pg youth to learn more about own culture n history. Then I took ‘some’ useful brochures n booklets from there. These brochures n maps really help me a lots. Some only lar, I m not greedy...>.<

Anak-anak Kota, a good programme

Later I pass by the World Heritage Office in Armenian Street where u can get brochures. There is also a Penang Heritage Trust in Church Street.

World Heritage Centre

saw this cute car

Then I spent some time finding the Cantonese Carpenter’s Guild or 鲁班古庙. It really hard to find an unknown place if u don’t open ur eye big enough. O.o

鲁班古庙

鲁班古庙founded in 1855 n build in 1866. Many carpenters will come 2 pray the LuBan as He is like the god of hand work. The 鲁班古庙is located on the Love Lane. I am cycling on Love Lane, izzit my loves one just around corner?

where is my LOVE

The time now is at mid afternoon n very hot, I begin to feel hungry too. Before lunch I wanna visit the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. I dunno why this mansion is so famous. when I there, a guard sit at the entrance n I dunno why it closed. Then I ask him, he reply with very bad tone that it needs 2 be in group 4 the tour n 4 individual need 2 wait until 3 p.m. after the guided tours. And its RM12 per person, Whoa, so damn 串!! I am not happy with the attitude of the guard n the expensive admission rate.

串咯

But wat 2 do, they spent a lot in restoration effort, that’s why this mansion is the winner of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Award for restoration.

Without staying long, I cycle into the Penang Road towards KOMTAR thinking wat 2 eat. I pass by many food stalls, got Malays, Chinese n Indian food 2 choose but I still dunno wat 2 eat. Finally, my tummy咕噜咕噜叫，stop n eat economy rice. RM3.30, I am so surprised it is as cheap as in Butterworth.

After lunch, I decided 2 go KOMTAR. The traffic there is very headache, I even so scare to cross the road…I believe many penangkia dunno wat KOMTAR stand 4, it is KOMpleks Tunku Abdul Razak. I walk in the Pacific Mall but buy nothing, juz 吹吹air-con.Haha.

KOMTAR

I left KOMTAR and turn into Jalan Burma n pass by few places like New Wold Park n Nagore Place, both are places 2 eat.New World Park

Nagore Place

Colourful Painted

I like this smiling,haha

another Goddess of Mercy Temple

Later I met a fat-old man in the Buppharam Buddhist Temple, he ask 4 the direction to 睡佛n I am heading the same place too. Then he show me his Garmin GPS device worth more than RM2000. So envy arr, I only have maps 2 refer…T.T

Buppharam Buddhist Temple

Loves the shining marble

A golden pig on the temple, looks like pokemon

On the Burma Lane, there are 2 temples adjacent, I go to the Burmese Buddhist Temple first. I came here a few times when I was small. Now, I don’t like this temple much because the statues are not so ‘buddhist’ feel.

Burmese Budhist Temple

Cool dragon

Then I cross the road to the Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple or known as 卧佛/睡佛寺. At the temple I met that GPS uncle again. He is very nice actually n he gave me his email n number.

Wat Chaiyamangalaram Thai Buhhist Temple

Thai style dragon

卧佛

A special mark under the foot

The weather is very hot in the afternoon. I go wash my face n sit there alone thinking that the heritage trail is finished n no place 2 go. Then I decided to go to the Botanical Garden. To my surprise, the Floral Festival or Pesta Bunga happening over there, what a coincident.

Leng leng orchid flower

this is hw i 自拍,haha

My time is so flexible n I am so free in this evening. I cycle to Gurney Drive, go to Gurney Mall, n the car park is for ‘car’ only. 没办法，I find a lamppost, takes out valuable things n lock my bike there. Since I have the whole night long, so I buy a ticket 4 the movie “Night at Museum2”.

Gurney Drive

My camera n handphone is almost out of battery, so I went 2 McD for dinner hoping 2 use the socket there. But I am very 衰, one socket is spoil n another cant open the two-headed pin. I am so angry coz I waste my time n money there, stupid McD.

Some breakdance performers in Gurney Mall

Before the movie time, I go window shopping at the Gurney New Wing. Too much surprise today, there is a Gundam promotion at new wing n lots of Gundam modal displayed.

Two huge Gundam figures

Gundam 30th anniversary

Gundam promotion

So attractive lar...

After the promotion discount the price is still high n I cant afford 2 play this, I’ll just stick 2 my papermodal la.

My latest handemade papermodel

see more in my friendster album

Then is the movie time, the movie is ok only, the ‘laugh point’笑点 is just the same as the episode 1. But inside the cinema, there is a secondary schl girl very very very extremely pretty n attractive sit in front of me. She is the best looking girl ㊣ I seen that day in Gurney, 索啊hahaha.

Pleo electronic toy on Apple Switch

When I came out I saw Lee Jun & his gf Pei Cher, they went there 拍拖, dun wan be their light bulb. Then I go out n begin to find a place 2 stay overnight. I pass by Phor Tay n ask but the guard refused. Then I pass by PGCHS but I dint ask, coz u know la, girl school ma, the possibility to let a guy stay overnight is very low.

I refer 2 my map n found a primary school, St. Xavier. I talk to the Indian guard, n he allowed me 2 stay. He is a very nice guy, called Satia. Then I setup my tent, take a shower n change my cloth, feeling so refreshing n prepare 2 sleep. Then another 2 indian guard came at midnight, they are Simon n Ravi. They are nice too n invite me for a supper. We walk to the mamak stall n they belanja me, make me so pai seh… then we walk 2 a place where they gather n they treat me beer n we sembang until very late. Through them I know that Indian n Chinese there get along very well.

Sleep alone in my cozy tent

It is very late when I get in my tent, the night is silent n windless. 今天的我，到了好多地方、遇到好多人与事，仿佛就像奇幻旅程般的多彩。很累的一天，没力气去感触良多了啦，哈哈。

6-6-2009 Day 2

2009-06-20T14:20:00.005+08:00

I don’t sleep well last night, n it is very noisy in the early morning. Don’t know why the rooster in penang wake up so damn early n those birds chirp like crazy. Its like bird n chicken orchestra, damn noisy. 大佬，才早上四五点而已

Then I wake up early, pack my things, thanks them n leave 4 breakfast. I had breakfast at Jalan Fettes Tg. Tokong that side. Today I am going to meet my junior scouts at Teluk Bahang. My friend, Kokonian or ASM Wong Kok Nian organize a camping trip 4 them.

The Floating Mosque of Penang, dont know spend how much (jiak lui eh)

On the way 2 Batu Ferringhi, I saw many cyclists pass by n their equipments n bikes are so pro.

View of Batu Feringghi

When I reach Tlk. Bahang, my scouts not yet come (they by bus). Only their SM Tai, who drive there. I pack my bag n it is so heavy coz I bring everything individually for my pg trip including the tent.

Heavy rucksack, long trail but cant stop me!

Today is public holiday, many comes in big groups. When they arrive, they go register n paid two tour guides. This is now compulsory, coz this is the Penang National Park. At the same time the scouts from Sacred Heart also come, but they are better (they have girl scouts & some g.guides).

250m long canopy walk

i am a natural lover

First, we go canopy tree walk before heading 2 Monkey Beach. This time we have members from Form 1 till Form 4, including my brother too. Because they lack of experience, they bring too much 废物n slowing them down. Jiak Lat. Then I just continue my way without them since they are too slow n slowing down consume more energy.

Me n bestfren,Kok Nian

Me n my brother

When we all reach the Monkey Beach, welcome by monkeys, they find a good place n build their tents. Then the boys go play in the water while I sit there kap lui, haha, no leng lui there la.

老人与海,hehehe

Monkey Beach

An idiot burn the jellyfish corpse

Monkey Beach Is a good place 2 camping, got water supply can bath. 露天的，这样才刺激！脱光光享受大自然，几爽一下，哈哈！

Relaxing there

I called this "The Beach"

At night, Sacred Heart there have a campfire n some presentation. While on our side, my juniors just playing with the fire, so sia sui… they cook themselves dinner with some ‘seafood’, I just eat hotdog+mee with kokonian.

Sacred Heart Scouts
They have a gathering
but we have cannibal campfire

The moon 2night is very bright but cant see the stars. The moon is like a giant spotlight shine on the beach, the wind breeze n I relaxed myself n sleep early.

Crab at night

My heart still burning, but the reason is not the same anymore

7-6-2009 Day 3

2009-06-20T14:20:00.003+08:00

爽啊this morning

Finally I can have a good rest last night. This morning, kokonian give them a morning exercise n prepare 2 go up the lighthouse on the Muka Head. I went there before, so I juz leave the beach.

The Dawn

Kokonian leads the morning exercise

Along the trail, I saw many colourful butterflies. I only manage 2 shoot some pic. It takes me about 1 & ½ hour to go out n reach the entrance. After some rest, I take a shower at the information centre (the toilet got bathroom). Then something very sharp on the floor cut my foot, n my foot bleeds a lot, shittt! At the beach I run with naked feet also boh su (没事), now I cut my foot in toilet?! This call 衰咯。

This blue 1 very hard 2 chase

Big tree n little me

I pack my things on my bike again n ready 2 go. Afternoon liao, so I go eat lunch. I found a stall under big tree, I order fried rice n it taste very good. 炒饭很棒! Then I am heading towards Balik Pulau n I understand that the road is uphill n curve so I am well prepared. But the way up to the Teluk Bahang Dam is damn steep, n the weather is hot. I sweat a lot when I reach the dam. (really damned)

Teluk Bahang Dam

Hot arrr

Then I pass by the Butterfly Farm, but I dint go in. Not far away there is a Penang Forestry Museum, I go in walk walk but nothing much 2 see.

Penang Forestry Museum

Coming up next is the Tropical Fruit Farm n I also give up not 2 visit because the entrance is super duper steep. I estimate the steepness Is more than 45 degree, it will be like hell when pushing my bike uphill…

I continue my way 2 Balik Pulau, along the road there are many durian stalls n many tourists. The durian is fresh coz durian orchard is everywhere n I think the price is also ‘beautiful’. So I did not buy any durian, bcoz expensive plus I don’t wanna die in hot fever.Hehe.

Balik Pulau durian stall

many 发夹湾to drift

I reach Titi Kerawang Waterfall about 2 p.m. At first, I juz go in to see see only. But the waterfall is too attractive, n the weather is hot, I cant help it anymore!!

Powerful water wave

A butterfly love the smell of my socks >.<

I don’t see any changing room or toilet there, so I change my pants behind some big rocks,haha!! The water is so cool n refreshing, some family picnic there. The waterfall also very strong n powerful, 差点就把我的裤子冲掉了，呵呵呵。

没有露点

Yeah!!

I am so satisfied with this waterfall, this is absolutely the best waterfall in Penang.

Titi Kerawang Waterfall, best in Penang n Butterworth

When I reach Balik Pulau, its still early n I go eat 浮罗叻沙。I found that the road from Teluk Bahang 2 Balik Pulau is 30% uphill n 70% downhill. So its quite easy to cycling there.

Another good spot 4 sunset view

reach Balik Pulau n eat Laksa

old shop house No.100, B.Pulau

After that I try 2 find a place 2 stay tonight. First, I go Sacred Heart n ask, the guard said “cant help, why don u ask another Chinese school there”. Then I go Chong Teik, the guard said “cant help, why don u ask principal, will come at 5”. Ask ur head la, why don I juz ask myself求人不如求己！

Then I go cycling around the town. I saw many durian stalls, wanna buy some mangosteen, but dunno which stall 2 stop, then dint buy any. I go mamak stall n recharge my handphone. Sitting there so boring coz reach Blk Pulau too early.

My final hope is St.George school. Before that I go to the Xuan Wu Temple玄武山which build in 1800 located behind the St.George. I take some pictures then a guy come out from the temple. I ask permission to stay there, n he allowed just like that. He is a worker of the temple n he guards the temple. Very kind person.

玄武山

In front the temple is a stage 4 the Chinese opera. i setup my tent beside the stage n there is a toilet behind the stage complete with electricity. There is only one imperfection, toooo many mosquitoes!!! Those mosquitoes are very blood thirsty, they even attack me when I bath. I cant stop moving for a second coz they will come n bite u. 很迫切！！Then I go chai tiam ma（杂货店）buy some Shieldtox red coil, hahaha, die mosquitoes die.

Queen of Fruit

I am very hungry n had fried Ee mee炒伊面for dinner, large one not bad. After dinner, I finally buy some mangosteen to cool myself, 1 kg RM 4.

Phoenix of Balik Pulau

Tonight is very hot n the moon like shinning pearl in the sky. All the mosquitoes has disappeared coz I put 4 red coil at the same time, wakakaz, I also cant stand the smoke…ToT

can u see?? Double

Opposite the temple is a 佛堂。Coincidently, got people passed away n many people 念经n singing mantra the whole night. Very difficult 4 me 2 fall asleep tonight, 阿弥陀佛，晚安。

8-6-2009 Day 4

2009-06-20T14:19:00.003+08:00

Cant have a good sleep again due to the 念经all night. Very early the animal orchestra starts again, rooster, bird chirp n the dog bark… I go wash my face n the mosquitoes take chance to attack me.

Then I start my journey slow n steady, going uphill n downhill. The road from Balik Pulau to Teluk Kumbar is more challenging n this morning is extremely hot.

Good place 4 sunset view

Genting in Penang,a place for food

Some roads under construction, hard to cycling

i like this kind of blue sky 2gth with lush green jungle

weird weird berry on roadsite

When I reach Teluk Kumbar, I turn right towards the South-west corner of the island. I am going Pasir Bulan Fishing Village at Gertak Sanggul.

Fishing Village

South-west corner of Penang

The side u dont see everyday in Pg

I like da blue n green but in fact this mean hot weather

Then I take the same way back to Teluk Kumbar n heading Bayan Lepas. I go the road behind the airport n snapshot a small plane landing.

Loves this 1, can u spot da little plane?

shooo.....

Later I wanna go Pasir Ikan Mati, on the South-east corner of the turtle. But I cant find that place, I even ride till Batu Maung. This is the first time I lost my target, angry arr.

Its lunch time n I had my lunch just beside the airport, waiting the big plane 2 come. Then 1 big Air-asia come but I cant get into position in time n I missed it. The weather is damn hot so I don’t wait liao.

I like this building

I come to snake temple in Bayan Lepas, as usual there is many snakes lo.

蛇庙

snake with skins

beware, this is poisonous

Then I go to the snake farm again, RM3 per person. Still the same thing like last time I here, maybe less. Last time I can put the snake around my neck, but now X. I only play with the yellow python.

King Cobra

Dont try this at home!

The skin is cold

Since I have a lot of time, I decided to go Queensbay Mall. I go there loiter around n accidentally meet Ahmin Chan & his gf Mei Fang. Haha, be their spotlight a while before I go GSC 2 buy ticket for Angels & Demons. Yes, I watch it alone, 孤独的人是酱的啦。Then I go Kenny Rogers Roasters 4 dinner, coz I have a voucher 4 a free quarter meal.

Creative huh

Tonight I will stay at Kok Choon’s place, (he is USM student) but he has meeting until 10 p.m. So I slowly cycle to Sungai Dua, go in Tesco Extra n buy nothing, later buy 1 newspaper n go sit at Pelita n wait. Very sien arrr

Finally Kok Choon come n leads me to the place he meeting, a studio. They are organizing a concert next month. So he continues his meeting n I wait him there. Then I wait until I fall asleep. When they finish meeting, its already 3 a.m. Go to their apartment, take a shower n straight 2 sleep…zzZZ

9-6-2009 Day 5

2009-06-20T14:18:00.002+08:00

I think I really lack of sleep this few days. @.@ I don’t sleep till too late coz late means hot. I go eat Dim Sum 4 breakfast n ride my way to Ayer Itam. My next destination is Kek Lok Si Temple.极乐寺，我来也！

Pass by CLHS

War Memorial

I don’t remember the way up极乐寺, so I just follow my sense of direction. Then someone show me a small lorong, which is for the local residents. Its been years I wanted 2 come极乐寺, but don’t have the chance. And now everything also need 2 pay, RM2 to go up the pagoda n RM4 for the rail way up to Guan Yin statue. I really don’t like this, pay 2 visit a temple??

Kek Lok Si Temple!!

Few thousands of statues in the temple

Angel n Demon,Penang version

大木鱼

Beautiful wall drawing

too many tutles, the system is not balance

Then I take the rail to higher ground. Holy sweet, the Guan Yin Statue is still under construction. It seems they are building a giant cover like 亭子. Can u imagine how huge will the roof be 2 cover a 30.2m tall statue??

The RM4 ride

The old Guan Yin Statue

The New Guan Yin Statue

the look when complete

now is under construction

The view from top

美丽的极乐寺

The Guan Yin statue is not open for tour, so I look around n found many cute cute n interesting statues.

The most colourful statue i seen

So cute...
I like 2 sit on this, haha

very rare 2 see a sitting buddha

Buddha promoter, kekekez

After that I begin to hesitate whether want 2 go Ayer Itam Dam or not. Coz by now, I am quite tired n I miss my bed. Then I go had my lunch n think 反正都来到了，现在不去要等几时才有机会去。Then I buy some water n prepare to conquer the hill.

The road to the dam is just beside the Kek Lok Si Temple. If u think it is easy 2 reach the dam, then u are damn wrong! This is the steepest n most difficult way in my 5 days journey. I push my bike uphill so 吃力that sweat come out from every pore of my skin. Its like shower with sweat under the raging sun.

Air Itam Dam

Finally, I reach the Air Itam Dam!! I enjoy the view there. I wait until my sweat evaporate before I go down.

Not easy to get up here

If u think going downhill will be easy, then u are wrong again! Because the road is too steep n my bike is loaded with my luggage making the inertia force too big n acceleration speed too high. In order not 2 lose control, I have 2 press the break all the time. Then the breaks become too hot n I have 2 stop once a while. 所谓上山容易下山难，上山我累，下山我战车累。

Penang jail (dont do bad things!)

I am so tired n don’t have mood 2 travel anymore. I pass by Chung Ling High School again n I stop under the pedestrian overbridge. I remember there is a lot of graffiti. Why the island boys are more creative n artistry than the mainland boys…

graffiti on the bridge

Then I pass by the scout headquarter, Wisma Pengakap P.Pinang. I have lots of memory there…

Wisma Pengakap P.Pinang

When I am on the ferry, ready to sail back to Butterworth, I saw the “Pulau Pinang” ferry. Then I thought of one joke, they used to cheat the strangers that must take the “Pulau Pinang” ferry 2 get to Penang Island. Idiot joke la.

this ferry 2 Penang,haha

The ferry leave the port, I leave the Penang Island n only my footsteps n tire track left on the island. Looking backwards the path I traveled, its juz a small section compare to the journey I have to travel in my future life. I know there will be a long n challenging road awaiting me in front, n I hope I can handle everything well n fine.

This journey of my Penang solo ride has become a part of my memory n life experience. I am very glad that I return home safe n I thanks those person who helped me 2 complete my journey.

Introduction

2009-03-06T16:11:00.002+08:00

This time, I will do something different, something special, something I never done in my life before. I decided to go cycling around west peninsula of Malaysia, going north from Penang to Johore, alone. Yes, a solo ride! I can’t clearly write down the reason why I want to do this. But this is one of my dreams since I was study in Form six. I have planned this for the past two years, and I was always thinking and imagine about the situation when I cycle, all the time.

I am a scout, and because of this background I believe that I am capable to do it. Beside my interest in outdoor activity, maybe I was trying to prove something. Since the saddest thing happen in my life few years back, I begin to improve myself, in every field. I am trying very hard to push myself beyond my limit, into a higher level, hoping that someday, someone will see me sparkling in her eyes. But believe me, this is not the main reason la. It just because I am an outdoor kind of guy.

Before I begin my story, let me introduce my partner, Efun. Yes, before I went into training stage, my old friend and brother, Yi Fan wanted to join me in my adventure. Although it is not part of my plan, I let him join for the sake of our long lasting friendship to be longer and a partner will make my travel safer. So we spend some time training together, just go to the gym and some jogging & swimming.

Efun

Not long after new year, we bought a bike, not mountain bike nor racing bike, but the hybrid one which is road bike. Cost us RM800++ including all other accessories like front and rear LED lights. We also bought a cycling pants for cycling purpose price range from RM60-130, and I am very regret now =.= coz it does not make me feel better. Long before my preparation, I also bought some detailed maps and a two men dome tent which I love it very much.

our战车

This time I put a lot of time and energy into this journey, so I really hope that I can make it till the end. Despite all the dangerous road accident and robbery and the disaster I may encounter, an exciting and adventurous journey of mine is going to begin. Hereby I sincerely thank to all my friends and family who supported and encouraged me.