PULAU PINANG

Pulaupinang (penang)

          Penang, an island rich of Chinese heritage attract a lot of tourist by its sacred temple, preserved forests and beautiful beaches. You can go for countless places to visit in Penang, but make sure you visit below-mentioned ones for sure.

        Georgetown, a beautiful city named after King George lll, is a must visit place in Penang. It is full of fascinating attraction and vibrant history to offer.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Penang :

1.BatuFerringhi Beach

        BatuFerringhi is a popular town in Penang. The reason for its popularity is due to its seaside location. This region is popular for its classic hotels and tourist resorts. Golden Sands Resort and Shangri-La’s Sayang Resort & Spa have supreme facilities for the visitors. The sandy beaches are the main attraction of BatuFerringhi. The tourists can access a number of beach sports and water sports in this region.

          BatuFerringhi Beach is situated in North-east Penang Island. The BatuFerringhi Beach is well known for jet-skiing, parasailing, deep sea fishing and water skiing. The fish spa service in this area is very relaxing. BatuFerringhi Beach has a  wonderful climate that would surely people the visitor’s mind & soul. The perfect time to visit this area is in the evening when all activities are available for the visitors.

      

2.Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)

     

      On Penang Hillyou can escape the heat of tropical Georgetown. The hill, also known as Bukit Bendera is 830 meter high (2,750 foot) and it’s much cooler than in the city below. It’s about 3 degrees cooler than the places near the coast. It is a popular by the locals as well as tourists. The station to get to the top is located in Air Itam. At the top of the hill, you will find a tea kiosk, restaurants, souvenir stalls, a mosque, Hindu Temple and the old Bellevue Hotel. The summit offers a magnificent panoramic view of Georgetown, the mainland and Penang Bridge. The best time to visit Penang Hill is early morning, around nine o’clock. Later on there

will more visitors and you have to queue up, before you can get on the train.

3.Fort Cornwallis

          Fort Cornwallis is tagged as the largest standing fort in the region of Penang and even in Malaysia. This fort is basically a star-shaped bastion which which holds superb architecture. Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 as a defensive structure against the pirates. This fort was rebuilt with bricks and stones to give a stronger foundation. The location of Fort Cornwallis is quite amusing which makes it an attractive tourist spot. The Fort Cornwallis is located on the Northeastern coast of Penang Island, Malaysia.

          The interior of Fort Cornwallis is very unique. A bronze statue of Captain Francis Light is present at the main entrance. One can explore prison cells, storage areas and barracks. There are numerous bronze cannons which are still preserved in the best of forms.

4.Penang War Museum

          Penang War Museum was basically a fort which was built by the British in 1930s. At present, this fort has been transformed into a museum which was opened for the public in 2002. This structure has been tagged as Southeast Asia’s largest war museum. Penang War Museum is also known as MuziumPerangPulau Pinang. The beauty of this place is the presence of historical artifacts like cannons and underground military tunnels. The Penang War Museum is situated in Bukit BatuMaung. The Penang War Museum has ammunition bunkers which are located nine meters below the surface. There are some tunnels which lead to the sea. The tourists can also check out gun emplacements, cookhouses and other interesting

structures.

5. Penang Floating Mosque

          The floating mosque, as it is commonly known as, derives its name from the fact that it is the first mosque to be built directly in the ocean water. Otherwise, it is known as Masjid TerapungPulau Pinang. The mosque was constructed back in the year 2005. The Floating Mosque is located at TanjungBungah in Penang, Malaysia.

          There is nothing peculiar about visiting this mosque except the usual strictness regarding clothing and separate worship area for men and women. Women can avail robes which are available at the mosque to cover themselves as per the rules. As a tourist, there is no restriction at clicking snaps outside the mosque.

6.KapitanKeling Mosque

          The KapitanKeling Mosque was built back in the nineteenth century. It is a prominent Islamic historic centre and a part of the World Heritage site of George Town. It is also the first permanent Muslim instituation that was established in the area. The mosque is situated at the corner of Lebuh Buckingham at the Pitt Street. It lies in the centre of the Tamil Muslim neighbourhood of the city.

          The terms ‘Keling’ and ‘Kapitan’ are representive of the Indian community and its people. The mosque has undergone several enlargement renovations. Geometric designs decorate the façade of the building and the interior aisles are formed of horseshoe arches which are crowned with King Edward’s plagues. The ochre yellow exteriors are in contrast to the white marble floors in the interior.

7.Penang Bird Park

          The Penang Bird Park is the largest bird sanctuary in Malaysia. This park was built in 1998 which is home to over 300 species of birds. One can easily spot tiny exotic sunbirds along with kingfishers in this sanctuary. There are gigantic eight-feet tall ostriches which are also present in this area. The birds are offered an amazing natural habitat which makes Penang Bird Park a perfect enclosure. The Penang Bird Park is located in Seberang Jaya. Tourists can spot mandarin ducks, storks, swans, pelicans and flamingo in there. The whole area has an interesting setup which looks attractive. There are Chinese-style wooden bridges along with natural ponds. Penang Bird Park also has a fine range of plants ranging from lilies, lotus and palm trees.

8.CheongFattTze Mansion

          Cheong FattTze Mansion is a famous indigo-blue Chinese Courtyard House that has become a popular tourist spot. This structure was built in the 19^th century by the famous personality Cheong FattTze. At present, this mansion has been transformed into a royal hotel that consists of 38 rooms, 7 staircases, 5 granite-paved courtyards and 220 windows. Cheong FattTze Mansion is located at Leith Street, Georgetown. In 2000, Cheong FattTze Mansion was acknowledged with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award. An amount of RM 7.6 million was spent on its restoration. The main attraction of this structure is its architecture. One can easily spot gothic louvre windows, paste decorations shard works and Scottish cast iron works which make the Cheong FattTze Mansion look magical.

9.Penang State Museum & Art Gallery

      The Penang State Museum & Art Gallery greets its visitors with a regal bronze statue of Captain Francis Light who was the founder of the Penang Straits Settlement. It is touted to be one of the most reputed and famous state museums in the country. The Penang State Museum & Art Gallery is located in Central Georgetown on Lebuh Farquhar between Jalan Masjid KapitanKeling and Love Lane. The museum is divided into galleries which are dedicated to Penang’s historical event that took place in the past. The museum also attracts visitors for its fine collection of old photographs, maps, historical relics and Chinese furniture. Special exhibitions are also held at the museum from time to time.

10.Street Art

           A new life has been given to some of the oldest buildings in Georgetown. The travellers to the place can come across fascinating and funny graffiti art that have been done on the wall by Ernest Zacharevic, a young Lithuania born artist. The streets along which such innovative wall paintings and graffiti have done include Acheen Street, Cannon Street, Ah Quee Street and Armenian Street.

NUR AIN AYUNI BT MOHAMMED RAMIZ

MELAKA

Melaka

            Melaka is a hotchpotch of Malay, Chinese, Indian, European and sundry influences. Malaysians laud Malacca’s laidback atmosphere and lost-in-time feel ; stores close early here, traffic goes by at leisurely pace and city life is a languid affair. Between the scattered historic spots are  atmospheric Chinese shop fronts and traditional Malay kampongs. Though the state may not boast a white-sand shoreline reminiscent of its East Coast cousins, Malacca is noteworthy for its heritage hotpots.

        When the sun goes down, one of the city’s most popular destinations is the Friday and Saturday Jonker Walk Night Market which plays host to a collection of stalls that sell everything but the kitchen sink. Here you can purchase a variety of trinkets and even sample some of the state’s best-known local fare including fried egg ice-cream and fried radish cake. At night the handful of bars along the boulevard become a mini street party with tables oozing beyond the sidewalks and a mix of live music beating throughout the area.

There are places you should check out when you visit Malacca

1.BabaNyonya Heritage Museum

          Victorian and Dutch-style Chinese hardwood furniture, this Peranakan townhouse is arranged to look like a typical 19^th century Baba-Nyonya residence.

2. Cheng HoonTeng Temple

          Significant due to its engraved woodwork, this temple is Malaysia’s oldest traditional Chinese temple. Dedicated to the goddess Kwan Yin, the highlight of this shrine is the robed effigy od the Goddess of Mercy herself within the main hall.

3. Christ Church

          Sporting a huge white cross, this coral-red building is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia. Built in 1753 to commemorate a century of Dutch rule in Malacca, it is one of the most notable heritage sites in the city.

4. Jonker Walk/Street    

          Malacca’s Chinatown centre street was once renowned for its collection of antique stores; these days it is most noteworthy due to the Friday and Saturday Jonker Walk Night Market where tasty treats and delicious knick knacks are sold at dirt cheap prices.

5. Maritime Museum & Naval Museum

          This massive re-creation of the Flora de la Mar is one of Malacca’s most tourist-worthy attractions. Built in 1990 the Maritime Museum is home to dated props including old maps, scale model ships, weaponry and nautical-related accessories and relics that chronicle Malacca’s history.

6. Melaka River Cruise

          A 40 minutes riverboat ride that takes you on a journey down the ‘Venice of the East’. This waterway, which was once used as a trade and commerce centre for the Melaka Malay Sultanate, is now a simple reminder of its bountiful past where you pass by kampungs and old godowns-river warehouses.

7. Melaka River Park

          This popular theme park houses the Eye on Malacca- a giant gondola-style Ferris wheel- which takes you on a gentle 20 minutes spin with great views of the Straits of Malacca.

8. Melaka Sultanate Palace

          A wooden replica of an original 15^th –century palace, this cultural museum is a unique structure with ornate wood carvings and features numerous dioramas portraying the palace atmosphere of the area.

9. Porta de’ Santiago (A’Famosa)

          A quick photo stop opportunity, it’s best to visit these Portuguese ruins in the late evening when the sun isn’t so high in the sky. Climbing to the top may not be a gruelling task, yet, given the fact that there are hardly any trees along the way, the short trip can be scorching due to the sun’s fiery rays.

10. Stadhuys

 NUR AIN AYUNI BT MOHAMMED RAMIZ

KELANTAN DARUL NAIM

Kelantan darulnaim

        Today I want to share about Kelantan DarulNaim. Since Malaysia located close to the equator, Kelantan experiences hot and humid weather all year round with rainfalls totaling about 2,500mm a year. The average temperature of Kelantan is 27’C . Heavy rains are expected during the monsoon season period. The monsoon seasons for the east coast begins in November and end in February. Rains will get lesser during the months from April through March and again during October and November.

There are places you should check out when you visit Kelantan

1.PasarSitiKhadijah

          The place to do your shopping in Kelantan would be at the PasarSitiKhadijah which is located in Kota Bharu. Here, various goods are sold. It is a local wet market which is probably the most famous market in Malaysia due to the uniqueness of the layout. Locally called PasarBesarSitiKhadijah, this is the main and central market for the city. Here, local  produce is sold by mostly ladies who sit up on a platform while the market roof is a sky light where natural sunlight illuminates the entire main area of the market.Upstairs, dry things good are found along with the famous Kelantan Serunding. Kelantan are also well known for their sweet taste in desserts and also snacks.

          Right beside the PasarSitiKhadijah is the Kota Bharu Trade Centre which is known to be the largest shopping mall in Kota Bharu. The PasarSitiKhadijah and Kota Bharu Trade Centre are connected to each other via an overpass located at the second floor.Other places to shop include the Kota Bharu (KB) Mall (Pacific), Pelangi Mall, Billion Shopping Centre, PantaiTimur, The Store, Kota Seri Mutiara and more. Other hypermarkets have also set foot in Kelantan. The hypermarkets include the Tesco hypermarket, Mydin mall and Aeon Mall.

2.Kelantan Cultural Center (GelanggangSeni)

          Other attractions here is Kelantan Cultural Center. We were greeted by the largest Wau (Kelantanesse Kite) in the world. A traditional WayangKulit (Puppet Shadow Play) was lined up inside the main hall and a backstage pass was given to photographers to see them perform this from behind the scenes.

3.WakafCheYeh

          WakafCheYeh turned out to be something different as this is the largest open market selling all sorts of things. They operate till about midnight and you can find most local produce including items imported from Thailand.

4. Istana Jahar

          From there, it was manageable walk to the royal center where the buildings exuded a traditional northern Malay appearance that I have not encountered elsewhere in the country. Istana Jahar is brown and yellow shades as well as glided roofs appeared to me like a Japanese temple but its origins could not be more Kelantanesse in nature. Built in 1887, it now functions as Kota Bharu’s most interesting museum, offering visitors a peek into life at the northern Kelantan state.

5.Muzium Islam

          Like the Istana Jahar earlier, the Islamic Museum is housed in a similar looking building, albeit without the gilded roofs and featuring a greenish shde instead.

6.Beach

-PantaiCahayaBulan

          Formerly known as Beach of Passionate Love, this is one of the most popular spots for some refreshing coconut water and local snacks while enjoying the sea breeze. The route to the beach is dotted with thriving cottage industries. Watch batik and songket textiles being made or get yourself a beautiful popular item found here. Many comfortable chalets are available at the beach.

-Pantai Seri Tujuh (Beach of Seven Lagoons)

          Located in Tumpat district close to the Thailand border, this pristine beach is sheltered by the longest lagoon in Malaysia. Home to the annual International Kite Festival, the beach has a variety of food and drink stalls as well as public amenities.

-PantaiSabak (Sabak Beach)

          As well as being a rendezvous for fishing boats, Sabak Beach boats fine golden sands fringed by coconut palms. It is a perfect spot to picnic and relax while observing the return of the fishing boats. Gentle waves lap the shore while the water is warm and clear.

-PantaiIrama (Beach of Melody)

          Approximately 30km south of the capital in the Bachok district, PantaiIrama offers choice picnic spots and eating stalls. It is reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches along the East Coast.

-PantaiBisikanBayu (Beach of Whispering Breeze)

          About 50km from Kota Bharu in the PasirPuteh district, both north and south of the village of Semerak, the gentle breezes rustle the casuarina needles producing a hushed sound. Surfing can be good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find excellent sports.

 NUR AIN AYUNI BT MOHAMMED RAMIZ