The Perfect ‘Kampung’ Experience

hugolim.com_Balik Pulau copy.jpg — Pulau Betong Fishing Pier ©hugolim.com

What is at Balik Pulau one may question. The name that it carries in Malay literally means ‘at the back of the island’ is indeed geographically located as the name suggests. Balik Pulau is the ‘old’ of Penang. The pace of this area runs even slower than any part of Penang and brings back nostalgia of the ‘kampung’ lifestyle (village) to anyone who visits. The people who lives in the area are agriculturally self-sufficient and is famous for its durian, clove, coconut, nutmeg and varying fruit orchards.

The Saanen Dairy Goat Farm may seem modest but it provides a family-fun experience for adults and children to experience freshly picked produce and a modestly made up petting ground consisting of goats, ostriches, goose, chicken and more. Try out their various ice-cream flavours, goat milk pudding and nutmeg yogurt. Yummy!

If you are a true believer of the health benefits of nutmeg, then visit Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory for a chance of free sample of nutmeg juices, preserved and pickled nutmeg and syrup handpicked from the farm. Its shop is definitely worth a stop for nutmeg oil and balm.

While it could be a hot day, it is still possible to rent bikes from various businesses to check the area on two wheels. While hiring a local guide on a cycling tour may be an easier option, it may also magnify the village experience – a kampung experience. The guide will mostly include the Pulau Betong Fishing Village, Pasir Panjang beach, the Mariamman Hindu Temple and the Stepping Stone Centre.

Be sure to try out kuih bahulu (Malay dessert) and Laksa Pokok Janggus (sour noodles mixed with cucumber, onions, lime and fish). Treat yourself to a nice coconut juice at the end of your trip for a well-deserved experience of the quiet and modest lifestyle of Balik Pulau.

Comments

Never Enough of Kimberley Street

Welcome to the Streets of George Town. Every issue, we bring you on a vicarious tour of the heritage trails of Penang highlighting its history, attractions and more! Known as “Swatow-kay” or Swatow Street among the Penangites, Kimberley Street (Lebuh Kimberley in Malay) is definitely one of all foodies’ favourite food destinations in George Town. It runs from Penang Road to Carnarvon Street in the heart of the city, clustered with streetside hawker stalls which started near the intersection with Rope Walk (Jalan Pintal Tali). Most of the stalls in the street are operated by second- or third-generation hawkers, and had been there since World War II. Kimberley Street was named after John Wodehouse, the Earl of Kimberley, who was the British colonial secretary in the 1870s. The road was created in the late 19th century and was populated by Teochew immigrants from the Swatow Province, who made bihun (rice noodles) and mee suah (vermicelli), drying them in the open. Until today, this...

An Exhibition of Opulence - RHB Premier . International Luxury Collections Week 2017

CHTNetwork recently hosted the RHB Premier International Luxury Collections Week 2017 at Gurney Paragon – the first-of-its-kind exhibition in Malaysia that showcases the finest and glamorous jewellery, luxurious automobiles, fine arts, genuine antiques, expensive watches, properties, fashion and auctions for reputable dealers and collectors surrounding the region. The exhibition aims to provide a newly formatted event especially for Penang’s tourism purposes in the hope to attract and impress more local and international spender to Penang. Corum YB Danny Law Heng Kiang, Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development and Culture endorsed the red carpet project and also attended as Guest Of Honour at its grand opening. Amee Philips, a renowned brand in the jewellery industry, presented an exclusive show of their finest collections. Other participating exhibitors include RHB Premier, Gurney Paragon Mall, CORUM Watches, Thai Airways International, Crown Worldwide Group, Hunza Propert...

Dying Trades In George Town

As living heritages themselves, these people are part of the cultural richness of George Town against the backdrop of architectural heritage. Make your heritage trail complete by visiting them before these trades fade away. 1. Thana’s Goldsmith Fourth-generation goldsmith M. Raju is the last of his kind in Penang. With a sharp eye for detail, a pair of steady hands and his trusty tools, Raju carries on the time-consuming process of shaping gold into elaborate jewellery. Don’t you dare miss out on the last of custom-made gold trinkets Penang has to offer! 2. Songkok Maker On King Street, Haja Mohideen works his fingers to the bone at the sewing machine tucked away in a quaint little shop. A trade passed to him by his father, he keeps the custom of hand-made songkoks (a stiff cap worn by Muslim men) alive with the assistance of his son-in-law. 3. Signboard Maker Inherited from his father who was from Guangdong, China, Kok Ah Hwa shoulders the family legacy of...

iNPENANG

Search This Blog