Saturday 28 September 2013




BRIDGE PULAU PINANG



     












Known as Foreigner's Rock in local language, Batu Ferringhi is a beach township, occupying a stretch of beach at north of Penang. It may be a bit calm if you pass by during the day but as night approaches, Batu Ferringhi comes alive! Night Market or some refer as 'Sidewalk Bazaar' or 'Street Bazaar' is one of the most popular activities at Batu Ferringhi.
Small alley on street pavementSmall alley on street pavement


By the main road in Batu FerringghiBy the main road in Batu Ferringghi

Despite the narrow main road along Batu Ferringhi, local traders diligently put up their stalls along the pavement everyday as long as it is not raining. They operate right after sunset, as early as 6pm until past midnight. If you are coming from Tanjung Bungah, the string of stalls stretches from Rasa Sayang Resort and all the way to Casuarina Hotel – a distance of more than 1 km.
The Ship Restaurant serves WesternThe Ship Restaurant serves Western


A Middle Eastern RestaurantA Middle Eastern Restaurant

And shopping is a favorite night life at Batu Ferringhi! During the day, beach is the main attraction and as night crawls in, street bazaar is where the folks flock! Lighted landmarks, colorful neon from hotels, cafes, restaurants and pubs has face lifted Batu Ferringhi and it is lively!
Luggages and clothings
Of various colors, shapes and sizesOf various colors, shapes and sizes

The bazaar stalls along the beach side of the road features an assortment of goods ranging from souvenirs, woman’s accessories, luggage, sandal, local food, shawl/scarf, 'designer' handbag, 'branded' apparels and even DVD. Claimed by some locals as one of the best places in Penang for souvenirs with ample choices. The merchandises are selling at very reasonable price (in fact, same price is offered to both local and tourist) and attracts a huge crowd to the Night Market which was literally translated from Malaysian language 'Pasar Malam'. Take a walk along to this stretch of canopy stalls and compare the quality or price if you wish.
Beautiful dresses for ladiesBeautiful dresses for ladies


Children's wear too!Children's wear too!

 













Saturday 21 September 2013







  



Location
The Thean Hou Temple was built by the Hainanese in order to commemorate the Goddess of Thean Hou. The Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest Chinese temple in South East Asia and was officially opened on 3rd September 1989. You can get to Thean Hou Temple if you are on the way to Midvalley Megamall via Jalan Syed Putra.
Overview
The temple is built on a 1.67-acre piece of land. The original temple was initially at Jalan Sultan but was relocated at the present location in 1987. The temple has four levels. The top level is the main temple hall where all the cultural and religious activities are held regularly. At level one is the souvenir shops and the food court while the 2nd level is the banquet hall where most Chinese wedding dinners are held. And at the 3rd level is the marriage registration and administrative offices.
The main temple hall is beautifully decorated by dragon-inspired columns and immaculate rooftops. From this level, you will be able to enjoy the breath-taking view of the Kuala Lumpur Skyline. At this level too, you can also get able to have a close up look at the Goddess of Thean Hou who is flanked on her right by the Goddess of Waterfront and Goddess of Mercy on her left. The two main functions of the temple are as a marriage registration center and also as a place to hold Chinese dinner ceremonies.
Nearby the Thean Hou Temple is the Buddhist Maha Vahara which is a Buddhist site which was founded by the Sinhalese. The site was built to provide a place of worship in the Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist tradition. This Buddhist site is more commonly known as the Brickfields Buddhist Temple. If you would just an extra day to really visit these two temples




Tempurung Cave (Gua Tempurung)
























Location

Gua Tempurung is situated at Gopeng in the state of Perak. This cave is believed to have existed since early 8000 B.C. and is most probably the largest natural limestone structure in Malaysia. It is also Perak's best kept secret. The Gua Tempurung is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful white marble and limestone cave with various dimensions.

Overview

Gua Tempurung consists of five large domes with ceiling which look like coconut shells. The makeup of each domes are of different formations and marble which exist due to differing temperatures and water levels. The beauty of the caves is simply out of this world as their stalagmites, stalactites and other magnificent rock formations that are just a spectacular wonder. There are several tours into the cave as that is the main attraction here. The caves are actually situated under the limestone hills and tunnels are formed that lies from east to west and is about 1.9 kilometers in length.
The River Adventure is the tour which requires visitors to bring an extra set of clothes as one will sure to be drenched to the skin and full of sand. You can bring your own torch light and safety helmet but they are also available for rent. Caving here requires no prior experience and it suitable for just about anyone. Other than caving, you can go for white water rafting. Usually visitors go for the white water rafting after caving to clean themselves up. At the river, you will be in for some exciting rapids and floating down the clear river water in the middle of the green forest. This simply is the best experience you can ever have and it is a great activity to do with your friends and family.


Sam Poh Tong Temple













Location

The Sam Poh Tong Temple is a popular cave temple that is situated in Gunung Rapat. Gunung Rapat is about 5 kilometers south of Ipoh. The Sam Poh Tong Temple is said to be the biggest cave temple in the whole of Malaysia and is out of its world in terms of its work of art. You will be able to see various statues of Buddha in the cave temple which can be easily found among the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave.

Overview

It was said that the cave was found in 1890 by a monk who came from China. The monk was passing through Ipoh and he decided to make the cave his home and as a place for him to meditate. The monk remained at the cave for another 20 years until he deceased. There are still nuns and monks who dedicate their lives to Buddha occupying the cave temple of Sam Poh Tong until today.
Other than being a Buddhist cave temple, the temple's compound includes a crematorium and a columbarium where ashes of the deceased are kept safe. The comlumbarium in Sam Poh Tong is like a four-storey blue colored building block. The cave temple is especially packed during the Ching Ming when the relatives of the deceased come to pay respect to their ancestors. They leave behind food and offerings to them.
Also, in front of the temple is a very beautiful garden with a large fish pond. Decorations in the garden include the Japanese stone lantern and pagodas that add a touch of beauty to the garden. It was said that in 1993, the garden won the award of the best landscaped garden in Malaysia.