FRASER’S HILL, REVISITED

Our last visit to Fraser’s Hill was in June 2008, with my wife and our daughter, Fifi. My wife booked a room at the Government holiday resort for a very reasonable price specifically for government’s staffs. This year, five (5) years later, during the same month, we went to this hill resort again to enjoy our holiday. There are no supermarkets or hypermarkets, nor any shopping complex as we used to go to in other towns, there are only recreation centres, the beautiful sceneries and the cool weather for us to enjoy with.

To avoid any disappointment, as early as on 25^th February 2013, I booked a room at a hotel in Fraser’s Hill for 3 nights from the 20^th to 23^rd of June 2013. It was in early March this year we suggested to Fifi whether she and her husband wanted to join in for the holiday. Without haste, she agreed and we were actually glad she wanted to go as it was quite a while we did not go for a holiday together. I sent an email to the hotel to book an additional room. On 10^th April, I received a call from the hotel management regretted that there is no more rooms available during those dates. I tried to book at other reasonable hotels in this hilly resort, but unfortunately, there are no more rooms available either. I was told that there will be an event in this hill resort and that the hotels are all fully booked.

Fifi then told us that she will be coming along with us without her husband as he have plans and would be busy during those days. We intended to check in the same room that I had booked, and that we will be staying in the same room, hoping that it will be just enough to accommodate the three (3) of us!.

We left our home in the morning of Thursday, 20^th June 2013 and we travelled to the highland by car, going by the same route during our first visit. It was five (5) years since then and there are changes along the route. We asked around for the direction and we passed Kuala Kubu Bharu town before going uphill through the many turns and bends. Fifi seemed dizzy and experienced travel sickness, and I have to drive slowly to make sure she is comfortable.

On reaching the main gate to the hill resort, the route uphill was changed to a one-way route, thus we do not have to wait for the traffic to descend as we experienced during our last visit. There is another new route for traffic going down the hill.

We reached our destination safely by noon and on our arrival, we went to the same shop situated beside the mosque to take our lunch. The shop is now renovated and well arranged. The food is still good to our taste buds and Fifi remembered how she was tempted to the few dishes in the menu.

 (Left) the local shop that we used to take our lunch five years ago …
and (Right) enjoying our breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant!

We checked in at the hotel and all goes on well. We were told by the receptionist of an event to take place in Fraser’s Hill, and that the hotel was fully booked. This hotel is strategically situated in the town centre area. The food at the restaurant is great and its menu has become the favourite of Fifi, be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. From the hotel we can see the Clock Tower which is the main attraction and the landmark of this hill resort, where every tourist and visitors alike would take photos.

The beautiful, comfortable and strategically situated “Puncak Inn”

The event was “Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2013” which was organized by the Fraser’s Hill Development Board, the State of Pahang, a local university, to name a few and attended by many foreign participants from various countries. This yearly event was held in Fraser’s Hill, began as early as in 1988, aimed to help preserve nature and to promote Fraser’s Hill as a bird sanctuary. The two (2) days event was accompanied by the “angklung” presented by musical bands from a few schools in the state. A video presentation on many species of birds was held in the evening and ends at about midnight.

Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2013

Looking for the stars in bright daylight…!

The “quiet” night life of Fraser’s Hill

Government departments and business companies that has interest in the event joined in with their presentations and products, including the high-powered binoculars and cameras. I met a few staffs from the Forestry Department, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur where I was attached in the ‘80s. Fifi bought a few T-shirts from one of the stalls. She later tried her skill doing a batik printing which she is proud of. I framed this piece of handicraft and presented to her as a souvenir.

Choosing the right colour… and the final touch!

The next day was a special day for me. My wife has been longing to ride a horse and at The Paddock, I was able to fulfil her wish, and Fifi follow suit. My wife did enjoy herself with the horse riding that has become her dream all these years.

Horse Riding – A dream comes true …

While walking around the town square, I spotted a “bird feeding” platform where birds would stop for a quick pick-up. I admired this “bird’s rest house” and I brought home a photo of this “rest house” and promised myself to build one, even if it would be a bit smaller, so that the birds near my house would be able to enjoy their food undisturbed. Beside our house is a dead-end road where birds such as larks, sparrows, wild pigeons, turtle doves, among the few used to stop looking for whatever food that I used to scatter for these birds.

At home, I got down with my plan and all the necessary hardware to build a small “bird feed” of my own. It took me a week to complete, and I placed the “rest house” at the right place with a good view for us to enjoy looking at these birds. 

The “Bird’s Feeding” of Fraser’s Hill (Right) and at our home!

A few meters from the Clock Tower, coming in from the gate, using tiles and cement, they build a line on the road to show the state boundary of Pahang and Selangor. Fraser’s Hill is in the State of Pahang and you can be at two different places in one step. The Post Office, Police HQ, the Health Clinic are still proudly serving the community of this small hill resort town.

Deciding on which way to go, Left or Right!

There are no tea plantations; no large-scale planting of vegetables or flowers as in Cameron Highlands, thus the tranquillity of this hill resort is still the proud of Fraser’s Hill. The weather is still cool and you can still see the morning mist and even when the sun shines you can still feel the cool breeze. While we are enjoying ourselves here, the weather in other towns is extremely hot due to the haze. That is Fraser’s Hill and we hope that any development will not ruin all these beautiful sceneries.

The busy town square with the Clock Tower,
the morning mist and the beautiful rising sun!

We went to the watch-point on top of a hill behind the hotel and from there we could see the views of the town square and the surrounding areas. I remembered Fifi is repugnance on seeing any insects, be it crawling or flying, and during our last visit I showed her a small millipede in size. At this watch-point I saw this millipede and I told her that the millipede we saw in our last visit has grown to a thumb-size, and she screamed on seeing it.

(Left) We first saw it five years ago … and now, it has fully grown!

During this visit we did not go to the Jeriau Waterfall. Fifi said she has to walk quite a distance to reach the waterfall. Instead, we went around the hill to see the beautiful sceneries and the old buildings that originally belongs to the English community during the pre-war and now being renovated and well kept by the Fraser’s Hill authority. My wife dreamt of having such a cottage with a chimney.

Visiting for the memories

Memories of the past (Left) and the present!

Among the Trails we went through during our last visit

The ladies among the Roses and the Lavenders

The three (3) days in this hill resort was a very memorable holiday. We experienced the difference between our last and the current visit. Going down the hill resort is by another one-way single line route, that wind down to the main road going either to Kuala Kubu Bharu in Selangor or Raub in Pahang, both would lead to the highway towards Kuala Lumpur.

The three of us! 

Good bye Fraser’s Hill, we will come again,
maybe it would take another five (5) years!

No doubt, Fraser’s Hill is still in its best, welcoming visitors to enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful sceneries. Let’s hope it will still remain the same in the many years to come, for our future generation to experience the beauty of nature.

CAMERON HIGHLANDS, REVISITED

We last visited Cameron Highlands in June 2006. I remembered it was for my birthday which was arranged by my wife during this visit. Her two daughters, son-in-law and a grandson joined in for the holiday, driving up the cool highlands in two cars. It was a very memorable holiday for my wife and she was very happy that everyone has the time to be with her during the holiday.

This February 2013, we want to go to the highlands again, and this time only two of us will be there, to recollect all the memories which we left behind. I could not book a room at the hotel that we stayed during the last visit as it was full, but I managed to book one at a hotel in the Brinchang town area instead. Since our holiday dates are in the peak season with the Chinese New Year and the school holidays for the whole week, we managed to get the room, at a very much different rates, for the 12^th to 14^th February 2013.

Before leaving for the highlands, my wife prepared 59 set of souvenirs in two (2) boxes for her colleagues at the office as a sincere gift for her 59^th birthday which falls on the 13^th February 2013, the next day after our departure. These gifts will only to be distributed on that day by her friend.

We left her office after leaving the boxes under the care of a staff, going by the Jalan Duta Toll towards the north by the North South (Plus) Highway. On the way we passed an accident that being attended by the authorities concerned. There may be some casualties as we saw an ambulance passing by the next lane toward the accident area, not to forget the heavy traffics that have to slow down. We saw accidents on our last two (2) trips and this is the third accident on the same highway.

We continue our trip and later exit to the Tapah junction towards Cameron Highlands. The route to the highland is about 70 km. The other option is by the Simpang Pulai exit, which is further north, a new route to Cameron Highlands which is also a bypass to Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

On our way we stopped at the Lata Iskandar waterfall to look at the beautiful scenery, and luckily we got a space to park. The stalls sells a lot of souvenirs, from the new locally made to the old antiques, and various kinds of local foods and vegetables.

We keep on driving towards Brinchang, one of the highest most towns, passing through the towns of Ringlet and Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata is the main town of this highland as most of the government offices are situated here.

We have to drive slowly as the traffic was slow and quite heavy. When we reach the outskirt of Brinchang, we have to go through a “one way street” to the town, and the road then branches towards Kg. Raja, which is the bypass to either Ipoh, Perak or Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The traffic was crawling all the way.

We reached the hotel at late noon only because the crawl took more time than we expected. The other problem here was to park our car, as the parking area in front of the hotel was full. A few did parked their car temporarily or waiting for any vacant spot. I left my wife in the car to register at the hotel, and later let her check-in while I look for a parking space. I have to drive around the town to get back to the hotel as the streets in the whole town are made into the one-way street. I managed to park my car at a vacant spot in front of the hotel, as long as it does not blocked the other moving vehicles. Once we parked our car, we should not drive out unnecessarily as the vacant parking space would immediately be taken by others, and we may not be able to get a new parking space later.

We had our late lunch at the food stall nearby the hotel. We have been to this food stall during our first visit, but at that time it was recently open and everything seems to be in good condition. We found that the lunch we had was a bit expensive compared to the food served, beside the utensils were not really washed clean. We felt this is a priority for all food stalls, and the proprietors should abide by the rules set and they should understand the need of keeping clean in all aspects.

Later we went to where the Fire Brigade office (Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat) is, as it is very nostalgic for my wife. During her younger days, her father was transferred to this office as the Station Chief and the whole family stayed in a house at the ground floor of the 3-floor quarters. Being 3^rd in the family, she is the eldest daughter, with the other 6 brothers and sisters remembered every moment and she felt sad undergoing her teen life with such a burden. She had her schooling days in the primary school, had to do almost all house chores and taking care of the family for her mother. To her, life had been so miserable, that took away her young and teen life. Those were the memories of her life and I told her to accept it as it was, and be grateful to Allah.

Later we went to a hotel behind this office to look for an old friend whom we met during our last visit but we were told he had resigned. We met one of the staffs who have been living in the area during those years. He and my wife talked about the life in those days, shared all the memories and I could see that my wife was happy to have met a person who knew the truth in her stories. I was truly happy for her, but sorry to say that I forgot to ask this person’s name, hoping that we will meet him again, one day.

It was about one or two years later they moved back to Bentong, Pahang as her mother could not adapt herself with the cool weather of the highlands. We took some photos to see the difference between those years, then and now, after 50 years. She wanted to show these photos to her mother after our trip.

The weather was not on our side, as it drizzles frequently. We were walking towards the night market when we were greeted by one of the receptionists from the hotel. She was very friendly and courteous, almost the same age with someone we remembered.

The next day of our arrival was a special day for my wife as she turned 59 years old. In the morning we went to visit the “Rose Garden” and my wife enjoyed herself with a few photos of her among the roses that returns some memories to her. We saw these peacocks in a cage that became the favorites of kids visiting this garden.

Next we stopped at the Kea Farm junction and bought a tea pot as a souvenir. The rains kept coming down on and off beside the traffics were quite heavy and slow heading towards the by-pass to continue their journey to either Ipoh or Kota Bharu. Looking at the weather and traffics we decided to cancel our trip to the Tea Plantation and return back to Brinchang for lunch, at a restaurant that served good food.

We looked for a bakery and bought a tiramisu cake, some strawberry pies and brought back to our room to celebrate her birthday. We sliced the cake and sent half of it to the girl we knew at the receptionist counter for her and her friends.

In the evening, we went to the night market again, and this time we intended to buy something to bring home. It was still raining drizzling and we have to walk among the crowd, with our umbrella ready in hand. We were told that this night market was put up every day during the whole week school holidays along with Chinese New Year holidays. We bought a few items and some souvenirs to take home. Quite a number of stalls sells almost the same item that symbolizes the “strawberry”, be it sandals, slacks, shirts, caps, key chains, ear plugs, snacks, or whatever you may think of. I wonder how a person looks like wearing or having all of them, a “walking strawberry”, maybe.

The next day was our final day and after breakfast, we went to the Cactus Valley, which is nearby the town to look around and to remember our last visit to this particular place. We tried to look for something that we bought at our last visit, and we simply called it “Mr. Potato” but we were unlucky as we were told they did not have those items anymore.

At about 11:00 am, we checked out from the hotel for our journey home. It was still raining, and we thanked the staffs at the counter for their courtesy and assistance given to us as senior citizens. We told them we were not happy with our holiday as the weather is unpredictable, and we intend to come again.

On the way down we stopped at Tanah Rata for lunch. The weather here was still drizzling but we managed to walk around the walkway. We left Tanah Rata going down towards Tapah and the traffic flow was fine without any car trying to speed or overtaking. We stopped at the Cameron Valley (Bharat) Tea Plantation rest area for tea and some scones which are very popular. We remembered during our last visit, when we stopped at this rest area, someone asked her mother “what is ‘scone’ mom?” The place was crowded with everyone wanted the see the vast area of the tea shrubs.

We bought two (2) sets of teapot that comes along with its packets of Cameron Valley (Bharat) tea leaves and a packet of the tea in sachets.

Continuing our journey, we stopped to buy a bottle of wild bee honey and some bamboo shoots sold by a friendly young “orang asli” boy at a stall on the road side. He is schooling at the local school in Form 3, and I advised him to study hard and wish him success for his year-end Lower Certificate Education (SRP) Examination.

We entered the North South (PLUS) Highway at the Tapah Toll towards the south. The traffics seem heavy but with a steady flow going towards Kuala Lumpur. We stopped at a petrol station to fill up and drive by the Sg. Buluh Toll to reach safely home at Taman Seri Gombak, Batu Caves.

It was a tiring day driving more that 150 km, all the way non-stop. Anyway, it’s good to be back to our home, sweet home, and we could rest for the next three days. We are grateful to Allah for the safe journey.

P.S.    Happy Birthday dear, I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating this year’s birthday with me. Any way, it’s not that I have FORGOTTEN this yearly occasion, but it’s better LATE than NEVER, and my “small” birthday gift would remind you for the every second you’re with me. So they say, and I quote: if you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you. – Love, hubby.

PENANG REVISITED

It was years ago when I last visited Penang. This year end my wife and I planned to revisit this beautiful “Pearl of the Orient” island of Penang. I have been to Penang many times and at times, I took along my wife to spend the holidays. We would stay in Penang and I went to do my work in Butterworth, crossing the channel by the Ferry. I would leave my wife behind on the island for her to go around the city. My wife too, who was with the Headquarters of the Health Ministry, used to go to Penang a few times, either by herself or with a group from the office, giving training, attending seminars or meetings at various levels of the management.

Among the best hotels that I used to stay, in term of its situation is the one that is near where hawkers selling various types of soup. These stall are situated in front of the hotel and the crowd will tell you that their dish is popular.

Planning the Trip

In November 2012 we went to Langkawi by the normal express bus to the Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. One way trip took about 6 to 8 hours, including a few stops along the way. For this return trip to Penang we intended to travel by the executive express bus from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. We saw a few of these busses during our last trip and wonder how it feels like to travel with such a bus.

We planned to go to Penang on the 26^th December 2012, staying about 4 days. I have to start looking for a room early, preferably at the hotel that I used to stay when I visited Penang. This is to avoid any disappointment as the Christmas season is still in the air and the school holiday is still in the last few days before the new term start. I browsed the internet and book a room at the same hotel and paid an advance by online on the 21^st November 2012, though it’s a bit too early but we are sure to have a room on our arrival.

I browsed the internet looking for an executive express bus, and I found one that suits our taste. The fare is quite expensive, though and costs double compared to the normal express bus. My wife insisted to travel with this bus to see how the differences are as whether it is actually an “executive” bus. I booked the return tickets on the 8^th December 2012, departing from Kuala Lumpur at about 9:20 am on the 26^th December 2012.

On 16^th December 2012 we went to the Ticket Counter at the bus terminal situated at the old KTMB to collect the boarding passes for our trip. We were given the first front seats of 2B and 2C which is the same seat numbers for our return trip.

We really do hope that the drivers did not smoke while driving, as we are a very sensitive to the smoke from any type of cigarettes, which may cause us getting the travel-sickness during the journey. Our experience with our last trip to Kuala Perlis where we were given the second row seats was that the driver did smoke, even if he opens the window beside him, we would still smell the smoke and that makes us uneasy and it may cause us with sore throats. Anyway, on our return trip from Kuala Perlis to Kuala Lumpur, the driver did not smoke, instead he just put on an unlighted cigarette or the local called it as “rokok daun” (Home-made cigarettes from tobacco wrapped in dried palm shoot) on his lips, maybe to release his tension. Anyway, he took a good decision and his own time to smoke when we stopped at a Rest & Service area while the bus was being filled-up with fuel for the journey.

On-Line Bus Ticket Booking System

It’s about time the system to book these bus tickets online be modified to enable the customers to choose any seats available. I read a comment on my article about traveling by the express bus which was published in this blog on 26 November 2012 entitled “Returning to Langkawi”. The reader of Vri Travels from Bangalore, Karnataka, India, wrote that their system to book a bus ticket includes the choice of seat, hassle free cancellation of ticket bookings, a simple money transaction and “what you see is what you pay, with no extra charges” tickets. I browsed the Internet at www.ticketgoose.com to confirm the comment. It’s good to see the differences and the innovative others have in their system. Anyway, through experience, booking tickets with our local airlines have the options to choose our seats, but with a cost.

Luggage Tags

It’s normal that all passengers are required to place their luggage in the luggage compartment, usually at the lower part and on the left side of the bus. This compartment is locked by the driver for any trip. If any passenger would like to stop anywhere on the way, usually before reaching the end of the trip or the bus terminal, the driver has to go down to open the compartment allowing the passenger to take their luggage. The driver wouldn’t know which luggage belongs to whom, and he just have to trust the passenger. In this situation, someone may, either by mistake or purposely took someone else’s luggage, especially, when it happens that the luggage may looks almost similar among the other luggage in the compartment. The real owner of these luggages did not come down to see if their luggage is still in the compartment and not taken away by any irresponsible persons.

It would be a good practice if the bus operators would issue “Luggage Tags” to the passengers after buying a ticket and given a “boarding pass”. The “Luggage Tags” will be issued according to the number of luggage carried and placed in the compartment only. This would help the passenger to identify their luggage and the driver, in doubt, would be able check and confirm according to the boarding passes. This is one safety measures that the bus operator should take seriously and look back at the many unpleasant incidents that have caused a lot of problems, both to the bus operators and the passengers. Besides practicing a good standard, it will always help the innocent passengers and the public as a whole.

The Trip

On the morning of the trip, 26^th December 2012, I called the local taxi to send us from our home to the bus terminal at the Old Railway Station in Kuala Lumpur. We reached the bus terminal early and we have our breakfast at the station, rested at the lounge, served with no other than coffee. We were told that some kind of food would be served at the lounge for our breakfast. I have to buy some food from the shops nearby the terminal to complete my breakfast, as I did not take anything before leaving my home.

The bus started its journey at about 9:30 am, going around the KL Sentral and the Hartamas area, if I am not mistaken, to enable some passengers to join us before going into the North-South (PLUS) highway towards the northern part of the Peninsula. On the way, we saw a skidded lorry tanker being attended by the authorities, and luckily it happened on the other side of the highway, going south to Kuala Lumpur. It’s sorry to see a long crawl for more than 5 kilometers.

The bus continues its journey stopping only at a Rest Area for about 10 minute for the passengers who might want to go to the toilet. Although it was already noon and lunch time, the bus continues its journey to Penang that took about 4½ hours from Kuala Lumpur. This is a reminder to all future passengers to be prepared with your own lunch during the trips as the “lunch” provided by the bus was only a “bun” and two (2) packet drinks which we may take it as snacks. Maybe it was a bit early in the morning. We cannot assume it as “lunch” if it’s not enough to satisfy your taste buds and hungry stomach. It does not matter if you can survive the whole trip without stretching yourself for the long hours. They should be able to prepare a real lunch, even a pack of “nasi lemak” is reasonable enough. You can make your own definitions as to whether this is actually an “executive bus” or not, and may not worth compared to the fare.

We reached the Sg. Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang at about 2:30 pm. We took a taxi to the hotel at Penang Road to check-in. Our room overlooked the east, and every morning, we would see the beautiful sunrises. At the hotel, we met Mrs. Jeya who has been with this hotel for more than 30 years. We knew and remember her by her charm and the ability to speak the local Chinese dialect fluently although she is an Indian by race.

After check-in, we went for a late lunch at a restaurant. We saw these nostalgic photos in this restaurant which we would like to share. We won’t be able to see these nowadays, especially the “double-decker” busses in the city, even in Kuala Lumpur.

Later in the evening, we went around the town just to enjoy the scenery. We found there are a few shops that hire motorcycles, scooters and bicycles. It is normal to rent these vehicles nowadays and we found the same activity when we visited Labuan and Langkawi. These shops will not worry when you rent these vehicles in Labuan and Langkawi, as it is an island and there is no chance of getting out of the island with it. Except for Penang, it may cost you a bit higher with all other documents as part of the deposit, isn’t it?

For our dinner we enjoyed the “ox-tail soup” with locally-baked bread at the stall in front of the hotel.

The next morning we went to visit a friend at his office on the 37^th floor of the KOMTAR Tower. We could not meet him but left a message instead, and went down to the shopping complex. At a shoe shop, we met a lady, a supervisor, who said that she saw us walking romantically hand-in-hand while she was in the bus going to the KOMTAR Complex. She was very friendly and we have a wonderful time with her. This surprised us as the same incident did happened in Labuan, where we were seen going to the market by a lady who sells the head gear at a shopping complex. Anyway, at this age, what else do we have except each other?

The Penang Hill or “Bukit Bendera”

Later we went to the Penang Hill. We took a bus from the Bus Terminal at KOMTAR Complex that ends at the Penang Hill site, and the one-way fare is only RM2 per person. It was a pleasant drive by the Rapid Penang bus packed with both the locals and tourists alike. The ticket for the ride uphill and return is only RM4 for senior citizens like us. The crowd was beyond expectation as it was still in the school holidays, and there was a long queue for the tickets.

While queuing, I met this couple from Holland and currently living in Bangkok, Thailand. We talked and they asked if there is a possibility to walk down the hill on their return trip. I told them it is possible with the availability of the track, and it may take about 3 hours to reach at the downhill station. We departed and I hope they enjoyed their trip and wish them a Happy New Year 2013.

The trip with the new train uphill took only about 5 to 6 minutes, compared to the former carriage that took about 20 to 30 minutes. We have no chance to look around and enjoying the sceneries while going up or return. The carriage was full with standing passengers, thus blocking the views. There were a lot of difference enjoying the trip by way of the old carriage and the new current electric carriage. You may browse www.penanghill.gov.my for more information.

We reached the top of the Penang Hill or “Bukit Bendera” as the local called it, and there were a large crowd. The sceneries were still beautiful and atmosphere is still cool except that the authorities has to make sure this tourist spot is well maintained and has to limit its development as not to ruin the panoramic view of the area.

There are a lot of new developments on the hill. A food stall complex, The Cliff Café was built to accommodate the many visitors. We went to the hotel and restaurant that we used to dine to celebrate a birthday. We met the caretaker who still remembered us when we asked about the “green” snakes that used to slither among the climbers and shades looking for its favorite food, the house lizard, maybe. We remembered the hotel rooms were being renovated then and now they are ready for use.

In the evening, we walked around the city. We have this “Laksa Penang” and “Cendol with durian” at this lovely outlet of the KOMTAR Walk.

There is a beautiful and antique dressing table placed at a corner of the shop. The owner told me that this antique is as it was with no modification or repairs done, and is still in its original state.

The “Street Arts” of Penang

The next day we went looking for the road where “The Street Arts” is, where they draw on the walls of the buildings around the Armenian Road. We did asked around, but sometimes the local themselves does not know the existence of this beautiful arts. With the aid of the town map, we manage to locate the area, and of course, these drawings were in various building around the area. There are a lot of other visitors, be it local or not, will gather around to catch a glimpse and take photos with their own interpretations. 

I was wondering if our artists in Kuala Lumpur could do something like what their colleagues in Penang did. I am sure it will be another hit and a tourist attraction. Why not change those drawings along the Klang River near the Central Market. We have to do something that would show the ability of the artists themselves rather that those “unexplained” arts drawn on those walls. We have to choose the right area for these drawings as it would help the fans to enjoy them. There is no need for them to go down to the banks to admire the paintings. The water of the Klang River might rise to the level that will hinder the visitors from enjoying the arts.

On the way returning to the hotel, we met a young lady with a bicycle, waiting for her friend. She’s enjoying herself traveling around with her own bicycle that she brought along from Switzerland. My wife introduced herself and we wishes Miss Zaloda a happy holiday and New Year 2013.

The Favorites of Penang

We took our lunch at the “Line Clear” Restaurant, and this time we were a bit early and the place was not that crowded. We remembered the day before there was a long queue for the famous dish in Penang, the “Nasi Kandar”. Jokingly, I told the proprietor that the name of this stall should be “Line NOT Clear” as the name “Line Clear” does not show its ability to accept the many visitors for the favorite dish. 

After lunch, we went to the Chowrasta Market, where they sell the many types of pickles. The favorite is the local nutmeg fruits and there are various species of fruits that has turned into pickles, of which some of these fruits were brought either from Thailand or Indonesia. We bought some of these pickles for a friend who has asked us to buy for her. We were told that if you go to Penang and does not go to this market to buy at least one type of pickles, that meant you have not go to the true Penang itself. 

The Return Home

Our holiday ended on Saturday, 29 December 2012, and our return trip was scheduled at 11:00 am from the Sg. Nibong Bus Terminal. As usual we have our breakfast at the hotel and I would have my daily favorite dish. 

We check out at about 10:00 am, and later left for the Sg. Nibong Bus Terminal by taxi. We were about 30 minutes early, and we have ample time to relax waiting for the bus. My principle is that “I will wait for the bus because the bus won’t wait for me”, and that include air flights, appointments or anything, for that matter.

The time we step our foot at the Terminal, the touts were ready to harass us to buy tickets from them for any destination you want. It’s a nuisance even if we told them we already have our tickets, and they seem not to believe us at all. The best action is just ignore them, let them say whatever they want, and at the end, they will disappear looking for a new customer.

The bus arrived in time. We packed our luggage into its compartment, and board the bus. We were greeted by a lovely girl who was the Flight Attendant (FA) for the journey back to Kuala Lumpur. During the journey, this FA is very polite and went around asking the passengers who might need any assistance or the headphones for the video. I used my phone’s headphone to listen to the music from the video player. She would served the snacks and drinks, attending to the passengers who might want anything, such as the blanket, hot drinks or else she will be going around collecting any waste as the serving table at the seat is too small to hold these litters. We wish her success and a Happy New Year 2013.

I mentioned these facts as the FA during our trip to Penang, to my observation, did not do her job well. Although she wears her blouse uniform, but her slack is the “low-cut” that does not fit well while doing her job. She did not offer anything to the passengers, such as the headphones, hot drinks and alike. Collecting rubbish was only done almost at the end of the journey. She spoke in English, with a different peculiar slang (Indonesian?), for the announcement but did not see her attending to the passengers. Most of the time during the trip she will be just sitting attending her mobile phone, instead.

We reached Kuala Lumpur at about 4:30 pm, the bus stopped at KL Sentral to allow any passengers to disembark. We have our late lunch at a restaurant at the KL Sentral before getting the taxi to our home.

Conclusion

I have been to Penang, by flight, car and the express bus. The three different ways of traveling with a lot of memories, and as time goes by, it will be remembered only by the photos that we took. During my working days, too, I have travelled to almost all the states in Malaysia. It was something good to think of.

For the past few months, we have been travelling to a few places, some of which we have been there before. We would be able to see any differences in development or improvement since the last visit. It’s the first visit that touched our hearts to come back to recall the memories. The next place we would like to go is the cool Cameron Highlands, most likely in the coming February 2013, hopefully.

Note: Some of the comments are writer’s own, without prejudice, hoping that it will help to improve wherever needed.

Published: 13 01 13.