Day 1 – Penang National Park
Arrive at Penang International Airport. Meet our representative and transfer to Teluk Bahang chalet. Put on your walking shoes and proceed to the National Park where abundant treasure awaits to be explored. A discreet nature reserve which straddles across 1,266 hectares of coastal hill mangroves, beaches and rocky shores, the park offers excellent trails through the rainforest. Visitors can jungle trek within the forest or to Mukah Head, where there is an old lighthouse with panoramic ocean view, and relax at Teluk Duyung or popularly called Monkey Beach, a broad bay protected by the Mukah Head cape.
Another option is trekking to sandy stretch of Pantai Kerachut , a popular picnic and camping site as well as a favorite nesting place of Green turtles from April to August, and the Olive Ridley from September to February. Enjoy a 20-munite canopy walkway through the thick jungle to discover the unique flora and fauna as well as the wildlife such as monkeys and eagles.
Another must-see attraction of the Park is the meromictic lake; a natural but weird phenomenon where two layers of different types of water do not mix! When the tide rises, sea water gradually fills up the lake with fresh water from the island’s streams remains on top of the denser sea water. In term of temperature, the sea water remains warm while the fresh water on top remains cool. Further, since the lower part of the lake lacks oxygen, not many animals can live there to stir up the two layers of water; amazing, isn’t it?
After sunset, visit the Batu Ferringhi sidewalk bazaar, where everything from food, clothing, souvenirs, batik, watches and fashion accessories are sold and bargaining is the order of the day.
Day 2 – Round Island Tour
After breakfast, you will be taken to the Butterfly Farm. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by a myriad of fluttering butterflies within a seemingly natural setting: an enchanted wilderness, bejeweled with colorful gems of creation. The farm is a complete with a hatchery and a “Preserved Butterflies of the World” Museum and a home for over 3000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 species, frogs, scorpions and other insects. Then make your way to Tropical Fruit Farm to discover an exotic agrotourism experience. Don’t miss the chance to savor the wide assortment of locally grown fruits especially the king of local fruits, the durian. The locals claim that durian grown in Balik Pulau is one of the best Malaysian durian. Continue to head southwest to sample a hearty meal of delightful variety of Penang food and enjoy the rustic old charm of Balik Pulau. Later, make a brief photo stop at Anjung Indah, located on top of the hill with a few low peaks which provide panoramic view of Balik Pulau and the southwest coastline of Penang Island.
Proceed to one of the finest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia; the Kek Lok Si Temple stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam. Built in tiers, the temple boasts the beautifully crafted ‘Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas’. Marvel at the Statue of the Goddess of Mercy against the scenic surrounding which also features the pond of longevity, where hundreds of tortoises set free by the devotees.
Next stop is the century old 72 acre Botanical Garden located at the foot hill of Penang Hill. The garden is an oasis of peace and tranquility with lush green surroundings and vibrant colors of rare species of tropical flora and fauna. The garden is also well known for its free-roaming rhesus monkeys in their natural habitat.
In the evening, make a stop in the heart of Georgetown. Stroll along the Penang Road to hunt for local souvenirs and antiques. Visit the bustling Chowrasta Bazaar for its delightful labyrinth of stalls with products ranging from local delicacies, preserved foodstuff, bean paste biscuits to textile, clothing and second-hand books.
No comments:
Post a Comment