Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo

Kedai Kopi New Cathay at Pulau Tikus, Penang - Breakfast at Penang Rat Island

2012-05-04T19:50:00.031+08:00

Kedai Kopi New Cathay (New Cathay Coffee Shop), located at 425-E, Burmah Road in Pulau Tikus area is famous for its variety of delicious local non-halal Chinese street food. To be more exact, the coffee shop is at the intersection between Burmah Road (Jalan Burmah) and Kucing Lane (Lorong Kucing).

Opened for breakfast, this coffee shop is known as "Sin Kwok Tai" in Penang Hokkien or 新國泰茶室 . Here, you can find Curry Mee/Noodles, Penang Prawn Mee/Noodles, Penang Hokkien Mee, Penang Char Koay Teow, Fried Fish Meat Beehoon Soup, Koay Chiap With Duck Meat, Pan Cakes, Chee Cheong Fun, Eggs with Buttered Toast, Apom Manis and Roti Babi .

The kopitiam is always full and it is difficult to find parking.

Here's the stall that sells pan cakes.

Just look at the bunches of fresh bananas hanging beside his stall and you can guess that Banana Pancake is his best seller. The banana pancake comes with raisins and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds.

It is difficult to find an empty table here. You may need to share tables. Some customers don't even mind standing while having their meal! We waited a long time to be served because quite a number of customers were ordering takeaway too. But never mind the waiting, it was fun filling up our stomachs with the many varieties of food available here.

“Kedai Kopi New Cathay at Pulau Tikus, Penang - Breakfast at Penang Rat Island”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com

This is Apom Manis or Indian styled pancake made the traditional way.
The apom isn’t too sweet. It is fluffy and crispy. The taste is just right.
The best part is that it is served on a real banana leaf. I love this!

The first time I tried Penang Apom was at a stall parked in front of another coffee shop in Pulau Tikus many years ago. The stall belonged to a Chinese guy. I can never forget the experience. It tasted so good that we even "ta pau" (takeaway) some to enjoy in the car during the journey home. Thereafter after each trip to Penang, we would try to allocate some time in search of THE APOM Stall! Unfortunately, we couldn't locate the same stall anymore as we cannot remember the exact location. Now, whenever I visit Penang, I always have this craving for apom and it is difficult to leave Penang Island without tasting apom. Yes, the apom sold here is really different and special!

This apom peddler parks his stall along Lorong Kucing, beside Kedai Kopi New Cathay in Pulau Tikus. S. Ravindran and wife have been selling apom manis for more than 15 years. Their son is here today because it is a school off-day. Just look at how Mrs Ravi can manage 6 apom stoves cooking simultaneously in one go!

They use non-stick pans (woks) and the apom is cooked over a charcoal stove. The main ingredients in the batter are eggs and santan (coconut milk). The apam is served on real banana leaves and this applies to dine-in as well as takeaways. The "kiosk" or workstation is actually a modified trishaw.

The stall is opened from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 1pm.

He's still young but already helping mom and dad in the family business.

Both of them are shy but friendly.

On the way to New Cathay Coffee Shop, we passed by this beautiful landmark; Church of the Immaculate Conception just next to Pulau Tikus Convent school. This was because our car was parked at quite a distance away.

The signage in the picture below reads:

Father Jacques Chastan - Saint

4th Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Church

From 1830-1833

21st Sept 1839 - Martyred in Korea

6th May 1984 - The only parish priest in Malaysia

Declared a Saint by Pope John Paul II.

St. Chastan, pray for us.

Pulau Tikus, meaning "rat island" is an affluent district in Georgetown, Penang named after an island of the same name located off the north-eastern coast of Penang island. Pulau Tikus island is shaped like a rat, hence the name.

There has been a lot of development in this area with mansions, bungalows, high-end condominiums as well as colonial buildings and pre-war shop houses dotting the landscape. Some interesting facts include:

Our first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman lived here along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (formerly Ayer Rajah Road).
There are heritage buildings along Burmah Road.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, a Roman Catholic church founded more than 200 years ago. Their website here.
Wat Chaiya Mangalaram with Reclining Buddha
Dhammikarama Burmesh Buddhist Temple
Buppharam Buddhist Temple
Gurney Drive along the esplanade is famous as food haven with breathtaking sea views.
Pulau Tikus wet market is also a food haven.

Note: The above pictures were taken in December 2010.

Jan 2012 CDP Theme Day - Year of Rabbit 2011 a good year for marriage?

2012-01-01T21:23:00.009+08:00

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day. I captured this photo from my TV screen while I was watching the live telecast of The Royal Wedding on 29 April 2011 at 6.13pm local time. I choose this as my Photo of The Year 2011.

I was enchanted with this fairy tale wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and I sincerely wish that they will have a "..... and they lived happily ever after" ending. I like the way he held her hand as they looked into each others' eyes and how everyone else were so happy for them. It shows here, don't you think so?

Do you know that in a Year of The Rabbit, many Chinese couples tie the knot. 2011 happened to be such a year, hence there were many weddings in 2011 with restaurants and venues fully booked. This is because it is hoped that the following year will bring forth a Dragon baby which is good news for parents and grandparents. It is believed that a dragon child, especially a dragon baby boy will bring instant good chi and hence lots of good luck and fortune to the blessed family.

2012 is the Year of The Dragon. It is expected that there will be a baby boom, to be followed a few years later with high enrollment in kindergartens, schools and colleges, making it very competitive among dragon children.

Happy New Year 2012!

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Economy, Fast and Efficient Haircut By The Indian Barber

2011-12-01T00:03:00.008+08:00

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day for December 2011, the theme is "Action".

Who do you go to when you need a fast, cheap and efficient haircut? Well, the trusted Indian barber of course! These people are experts and master craftsmen because they will always shake their heads (which signifies a YES) when you ask if they can do this style or that style, crew cut no. 1,2 or 3, Bollywood, Hollywood, David Beckam, Johnny Depp, K-Pop Rain, Justin Bieber, curly, spiky, classic, trendy or even Master Q - no problem at all!

The cost is about RM 8.00 or USD 2.42 for a 15 min hair cut. Some enterprising shops are situated just next to a car wash centre, so you could get a haircut and head massage while waiting for your car to be cleaned.

Just that - it looks like this is a 'guys only' thingy. I have never seen a lady come for a hair cut at such shops.

Where do you go for your haircut?

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“Economy, Fast and Efficient Haircut By The Indian Barber”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com on December 1st, 2011.

St. Jacques Chastan Memorial Monument in Penang

2011-11-01T09:33:00.003+08:00

The signage reads:

Father Jacques Chastan - Saint

4th Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Church

From 1830-1833

21st Sept 1839 - Martyred in Korea

6th May 1984 - The only parish priest in Malaysia

Declared a Saint by Pope John Paul II.

St. Chastan, pray for us.

I photographed this near to the glutton square in Pulau Tikus (Rat Island), Georgetown, Penang.

For further information, please visit French Wikipedia here.

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day for Nov 2011. The theme is "FENCES".
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"St. Jacques Chastan Memorial Monument in Penang”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/.

This is my entry for Our World Tuesday Week 10, formerly My World Tuesday founded by Klaus Peter, now hosted by Arija, Gattina, Lady Fi, Sylvia and Sandy. The link is here.

City Daily Photo Theme Day Oct 2011 - Mystery Object

2011-10-01T06:31:00.004+08:00

Today is City Daily Photo's theme day for October 2011. The theme is Mystery Object.

The mystery hanging objects are called "Buddha's Hands". Have you heard of Citron fruits?

I like the citron tea, "yujacha" (柚子茶) served at a Korean Barbecue Restaurant here.

Citron fruits are produced from a small tree, the scientific name of the tree is Citrus medica. The fruits are usually oval to rounded in shape and turn from green to a golden yellow when riped. Those pictured above are extreme forms when the fruits become divided into fingers called "fingered citron" or "Buddha's hand citron".

The citron was already cultivated in Mesopotamia before 500BC.

To read more about Buddha's hands, click here.

These items are for sale at Chin Pomelo Farm, the place I photographed them. You can also view a specimen tree at the Secret Garden of 1-Utama, Petaling Jaya. I have seen the rounded fruits as well as fingered citron there.

“City Daily Photo Theme Day Oct 2011 - Mystery Object”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com on October 1st, 2011.

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City Daily Photo Theme Day Sept 2011 - Perspective

2011-09-01T23:55:00.001+08:00

Sunrise at JW Mariot Putrajaya

Some men see things as they are and ask why.

Others dream things that never were and ask why not.

~George Bernard Shaw

What is true by lamplight is not always true by sunlight.

~Joseph Joubert

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day for September 2011. This month the topic is "Perspective".
Do you think that it is important to look at the past in order to gain a perspective on the present?
What are your thoughts about now, then and the future?

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This is also my entry for Skywatch Friday Season 5, Episode 8, the link is here.
“City Daily Photo Theme Day Sept 2011- Perspective”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on Sept 1st, 2011.

Sunrise at Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang

2011-08-13T17:10:00.008+08:00

The Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang is located at the Tanjung Bungah beach. This 3 star hotel has a private beach. The Penang Toy Museum which is right in front of this hotel. Wifi was free. Breakfast was simple but taste was okay.

Tanjung Bungah is situated between Batu Ferringhi beach and also the Georgetown city centre. It is also not far from the Penang Butterfly Farm.

"Sunrise at Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on August 13th, 2011

Some rooms have a terrace or balcony where one can relax on the deck chairs and enjoy the scenic views of the sea and blue skies.

We could watch the sunrise from the comfort of our hotel room window. Below are a series of photos taken from 7:00am onwards, just after an early morning drizzle.

The sun's rays beautifully reflected on the water.

This is my entry for Skywatch Friday, the link is here.
This is also my entry for Weekend Reflections, the link is here.

City Daily Photo Theme Day Aug 2011 - Postcard Worthy

2011-08-01T00:03:00.002+08:00

This picture was taken at the Growers Show Gardens at Putrajaya Floria 2011 Flower and Garden Festival which was held on 9-17 July.

This was a favourite location for portrait photography. I even saw a bride and groom taking their wedding photos here.

“City Daily Photo Theme Day Aug 2011”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com on Aug 1st, 2011.

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day for August 2011. The theme is "Postcard Worthy".
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Hard Rock Hotel Penang

2011-07-20T08:13:00.003+08:00

The Hard Rock Hotel Penang is a luxury resort located along the popular beach of Batu Ferringhi, Penang. It boasts of having the largest free-from swimming pool in Penang with accomodation of 250 rooms and suites. It also promises fun and entertaining experience for the whole family, young and old, love birds couples as well as for singles.

In Asia, there are 2 other Hard Rock Hotels; one in Bali and another in Pattaya.

The photos here were captured during my visit to Penang Island in December 2010.

“Hard Rock Hotel Penang”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com on July 20, 2011.

This signboard at the entrance outside reminds one of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock.
But what do the initials "ELP" stand for?

A beautiful display of fantasy lights greets the customers who walk into the lobby.

The lights changes colours at regular intervals which make it even more enchanting.

This stylish hotel has an ultra hip lobby.

It was reported in the papers that: There is a "Kings Suite" dedicated to Elvis Presley.

This suite is equipped with 2 bedrooms, a living space, a Jacuzzi and a private pool.

The Lobby Bar is just next to the reception counter.

The Hard Rock hotel chain started with a single cafe which opened its doors on 14th June, 1971 as a regular restaurant in London. Now it is into its 4th decade, it is home to the legendary 10oz burger and mashed potatoes. It has expanded to include a chain of hotels that are synonymous with fun and youthfullness.

This one needs no introduction. I'm sure you know who they are!

In 1979, the owners receivved the gift of an unsigned guitar (a red Fender) from Eric Clapton.

This prompted Pete Townsend (The Who) to give on eof his guitars,

also un-signed with a note, "Mine's as good as his! Love, Pete."

Today Hard Rock's archive includes over 70,000 items,

most of which are stored in a museum called, "The Vault" in London.

The Penang hotel has 500 pieces of rock 'n' roll memorabilia in its collection:

the familiar black robe belonging to James Brown
black sparkle guitar that Paul Stanley from Kiss played on their farewell tour in Sydney.

The beatles!

Penang Batu Ferringhi Sidewalk Bazaar (Pasar Malam / Night Market)

2011-07-02T11:06:00.002+08:00

Batu Ferringhi Penang is famous for its beautiful beaches where people come here for fun, sun and surf. After sundown, it is time for some relaxation and perhaps a leisurely walk around the area.

During the day, this strip may be quiet but when night falls, it is a hive of activities. Also known as Batu Ferringhi Sidewalk Bazaar, it stretches from Shangri-la Rasa Sayang Resort to Casuarina Beach Resort. It is about 1-2km long. We locals simply call it 'Pasar Malam' meaning Night Market. The place offers many choices for dining, shopping, entertainment and relaxation.

For our dining pleasure, there are plenty of eateries, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

“Penang Batu Ferringhi Sidewalk Bazaar (Pasar Malam / Night Market)”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com on July 2nd 2011.

A mini market to replenish our provisions of snacks, drinks, toilleteries and other basic necessities. There's even a mini government health clinic next to this grocery stall which is situated near to a bus-stop.

For shopaholics, there are many stalls selling a wide range of items such as souvenirs, clothes, batik and sarongs, women accessories, watches, belts, handbags, luggage bags, CDs and DVDs, children toys and games sets.

Good bargaining skills are needed here. One can also sample some local street food.

Batu Ferringhi when translated from malay to english literally means "Foreigner's Rock".

Tailor shops that delivers with 12 hours!

City Daily Photo Theme Day for July 2011 - The Colour Green

2011-07-01T12:59:00.001+08:00

The bench below this big shady tree is a good gathering place for a few elderly friends on an idyllic Saturday morning. This area is a playground with foot reflexology paths for healthy exercises. The place is in front of Gunung Hijau School in Pusing town. The Pusing Chinese Temple and Gunung Hijau School is further up on the right.

“City Daily Photo Theme Day for July 2011 - The Colour Green”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on July 1st, 2011.

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Duanwu Festival 2011

2011-06-06T16:33:00.012+08:00

Today on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is Duanwu Festival. It is a working day in Malaysia.

HAPPY DUANWU FESTIVAL!

Duanwu Festival is also known as Dumpling Festival, Dragon Boat Festival or Chang Festival. The festival is about Qu Yuan, a much loved and admired ancient Chinese poet cum scholar who committed suicide by jumping into the river. He was devasted because the king refused to listen to his advice. To prevent his body from being devoured by fishes, the people made chang (dumplings) and threw them into the river hoping that the fishes would feed on the dumplings instead of his body. Now, every year during this festival, the Chinese follow this tradition of making and eating chang to commemorate Qu's patriotism and loyalty towards the king and country.

“Duanwu Festival 2011!”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on June 6th, 2011

There are many types of 'chang' or zongzhi in various shapes and sizes depending on the dialect group, and cultural influences. Some examples are Cantonese style with mung beans, Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew and Nyonya. Nyonya changs are uniquely Malaysian in that the glutinuous rice are tinted blue with a natural dye made from the flowers of our native plant, the butterfly pea. The filling is also quite spicy.

The main ingredients used to make chang are glutinuous rice and beans such as broad beans, red beans and mung beans. For the Dumpling Recipe, you can visit this link at kuali.com.

For the fillings, the ingredients are salted egg yolk, mushrooms, meat (chicken or pork) cooked with 5 spice powder and chestnuts.

Some like to add some preserved vegetables and chopped garlic.

The most difficult part is tying the dumpling securely so that the contents will not spill out during the cooking/steaming process. This needs a lot of practise before one can perfect the skill. To prevent wastage, some people practise by wrapping sand in mango leaves. Dumpling making used to be a family skill passed on from moms to their daughters in every household. Now, not many people do this anymore.

Dried bamboo leaves are used to wrap the dumplings. The strings are made from a seawater reed plant (harm sui cho) or the banana trunk.
Lastly, do remember to go back early to have dinner with your family members.

This is my entry for My World Tuesday, the link is here.

June 2011 City Daily Photo Theme Day - Under Construction

2011-06-01T16:04:00.003+08:00

Signage at KLCC Park in April 2011.

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Scenic Views at Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Penang

2011-05-23T08:26:00.008+08:00

1. Afternoon

The above photos are taken in December 2010 from the balcony of a hotel room at Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Penang.

“Scenic Views at Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Penang”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on May 23, 2011.

2. Evening

3. Just before sunset

4. Night

5. At the break of dawn

This is my entry for My World Tuesday, the link is here.

Dinner at The Ship Batu Ferringhi, Penang

2011-05-08T17:16:00.007+08:00

Whenever I come to Penang, I'd like to have dinner here at The Ship Batu Ferringhi.

I like the ambience, good food and good service.

They boast to "serve the best steak in town."
Last December 2010, I dined there with my children.

“Dinner at The Ship Batu Ferringhi, Penang”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on May 8th, 2011.

Appetizer is fresh shrimp cocktail.

My favourite soups.

Escargots Bourguinonne, delicious French snails perfectly baked in chablis garlic sauce.

Roasted rack of lamb topped with black peppermint sauce

served with broccoli, corn on the cob and baked potatoes.

Seafood Platter consists of grilled king prawns, fish fillet, grilled squid,

fried soft shell crab, fried scallop served with french fries and mini salad.

Grilled salmon with tiger prawns served with french fries, corn on the cob and mini salad.

I like to eat mine with a wee bit of French mustard.

Dessert is baked cheese cake.

Iced lemon tea - my son's all time fave drink.

What are you having for dinner with MOM today?

Happy Mother's Day!

This is my entry for My World Tuesday, the link is here.

City Daily Photo Theme Day for May 2011 - Mailbox

2011-05-01T09:38:00.012+08:00

This is the post office (Pos Malaysia) in the little town I grew up in. It is in the outskirts of Perak state, Malaysia. The red mailbox on the left is for general mail while the yellow one is for express mail. The twin buildings on the right behind the pos office are the W.C. or lavatories (for staff and not for the public).

The building used to be a converted kampong styled house with stilts. The office is at the front portion of the building while the back portion of the building is used as the living quarters for the postmaster.

During those days, there was only one postman and he delivered letters by bicycle, rain or shine. The bicycle was red in colour and the letters or documents were put inside a bag which he carried around with him. We loved to hear the sound of his bell… Ring! Ring! Ring! It meant that we have letters and news from afar. Later, his bicycle was upgraded to a motorbike. Mr Postman also acted as the translator or letter reader for the illiterate villagers and town people here. Some of them did not have valid addresses (e.g. squatters or those who stayed close to the ulu-ulu jungle) but he knew where to find them to deliver the letters, aerograms, parcels and packages. We could also also hand over to him our letters to be posted. Those days many of us do not have a telephone line. Sometimes, he brought urgent news which may be good or bad in the form of a ‘telegram’. Everybody in town knew him, our one and only Mr. Postman. … Oh yes, wait a minute Mister Postman, wait Mister Postman. Please Mister Postman, look and see, Oh yeah, If there's a letter in your bag for me...

When I was little, I used to come here with mum and sister to deposit our Chinese New Year ang pow money, coin savings or savings from pocket money from grandpa, grandma, mum and dad. I really looked forward to coming here. At other times, I would also come here to buy stamps, first-day covers or aerograms to post to our pen-pals from overseas. Sometimes mum would accompany our neighbour, Aunty YT here to help her deposit her hard earned savings. Aunty YT was illiterate and made a living holding a few jobs e.g. ‘dulang-washing’ for tin ore, tapping rubber trees for latex, growing vegetables, rearing chickens and ducks or doing odd jobs like washing clothes or sweeping house compounds. She used to hide her savings under the pillow or in urns under her bed. Quite often all the money would get stolen. One day, mum taught her how to save money by opening an account at the post office. She was very happy when she found that she could earn interest from the money saved and see her money grow.

Have you ever saved money at the post office?
Do you still remember your post office savings book?

“City Daily Photo Theme Day for May 2011 - Mailbox”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on May 1st, 2011.

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Sunset over the New Klang City Flyover

2011-04-22T19:51:00.004+08:00

Now that the new flyover project has been completed and opened, the notorious traffic jams in Klang has reduced significantly. It is quite a breeze whizzing by. This flyover is built over the congested roundabout in the heart of Klang city. Seeing sunsets on the way home is something I get to enjoy. The tall buildings in front are the Bank of China and Wisma Lay Hong followed by the Klang Branch of the Inland Revenue Building, a reminder to file our individual taxes by April 30th.

Wishing you Happy Earth Day and may you have a blessed Good Friday!

This is my entry for Skywatch Friday, Season 4 Episode 41, the link is here.

Penang Town Hall - A Penang World Heritage Site

2011-04-17T15:20:00.005+08:00

This is a continuation of my walk down the Esplanade area in Penang. This colonial building is the Penang Town Hall. I am very thankful that this historical heritage site is still well preserved. There is a beautiful open field, Padang Kota Lama in front of this majestic building.

The construction of the Penang Town Hall began in 1879 was completed by 1883. It had an assembly hall, and a grand ballroom. The Prince of Wales Library was moved here and renamed the Penang Library. With further extension of an annex in 1890, a porch and top floor added in 1903 and a cement plastered left wing in 1930, the Town Hall was complete.

"Penang Town Hall", a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on April 17th, 2011.

During the late 19th and early 20th century, the Penang Town Hall was

Social meeting place for the rich and famous and a venue for theatrical performances and bangsawan plays.
The Wesley Church held services here
It was a location shoot for the movie Anna and the King, the courtroom segment of which was filmed here in 1999.

The Penang Town Hall, was gazetted as a historic monument on 29 July 1993.

This is my entry for Scenic Sunday, the link is here.

A Walk Along Penang Esplanade

2011-04-15T09:03:00.004+08:00

Fort Cornwallis is named after the 18th century Governor-General of Bengal, India, Charles Cornwallis. It's origin dates back to 1810. It is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. In its entire history, this fort had never engaged in any battle.

You can see some old cannons at the fort. The largest cannon, known as the Seri Rambai Cannon, was cast in 1603. It was a gift from the Dutch to the Sultan of Johore in 1606. In 1613, the Portuguese took possession of Seri Rambai. The cannon was taken to Java, where it stayed until 1795, when it was given to Acheh and brought to Kuala Selangor. The British seized the cannon and placed it in the fort in 1871. Other attractions to look out for include the following:

A replica of the camp set up by the British upon their first landing Penang.
A statue of Captain Francis Light.
The Fort Cornwallis Chapel

The fort has been gazetted on Sept 8, 1977, under the Antiquities Act 168/ 1976, as an Ancient Monument and Historic site.

The Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse in Malaysia.

A cenopath to remember war heroes.

Updated 11.11.11

This cenopath is a memorial for the military personnel and civilians who lost their lives and died fighting gallantly to protect the country, i.e. the fallen heroes in the various wars that took place after 1914. A Rememberance Day event was started in 2001. I think this is a yearly affair attended by the Penang Veterans Associaiton (PVA) with wreath-laying ceremony and observation of two minute silence as a mark of respect to honour those killed in the war.

"We must never forget the ravages and loss of lives during WW I and WW II. War is dreadful and should be avoided whenever possible. Let us remember the strength and determination shown by our uniform combat forces, police and local militia who defended human dignity. We mus also remember the Commonwealth forces who came to our aid and stood by us during our time of need." ..... Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister, Star Metro 11 Nov 2011

For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 40 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site.

City Daily Photo Theme Day for April 2011 - Edge

2011-04-01T20:28:00.007+08:00

A person can grow only as much as his horizon allows.

..... John Powell

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day for April 2011 and the theme is 'Edge'.

The above is a view of the vast horizon a short distance away from Swettenham Pier. A long long time ago, the horizon used to be regarded as the edge of the world. During the pre-war days, single people liked to visit the promenade here during Chap Goh Meh (Chinese Valentine's Day) to throw mandarin oranges into the sea in the hope of meeting that special someone in their lives.

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For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 38 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site.

Updated on 3 Feb 2012:

This year the ancient tradition of throwing mandarin oranges during Chap Goh Meh will be held at the Straits Quay promenade in Tanjung Tokong from 7pm to 11:00pm. This is part of the "Chap Goh Meh by the Sea" celebration with performances by a modern Chinese orchestra, a Chinese acrobatic team, a dragon dance and the beating of 24 Chinese drums.

Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower - Penang Heritage Trail

2011-03-27T06:03:00.010+08:00

On the second day of our Penang trip in December 2010, we had an hour to spare in the early evening, so we went for a leisurely drive along the Esplanade. I notice that there are many different types of buildings, old and new, vintage and modern next to each other. They look like new after being given a fresh coat of paint.

The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower in the picture above is located at King Edward Place (Pesara King Edward) which is just next to the Penang Port Commission. This 60 ft tall tower is a famous landmark in George Town, Penang. It was built in 1897 by a Penang Chinese tycoon, Cheah Chen Eok to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign. He had spent 35,000 Straits dollars to complete this clock tower in 1902. Sadly, Queen Victoria (24 May 1819 - 22 Jan 1901) had already passed on by then, so she didn't get to see this clock tower.

Malaysia is among one of the many commonwealth nations around the world with memorial places dedicated to her.

Just next to the historical clock tower is the modern Inland Revenue Department (IRD) or Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) buiding. The metal sculpture in front of the IRD Building is the shape of a betel nut. A betel nut is called 'buah pinang' in malay language and it is from this that Penang got its name.

“Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower - Penang Heritage Trail”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com on March 27th, 2011.

When you are visiting this landmark, look out for the following

a) Words inscribed on the base tier of the clock tower that says, 'This clock tower is presented to Penang by Cheah Chen Eok in commemoration of Her Majesty Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee 1837-1897'.

b) If you take a good look from a short distance away, notice that this clock tower is slightly leaning, probably due to the bombings suffered during the World War II and also due to the ravages of time.

c) Count the steps of the staircase leading up to the main door. There are 6 steps in total, indicating the number of decades of Queen Victoria's reign.

d) This tower is 60 ft tall, each foot for each year of her reign.

e) The architecture is Moorish and it has 4 tiers. The top tier is rounded off with Roman pillars and a domed cupola. The next 2 tiers are decorated with 4 working clocks, balconies and windows. The base tier is octagonal.

f) If you are taking pictures, you will notice that the colour tones of the building changes according to the time of the day.

Teluk Bahang Roundabout Penang

2011-02-24T17:31:00.007+08:00

On my way to the Penang Butterfly Farm, I passed by this roundabout. People like us who are not Penang locals will find this landmark useful if we want to go to Teluk Bahang wet market, Mutiara Beach Resort, Penang Cultural Centre and also the Pantai Aceh Forest Reserve, Penang National Park and Teluk Bahang Forest Park (Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang). Teluk Bahang in malay means 'heated bay'. It is a fishing village at the northwestern tip of Penang Island.

As I was passing by this place, I was excited over other things, like this free range village chicken who is free to roam the streets. Now, I hardly get to see the live ones in the city. My children only get to view the fried ones at KFC, McDonald's, and perhaps the live ones they get to see at the zoo, holiday resorts or when they balik kampung. It has also been a long time since I heard a mother hen clucking noisily or a rooster crowing happily early in the morning.

“Teluk Bahang Roundabout”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on February 24th, 2011.

I also get to sample very delicious roti canai, our very own Malaysian 'flying pancake' with egg at a mamak stall overlooking this roundabout.

Tronoh My Hometown

2011-02-18T17:33:00.024+08:00

Although I was born in Ipoh, Tronoh (端洛) was my hometown until my parents shifted back to Ipoh in the early 2000s.

During my journey back to Tronoh recently, we passed by this picturesque scene of buffaloes grazing under the hot afternoon sun somewhere near Seputeh town.

This familiar scene reminded me of my childhood and school days. I have passed by this scenic spot many times when I travelled daily to and from school by bus. School was in Batu Gajah which was about 30km or 40 min drive. We depended on the green and white 'general bus' or 'school general bus' owned by the Ipoh Omnibus Company. Some of us used the private mini school buses. I would wake up at 5:00 am and helped mom with the housework while she cooked my breakfast and packed my lunch. My bus journey would start at 6:00am and I would arrive at school around 6:40am. After I left home and settled down in the Klang Valley, I always look forward to my 'balik kampung' trips and this is the scene that would remind me that I'd be home soon. The feeling is even more nostalgic now that my parents are no longer around. On and off, I still miss this 'cowboy town' as we fondly call it ... Yeah, yeah, Country Roads, take me home, to the place where I belong ...

The following pictures were taken in 2007. Now, some of the buildings are no longer in operation. Each of the pictures tells a story of Tronoh during my childhood days.

This is the post office (Pos Malaysia). The building used to be a converted kampong styled house with stilts. The office is at the front portion of the building while the back portion of the building is used as the living quarters for the postmaster. During those days, there was only one postman and he delivered letters by bicycle, rain or shine. The bicycle was red in colour and the letters or documents were put inside a bag which he carried around with him. We loved to hear the sound of his bell… Ring! Ring! Ring! It meant that we have letters and news from afar. Later, his bicycle was upgraded to a motorbike. Mr Postman also acted as the translator or letter reader for the illiterate villagers and town people here. Some of them did not have valid addresses (e.g. squatters or those who stayed close to the ulu-ulu jungle) but he knew where to find them to deliver the letters, aerograms, parcels and packages. We could also also hand over to him our letters to be posted. Those days many of us do not have a telephone line. Sometimes, he brought urgent news which may be good or bad in the form of a ‘telegram’. Everybody in town knew him, our one and only Mr. Postman. … Oh yes, wait a minute Mister Postman, wait Mister Postman. Please Mister Postman, look and see, Oh yeah, If there's a letter in your bag for me...

When I was little, I used to come here with mum and sister to deposit our Chinese New Year ang pow money, coin savings or savings from pocket money from grandpa, grandma, mum and dad. I really looked forward to coming here. At other times, I would also come here to buy stamps, first-day covers or aerograms to post to our pen-pals from overseas. Sometimes mum would accompany our neighbour, Aunty YT here to help her deposit her hard earned savings. Aunty YT was illiterate and made a living holding a few jobs e.g. ‘dulang-washing’ for tin ore, tapping rubber trees for latex, growing vegetables, rearing chickens and ducks or doing odd jobs like washing clothes or sweeping house compounds. She used to hide her savings under the pillow or in urns but quite often all the money would get stolen. One day, mum taught her how to save money by opening an account at the post office. She was very happy when she found that she could earn interest from the money saved and see her money grow.

“Tronoh My Hometown”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on February 18th, 2011.

This is the Lutheran Church. It also functioned as a kindergarden in the mornings. My brother went to preschool here from 8am to 11:30am in 1980. On Sundays, many boys and girls liked to come here to take part in church activities, make new friends and to network. This church is situated next to the post office. There used to be a frangipani (plumeria) tree quite near to its entrance at the gate. We love to pick the white frangipani flowers to make into garlands to wear just like the girls we see on Hawaii Five O on TV. I have also seen grandma boiled the dried frangipani flowers with some herbs as a rejuvenating health drink for Aunt 'ku cher'.

The Penghulu’s house, the Forest Ranger’s hostel, the Police Station and police hostel, the English Primary School and teachers quarters, the Water Works department head, Electricity Board head, Telecoms head and also our assistant headmistress, Mrs C’s houses were situated along this same street that leads from the town centre to the Ho Sin Ku temple and the Ho Pak Yew tin mine at the end of the road. Each house looked like the traditional kampong house and has a garage next to it. We may have a bush or hedge around the perimeter of the house, but seldom any fencing that separates the neighbours from each other.

This used to be our school gardener, Mr M’s house. It is an all-in-one kitchen, living room, dining room cum bedroom. Although very poor, he had a beautiful wife who is much younger than him. He spent most of his money at the toddy shop in town. He often beat up his wife when he got drunk. To run away from this violence, she would hide somewhere or sleep in the streets. In this house he has fathered many children, many of them girls.

This was Cikgu M’s house. Mum used to bring us here to visit the cikgu during Hari Raya. His daughter attended the same school with sister and me. We really looked forward to our visits here and loved the lemang, rendang, chicken curry and many different types of colourful, sweet and tasty Malay kuih and cookies very much. We also got to sample homemade teh tarik, air cincau and rose water here. When it was time to go home, the cikgu’s wife would pack some of the raya food for us to bring home. At night this house would be decorated with colourful twinkling lights or the traditional oil lamps, 'lampu minyak' during the festive season. It was calm and peaceful then, so there was no need for any gate or perimeter fencing. We could just run up and down to our friend’s house to play hide and seek or ‘masak-masak’. We loved to play on the sandy floor under the house.

Additional Infomation from Wikipedia:

Teronoh (or Tronoh, Ternoh) is a small tin-mining town located some 30 km south of the Perak state capital Ipoh in Malaysia.

The tin-mining industry boom during the early 20th century saw Teronoh grow from a small village into a major town. The centre of the mining field containing the mine of the Tronoh Mines Company, Ltd. was the village of Tronoh. The Tronoh Mines Company Ltd. belonged to Chung Thye Phin, a rich businessman (towkay) and last Chinese Kapitan of Perak and Malaya. It was here in Tronoh that Thye Phin's famous deep-shaft mine could be found.

A railway line linking the town and Ipoh was completed in 1909 and used to transport tin ore. The tracks were dismantled by the Japanese during World War II and were never rebuilt. Shortly after the war ended the tin industry deteriorated, and with it, the importance of the town.

The main road that used to cut through town linking Ipoh with the seaside town of Lumut has been replaced by a new highway bypassing the town. Today Teronoh is a sleepy little town although that may change giving that two universities (Universiti Teknologi Petronas and Universiti Teknologi MARA) are in the vicinity.

Tronoh town offers some of the best and cheapest economic Chinese food in the whole of Malaysia, some claiming it to be even better than Penang's economic food.

Happy Chinese New Year 2011 !

2011-02-03T06:48:00.002+08:00

Hawker Food at Gurney Drive Penang

2011-01-20T22:23:00.005+08:00

Gurney Drive Penang is famous for hawker food, 'open air' style. Many locals and Penangites tell me this is not the place to go if you wish to sample genuine and delicious Penang food. I ended up at this place because earlier on my family and I had been enjoying ourselves basking in the beauty of the sunset along the promenade. By sundown, the place was be very congested which would make it very difficult to find a parking space. The hawker center is just a walk away from where we parked our car.

As expected the place was already very crowded by the time we got there. There were so many stalls but all the tables were occupied. As we walked further in, we noticed that the stalls kind of 'repeat themselves, e.g. if you like asam laksa, there were a few of them, each at a certain distance from each other.

So many choices but what to eat? My SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
1. Get a seat first.
2. Look around you, observe what others are having.
3. Look at the stalls, check which one has many customers.
4. Select local favourites.
5. If you have a weak stomach, order bottled/canned drinks.

I ordered O-Chien (oyster omelette) which was served on a styrofoam plate. Actually it was self-service style where I had to go to the respective stalls to order, wait for my turn, pay and deliver my own food! There were many people and the seller had no time to deliver the food. It was snatched up by those who stood nearby as soon as it was ready. The O-Chien actually tasted good and we had a second helping.

“Hawker Food at Gurney Drive Penang”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/ on Jan 20th, 2011.

This asam laksa with rice noodles was garnished with mint leaves, sliced red onions, cut pineapples, cucumber and best of all were the finely chopped bunga kantan (raw ginger flower buds). Now, Penang laksa will never taste authentic without the bunga kantan. The mackerel fish broth was tasty and tantalising to the taste buds. It was sweet, sour and fiery hot! A spoonful of tasty shrimp paste (hae ko) provided the extra 'oomph'. All of us ordered the Penang laksa and we were already sweating and panting halfway into the dish but don't worry, this is just a normal body reaction to the heat of the bird's eye chili.

This Leng Chee Kang dessert drink has some colourful jelly and floating basil seeds. Oooh, a saviour to my 'injured' tongue.

My son just love this shell fish. Some people like to suck out the flesh but it is also easy to dig it out with a toothpick or dessert fork. Here we were provided with satay sticks to extract the flesh. The dipping sauce should be good in order to enjoy the dish but this one was quite average.

Grilled squids, okra and red onions in hot and spicy sauce. The squids were fresh, hence it tasted good.

Now for some fresh air by the seaside.

And some night views from the promenade.

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