Penang, Part Two

Our second day in Penang began with the hunt for good local dim sum for breakfast. However, our search for the supposedly famous dim sum shop was to no avail as none of us could spot the shop with the address found on food blogs. So we settled at another shop known as De Tai Tong Cafe (大东酒楼). To be honest, Penang dim sum doesn't really differ much from one another, but the main thing is that they come much cheaper than those in Klang Valley. So while you're in Penang, make sure to have some good rounds of dim sum at very affordable prices. 

Dim Sum

De Tai Tong Cafe

45 Cintra Street

10200 Georgetown

After breakfast, we strolled along Cintra Street and Campbell Street, but it started drizzling, so we took off to the famous  Pinang Peranakan Mansion. This place is practically a museum for all things Peranakan. For those of you who don't know what peranakan means, it refers to the local acculturated Chinese community, who are unique to the Strait Settlements during the colonial era. They are also known as the Baba and Nyonya community to the locals. The manor itself has been used multiple times for filming of local and regional Chinese dramas such as The Little Nyonya (Singapore) and The Iron Lady (Malaysia). Admission fee costs RM10 per adult. 

Intersection of Campbell Street and Cintra Street

If you click and enlarge the picture, you'll notice that this building is crooked

Three storey shop lots, which are prominent during colonial era. Not many states have preserved these buildings, except Penang and Singapore

Tourists stick the entrance stickers on the stalk of the plants

The entrance stickers

A game of cherki (somewhat like mahjong)

Courtyard

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Group photo take 1: Steven, Boey Yee, Mei-Jean and yours truly

Group photo take 2

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

29 Church Street

10200 Georgetown

Had a brief chilling session at Old Town White Coffee along Church Street and started playing with our cameras (except Steven, who was so busy social-networking and gaming on his brand new SIII). Basically the photos below are effects from the colour filters.

Along Church Street

Next, we took off to visit the famous Armenian Street. Took some time to search for some of the street arts, which was a project called Mirrors Georgetown in conjunction with the Georgetown 2012 Festival. These street arts are drawn by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic. His work has garnered not only local attention, but also international attention! Kudos Mr. Ernest, for beautifying Georgetown. Check out his official facebook for more pictures and information about his work. Unfortunately, we did not know that his work was not just in Armenian Street, but at several locations within Georgetown. We also did not know that his work was featured in an art exhibit which was held during our time in Penang! What a waste, not meeting such a talented artist and to see all of his work. We also visited the famous Khoo Kongsi, (a local Chinese clan) in Cannon Square, which is located in between Armenian Street and Acheen Street (Lebuh Acheh).

Cannon Street

Armenian Street

Cannon Square

Khoo Kongsi

Ms. Boey Yee found this trishaw more attractive than the Khoo Kongsi temple itself

The names from the Khoo generations

Khoo Kongsi, 

18 Cannon Square

10200 Georgetown

We then took off to the famous Kek Lok Si temple, which houses the largest bronze statue of Guan Yin. The panoramic view of the city of Georgetown from the hill top is breathtaking (unless it is hazy or cloudy on that day). 

The Bronze Statue of Guan Yin

Reclining tram from Kek Lok Si Temple to The Bronze Statue of Guan Yin

Views of Georgetown

Lastly, we departed for the famous Penang Hill. This place is definitely a must-visit! The weather up here is just nice, especially since Malaysian weather is known to be hot and humid at sea level. The chilling breeze up this hill is just what we needed to get away from the intense heat! And what better way to enjoy such weather than a nice cup of coffee or tea at David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace. They even have a restaurant for those who wants to have a wholesome meal. Besides the hill, the journey up hill on the Penang Hill funicular train is also an experience not to be forgotten. It is basically a train which goes up on a inclined track (a steep one, mind you). This funicular train is new and improved with fully air-conditioned and comfortable coach. Mind you, this train service is a thousand times better than that of KTM's national rail or commuter rail services in Klang Valley. 

The funicular track

The funicular train

Hill top views

Does anyone remember a game of ting-ting?

Outside The Owl Museum

At David Brown's Tea Terrace

David Brown's Restaurant

We left Penang Hill and headed to Bayan Lepas to pick up Mr. Warren for seafood dinner at Tambun, Seberang Prai. Dinner was a crazy one, especially with the crabs. After dinner, we headed back to our hotel to have a good night's rest.