A GROUP of Taiwanese travel agents and media personnel, including The Star reporter Christopher Tan, were among the privileged few to have gone up Penang Hill on the new funicular train which has yet to open to the public. Here is Tan’s account of his experience.The 20-minute ride from the base station to the hilltop was very soothing and relaxing. I rode on the old train at the age of nine and this new service provided a much more pleasant journey. The cabin is more spacious and the windows of the train gave me a good view of the surroundings from where I was seated. The air-conditioning was perfectly controlled.
The seat and back rest are wooden but not uncomfortable for the short ride up the hill, and the fittings felt firm and of good quality.
Tall people may however find it difficult getting into the train as they may have to bend to avoid hitting the overhead lighting and air-conditioning compartment.
The train made several stops along the way up to drop off passengers who are staying on the hill. For these hill residents, the new train will definitely improve their lives and one resident, upon alighting, turned around and gave me the thumbs-up.
During these stops, the Taiwanese visitors were given a wonderful opportunity to take some shots of the beautiful scenery.
I love the ride and I will be telling my friends and other people about it. I know I will be back for more.
Penang Hill Corporation senior assistant manager Sharidah Talib said the Taiwanese group was amongst the first few visitors to experience the new train service following the handover ceremony by the Tourism Ministry last Saturday.
“They are the first overseas group to visit Penang Hill on the new train,” she said.
One of the tourists, Liu Yi Ling, said: “The ride was comfortable and the view fantastic.”
She said she also had a great time atop the hill.
The Taiwanese agents had tea at the David Brown Restaurant and Tea Terraces while enjoying a breathtaking view of George Town from the top of the hill.
Ann Su Si Ying, who is visiting Penang for the first time, said she fell in love with the island’s scenery and the multicultural way of life.
“The food is simply delicious. I had nasi lemak and roti planta,” she said.
Jointly organised by the Penang Municipal Council and state government, the four-day trip which ended on Thursday was aimed at promoting Penang to Taiwanese tourists.
Travel adviser Chin Poh-Chin said there should be more efforts to promote Penang which had numerous attractions.
The 12-member group comprising nine travel agents and three magazine editors visited various places of interests in Penang.
Their tour included trishaw rides to heritage sites in George Town as well as visits to Penang Botanical Garden, Tropical Spice Garden, Kek Lok Si Temple and Snake Temple.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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