Buses have fewer than 5 passengers per trip

Buses have fewer than 5 passengers per trip

PENANG’S latest attraction, the Hop-on Hop-off bus service, has started losing its appeal.

A Streets check showed that the bus which tours the island had fewer than five passengers per trip.

This was in stark contrast to when the service was introduced two weeks ago, when the public packed the buses every day to take advantage of the free rides during its week-long trial run.

The launch on Nov 16 took place with much fanfare at Gurney Drive with government officials attending the event.

Tickets are priced at RM19 for adults and RM12 for children, while foreigners pay RM45 for adults and RM24 for children.

Goay Geik Sim, 74, said Penangites were not ready to fork out RM19 for a 24-hour ride.

“The fare is too costly. I hope the operator will consider making it more affordable for everyone,” she said.

Another commuter, Mohd Rizuan Amiruddin, 24, said he was not willing to pay RM19 for a bus ride.

“I have been taking Rapid Penang buses and each trip can cost up to RM4. There is no reason for me to pay almost five times the amount for a scenic ride on the double-decker bus.

“I suggest the company revise the fare to that of a stage bus,” he said.

The spokesman for the Kuala Lumpur-based operator, Elang Wah Sdn Bhd, was unable to say what the contingency plan was.

He refused to comment if the current fare structure was too exorbitant.

Elang Wah had expected about 300 passengers per day.

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus offers passengers a panoramic, rooftop view and visits 33 tourist spots in George Town, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang.

Passengers may choose to stay for a full tour or hop on and hop off at any of the stops.

The bus can seat 60 passengers and is equipped with disabled-friendly features.

An average of six buses are deployed daily.

The company has invested RM11 million in its maiden foray into Penang.


The public taking advantage of the free ride during its week-long trial run.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Hoho buses offer city tours

Hoho buses offer city tours

THE island’s new icon, the Penang Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus is poised to become a hit with tourists.

The bus is named Hoho, which combines the abbreviation of the service and a Hokkien word meaning “good”.

The bus service offers panoramic, rooftop views of 33 selected tourist spots in George Town, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang.

Passengers may choose to stay for a full tour or hop on and off at any stop.

The tour will run seven days a week, from 9am to 8pm daily, through two main routes.

The beach route will pass through Teluk Bahang and Persiaran Gurney, while the city route will go through Persiaran Gurney and Penang Hill, including George Town.

The bus will pass through other tourist destinations such as Tropical Spice Garden, Penang Botanical Garden, Blue Mansion and the Penang Butterfly Farm.

The double-decker bus is air-conditioned. However, the front half of the upper deck is an open-air section.

It can accommodate 60 passengers at one time and is equipped with disabled-friendly features.

Service operator Elang Wah Sdn Bhd group managing director Azhar Nadzir said the company had invested RM11 million for the bus service. The company, he said, expects to sell 300 tickets daily in the next six months.

“A special rate of RM50 will be offered to Malaysian families of two adults and two kids from Monday to Dec 31.”

Tickets are priced at RM19 for adults and RM12 for children for locals. Foreigners will be charged RM45 (adults) and RM24 (children).

Passengers ride free until Sunday.


The buses can seat 60 passengers at one time and is equipped with disabled-friendly features.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Hotel Jen Penang - Rebranded for new ‘Jeneration’

Rebranded for new ‘Jeneration’

THE former Traders Hotel Penang has gone through a rebranding exercise and is now known as Hotel Jen Penang.

Hotel Jen Penang is inspired by Traders’ virtual persona — a professional lover of life, travel and discovery.

Hotel Jen Penang is the fifth of Traders’ property to adopt the new brand.

The hotel caters to a new “Jeneration” businessmen and leisure travellers.

Hotel Jen Penang general manager Gavin Weightman said the rebranding would create new standards to cater for the varying demands by its patrons.

“It is revolutionary and all about changing our approach, starting with our employees.

“Some of our staff have been with us for 28 years.”

“Hotel Jen Penang offers the best of services to our guests but with a more intuitive service. It will also be more relaxed and friendly.”

The hotel feted more than 150 guests at its house party by its poolside earlier this month.

Colourful balloons were released during the launching ceremony.

Guests were also entertained with lucky draws, dance and live band performances. There was also a buffet spread for guests.

The rebranding exercise will be carried out globally including in Manila, Maldives, Beijing, Shenyang and Johor Baru until March.


Hotel Jen Penang looking grand.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Sprightly octogenarian finds joy in serving tourists

Sprightly octogenarian finds joy in serving tourists

AT the age of 85, Pheh Seow Joo could just step back in life.

But she will not lay back on her lazy chair and watch from her shophouse the hustle and bustle of Armenian Street which is her home for decades.

Armenian Street is fast gaining popularity among tourists — foreign and local alike who come to admire the architecture and rustic the old buildings radiate.

Instead of relaxing and enjoying the view, Pheh wants a little piece of the action.

“Come on. Help me with these boxes of souvenirs and T-shirts. We need to put them on our five-foot way and start our business,” called the mother of eight to her middle-aged daughter.

It was a Saturday and tourists would throng Armenian Street in droves. Pheh readies herself for a day of brisk business as she takes out an array of Penang-themed souvenirs and arranged it on a table.

Her age does not limit her movement. She worked fast to put together T-shirts and floral-print pants on hangers and placed them on rows of clothes racks.

Many of the attractive coloured T-shirts depict popular mural images such as Little Children On A Bicycle. There are also those in Hokkien words such as BoJio and Buey Tahan, which are popular among youngsters.

Pheh’s energetic character would even put youths to shame. She tirelessly recommends T-shirts of various designs and colours to a steady stream of customers.

Delighted to serve customers, Pheh offers a smile to all although some may not purchase her goods.

If one is not keen on a T-shirt, Pheh happily offers mineral water or the traditional tube ice cream to quench her customer’s thirst.

“I’m happy to be spending my free time selling T-shirts and ice creams to people. It keeps me occupied and I love meeting new people.

“After George Town got listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008, tourism started to pick up here. It got better when the 3D murals starting popping out. Pedestrian traffic increased and people noticed the beauty of Armenian Street, thanks to the murals by Ernest Zacharevic.

“That’s when I got to open a stall with my daughter about a year ago. Things got better for me after my rented home here was refurbished to our comfort,” she said.

Her son, Leow Lim Hsu Kuang, 57, said he has never seen his mother happier and the sight of tourists sparked her idea on starting a business.

“My mother is 85, yet she was very gung-ho about it. She wakes up every day with such enthusiasm for the ‘working’ hours ahead of her. She jolts us to help her with all the merchandise.

“The house restoration also gave her the excitement. We have lived here for 60 years, renting this place from the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple.

“Our home was dilapidated and we forked out a lot of money to repair it. Then came Think City’s Physical Upgrading project in 2011 which helped us do repairs on the roof and the wooden structures.

“The project had kept the rental here low at RM400 a month which we are grateful for,” he said.

Leow said his granduncle and late father used to run a charcoal factory at the front portion of their home. The family business ended after their passing.

However, they still distribute charcoal, sourced externally, to the people living in Armenian Street.

“My mother is very happy manning the stall. Just like how this quiet street became busy, so did my mother’s life.”

Streets met Pheh on a busy and rainy day but it did not stop her from working.

In the middle of the interview, the reporter requested to take several pictures of her, which the latter obliged.

After taking a few shots, Pheh brushed her hair using fingers and asked in Hokkien, “Do I look pretty?”


Tourists throng the Armenian Street to purchase souvenirs.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Penang Hill car park ready in February

Penang Hill car park ready in February

The Penang Hill multi-storey car park will open to the public by Chinese New Year next February.

PDC Consultancy Sdn Bhd general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar said the car park, located at the entrance of the Penang Hill Railway lower station, would be awarded a certificate of completion and compliance from the relevant authorities by then.

Rosli said the physical structure of the eight-storey car park had been fully completed.

“The spanking new premises will cater for the influx of tourists locally and abroad during the Lunar New Year.

“It is aimed at addressing the parking woes by visitors to Penang Hill, especially during the festivities,” said Rosli during a media tour to update the progress of the car park in Air Itam here last Sunday.

He said PDC would wait for the utility companies to connect water and power supply before opening the premises to the public.

Rosli added that the contractor had failed to complete the project within the deadline.

The completion date was extended three times, with the last extension granted until Sept 25.

“The contractor was fined a RM5,000 penalty per day, known as liquidated and ascertained damages (LAD) with effect from Sept 26 until its completion next February,” he said.

The extension earlier this year was given after contractors discovered an underground boulder and the big stone was broken into smaller pieces using chemicals as explosives could not be used because homes were located nearby.

A total of 305 parking lots are available for vehicles while 182 lots are reserved for motorcycles.

Among the features of the car park is the commercial area on the ground floor, including 11 stalls, a food court and an alfresco area.

The car park is also fitted with disabled-friendly ramps with direct access to a passenger lift.

Also present in the media tour were Tanjung member of parliament Ng Wei Aik and Jawi assemblyman Soon Lip Chee.


The eight-storey car park has 305 parking lots.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Sunset at Penang Bridge

Malls launch free shuttle service

Malls launch free shuttle service

GURNEY Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall, two popular shopping malls here, have introduced a free Rapid Penang loop shuttle bus service.

The service, which is fully sponsored by the two malls, offers transport between the two malls and around the Pulau Tikus area.

It is also expected to reduce traffic congestion near and around the malls, especially during peak hours and holidays.

From 8am to 11pm daily, the shuttle bus will make a total of 16 trips hourly.

It starts at Gurney Plaza and makes 19 stops along the way in Jalan Kelawai, Jalan Bagan Jermal, Jalan Burmah and Jalan Pangkor, and ends at Gurney Paragon Mall.

The bus in blue and purple is easily recognisable and distinct from the regular Rapid Penang, which is in blue and yellow.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey, who helped initiate a two-month trial of the shuttle service last year, said the bus connected Pulau Tikus with the two malls.

“People can now park their car in Pulau Tikus and take the bus to the malls or the other way around.“

“This will give more convenience to drivers who would be able to save time looking and waiting for a place to park.

“They can also take in the sights in Pulau Tikus, especially the Wat Chayamangkalaram and Dhammikarama Siamese and Burmese temples, and sample the famous hawker food before or after visiting the malls,” she said after launching the shuttle service with state Local Government and Traffic Management committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow in Jalan Kelawai recently.

Yap praised the two malls for making the effort to ease the traffic congestion in the area and encouraging people to use public transport.

“We are trying to promote public transport with the aim of reducing air and noise pollution as well as traffic congestion,”” she said.


Chow Kon Yeow (left), Yap Soo Huey (second from left) and Rapid Penang chief operating officer Major (rtd) Mohd Shukri Abdul Rahman (fourth from left) launch the new service.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha

Holidaymakers head for Penang Hill

Holidaymakers head for Penang Hill

PENANG Hill has long held its own as a favourite destination for tourists on the island.

During the school holidays, thousands of visitors thronged the hill, one of the oldest colonial hill stations in the country.

At the foothill is the small town of Ayer Itam, which was jammed with vehicles from all over the country, as holidaymakers came to ride the funicular.

The atmosphere was carnival-like, with families having a good time. They made a beeline for the ticket counters, snapping pictures at every opportunity.

Up on the hill, the food court was packed and business operators were overwhelmed with orders.

Visitors also packed the souvenir shops looking for mementoes.

A Penang Hill Corporation spokesman said that the company’s employees were prepared to handle large crowds.

“We try to ensure that there is a train every 15 minutes so that visitors do not have to wait long.

“We organise activities on the hill such as performances and games to keep the visitors entertained,” she said, adding that there were twice as many visitors during the school holidays.


Families pose for pictures at the entrance of the train station before riding the funicular up the hill.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Phuket and Penang become twin cities

Phuket and Penang become twin cities

Phuket Town and George Town in Penang, Malaysia, became official twin cities after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Phuket City Hall today.

Inspired by the two cities’ long-established historical relationship, the decision was seen as an important move in facilitating the exchange of expertise in areas of tourism, business and cultural heritage (story here).

“Both cities have agreed to establish a joint committee comprising government, business and civil society representatives which will oversee the implementation of projects, programs and activities,” said Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana.

“The committee will meet once a year in either Penang or Phuket and will cooperate in areas of city management and governance, trade, investment, social development, education and cultural heritage.”

The signing ceremony was also attended by Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut and Dato’ Patahiyah binti Ismail, president of the Municipal Council of Penang Island.

~News courtesy of Phuket Gazette~

Penang Botanic Gardens ‘fading’

Penang Botanic Gardens ‘fading’

THE Penang Botanic Gardens is a pale shadow of its former self. The plants in this famous park are in bad condition.

The oldest garden in the Straits Settlement lacks maintenance and management.

A check on site on yesterday also showed that its main toilet renovation work has been delayed. Several toilet bowls that were left out in the open on the construction site and are an eyesore.

Even the number of bamboo shoots has declined rapidly and only a few are visible at the bambusetum, the conservation area for various bamboo species.

Barisan Nasional Youth chief H’ng Chee Wey, who led a site visit accompanied other BN youth leaders, claimed the overall condition of the park was not up to mark.

“The weak management by the Penang Botanic Gardens Department reflects that the state government which has control over the gardens and has failed to do a good job.

“We are saddened by the lack of care and attention to the flora and fauna here.”

H’ng, who is also Penang Gerakan Youth chief, said it was high time for the Penang government to get its act together for the sake of the garden’s reputation.

“The current conditions have tarnished its image and we urge the department to monitor the upkeep of the park,” he said

The state BN wing leaders who were present were from Umno, MCA, MIC and People’s Progressive Party.

The original garden was established in 1884 on the site of an old quarry, under the supervision of Charles Curtis, its first superintendent.

The federal government allocated RM7 million in 2012 to expand and upgrade the park’s public amenities, and the building of the lily pond at the main entrance.


The bambusetum is not flourishing.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Happy Independence Day

Facelift for Esplanade food court

Facelift for Esplanade food court

THE popular Padang Kota Lama food court in Esplanade here is set to for a facelift with a RM300,000 refurbishment exercise expected to take off in December.

The state secretary office manager S. Bharathi said the place was long overdue for a renovation as there had been no major upgrade to the food court for at leasth 20 years.

“There is a need to revive its image. We are going to maintain the existing amenities and complement them with new al fresco dining facilities,” said Bharathi at a press conference, here, recently.

She said the state development office under the federal government handed over the management of the food court to the Penang Island Municipal Council last year.

Bharathi said a conservation plan would also be discussed with the National Heritage Department to ensure no damage is done to the adjacent Fort Cornwallis during the works.

A check on the dilapidated food court showed the seats at the facility to be damaged and the 21 stalls lacxking maintenance. Its overall condition is appalling. It is the home of Hameed Pata Mee Goreng, which has grown to become the food court’s “anchor tenant”. Its mee sotong, or squid noodles, has received rave reviews from food writers and bloggers the world over.

Meanwhile, the Penang government has awarded the contract to manage and upgrade Fort Cornwallis to Ewein Bhd, effective June 1.

State Local Governement Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said Ewein had improved the landscape in and around the fort with about 10,000 plants.

The upgrade includes the installation of LED lights inside the fort and on the perimeter walls.

The car park in front of the state legislative assembly building will also be re-aligned to provide better facilities for motorists.

Also present at the press conference was Ewein Group managing director Datuk S.K. Ewe.

Ewe said the company would work together with the state authority to help the stall holders to do business in a clean and improved environment.

Fort Cornwallis will celebrate its 228th anniversary next Monday.

A series of events, including a fashion show with models dressed in garb traditional at the time of 1786, the year the historic site was built, has been planned.

Admission is free.


The Padang Kota Lama food court has grown old and worn over 20 years.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Glamourous camping adventure awaits

Glamourous camping adventure awaits

LOVE the idea of camping but not really a fan of roughing it out in the jungle?

Or are you looking for a quick romantic escape to Nature far away from technology?

Then look no further than Penang’s upcoming new attraction — a “glamping” resort.

Glamping, or “glamorous camping”, is the first of its kind concept to be introduced in the country.

Taking its name from the surroundings, the resort to be called Boulder Valley Glamping Resort by Amazing Discovery, is set to be built on a 8.9ha valley in Teluk Bahang.

The eco-resort would be designed to maintain the environmental characteristics of the site, including the biological and geological settings of the place.

The structure of the resort would be built on stilts to minimise disturbances to the natural habitat, vegetation, waterways and ground.

The project by Treasure Orchard Bhd is expected to be completed within two years and cost about RM7 million.

Project executive director Lee Woon Poo said the project would be undertaken with an environment-sensitive design approach, combining unique experiences for guests.

“Our main objective is to create an authentic eco-resort that maintains the environmental characteristics of the site, including the biological and geological factors of the place.

“Guests can enjoy unique experiences and basic amenities, a 1km buggy truck, tree-top restaurants, 100m long suspended bridge, bird-watching decks and tailored services,” she said.


The resort will be built among the natural setting of the valley with minimal impact on the flora and fauna.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

George Town Festival returns

George Town Festival returns

GEORGE Town Festival (GTF) 2014 is back for its sixth run, with a more dazzling array of international and local performances, exhibitions and creative events.

From Aug 1 to 31, GTF 2014 will host a packed month of free exhibitions, street celebrations, dance and drama performances.

The performances housed in quirky venues, includes world-class ticketed events from Europe, Korea, India, Japan and Singapore, for as little as RM20.

The festival launches its month of events on Aug 1, with a show-stopping, festival-bespoke spectacle, Circus circus with Japanese dance sensation, Wrecking Crew Orchestra, performing alongside acrobatics acts from Finland, Thailand, and China.

The unprecedented contemporary circus is among the many highlights of the festival which includes world-famous choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkoui’s cutting edge duet, Play, which will see him taking the stage with queen of Indian Kuchipudi dance, Shantala Shivalingappa.

The spellbinding meeting of East and West, modern and traditional is followed by the virtuoso solo dance performances by a British dance star, Aakash Odedra, whose explosive repertoire of modern choreography is sure to blaze a dazzling solo path.

Not to forget Indian Impresario, Roysten Abel, who brings the Asian premiere of his astounding multi-sensory show, The Kitchen, a powerful theatrical work melding music, drama and cooking in one monumental performances.

The festival’s closing day street celebration, V & A Project, will also feature award-winning Sydney-based dance troupe, Shaun Parker & Company, performing a free, open-air performance of trolleys, in which ballet, flashmob and parkour meet in an adrenaline-filled dance.

Also a must-see is the showcase of Penang’s diverse culture reflected in a lineup which includes programmes focusing on Malay-Javanese dance, Kuda Kepang; Jawi-Peranakan boria, Eurasian food and music as well as a series of exhibition and concerts staged in Penang’s classic kopitiam.

For details, call 04-2616308 or visit www.georgetownfestival.com.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

Have bicycle will travel on Penang island

Have bicycle will travel on Penang island

CYCLING is fast becoming a favourite mode of touring the state capital of Penang.

Tourists, domestic and foreign, as well as local residents have taken up cycling to visit the many tourist attractions around town.

The craze for cycling has also spurred the setting up of many bicycle-for-rent outlets.

Rental rates are also affordable. Depending on the type of bicycle, it is usually between RM10 and RM30 per three or four hours.

The bicycles come in various types like the tandem bike, classic bicycle, city bicycle and mountain bike.

The tandems come with two seats, while the classic types are those considered as vintage two-wheelers and the city types are the regular bicycles.

One enterprising bicycle-for-rent operator is H.A. Malik Al-Habsy.

The 19-year-old started with a modest fleet of five city bicycles three years ago.

Today, Malik has 29 bicycles of various types to suit the needs of his clients.

“I got the idea of starting the bicycle rental service after I found many tourists flocking to the numerous street art spots in town.

“Then, most visitors would walk to these places.

“With a little bit of publicity, many tourists came to rent my bicycles to get around town,” he said.

Malik said tandem bikes were popular, especially among couples.

He has big plans to expand his fleet of bicycles to cater to rising demand from tourists.

Another bicycle-for-rent operator, Khairudin Mustafa, 65, said mountain bikes were popular with clients at his outlet in Lebuh Acheh.

He said these bicycles used for sport are considered more powerful than the regular bicycles, and were much sought-after by foreign tourists.

“Besides visiting the various tourist spots here, these tourists would often cycle all the way to Batu Ferringhi.

“Sometimes, they would leave the bicycles there. That’s why I charge them slightly higher,” he said.

Khairudin, a pensioner, said business had been good, especially on weekends when there were fewer motorists on the road.

Tourist Ada Ingenerf said she preferred cycling to getting around on foot while touring the many tourist spots here.

“I use this mode of transport back home and I am glad that there are many bicycle-rental shops here.

“Cycling is a convenient way to get around. It’s cheap and healthy too,” said the 25-year-old German lass.

Another bicycle enthusiast, Nor Zulaikha Abu Hassan, 19, said she and her friends from Perak enjoyed their urban tour on the non-motorised two-wheelers.

“It is enjoyable and fun getting around town on bicycles.

“However, I wish there were more bicycle lanes for cyclists here,” she said.


Teenagers enjoying the sights and sounds on Lebuh Armenian in the heritage enclave of George Town.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~

No smoking at heritage site

No smoking at heritage site

FROM Aug 1, the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site here will be gazetted as a smoke-free zone.

State Environment, Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said a working paper on the matter would be sent to the Health Ministry before the end of the month.

Phee, who is also Cigarette Smoke-Free Penang (Penbar) chairman, said if all goes according to plan, the no-smoking zone for George Town Unesco World Heritage Site would be enforced from Aug 1.

He said after it is gazetted, the various authorities, including the State Health Department, would conduct campaigns to create greater awareness on the smoke-free zone for the heritage site.

“Penbar has also formed a task force comprising the various authorities, including the police, state Islamic Religious Department and Health Department, to carry out enforcement work,” he said yesterday.

Phee also said Penbar would introduce new signages for smoke-free zones soon.

The signages would include the amount for compounds, fines and jail term besides the no-smoking reminder.

Offenders face the maximum compound of RM5,000. They could also be liable to a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years’ jail.

The latest setting up of a smoke-free zone in the heritage site will bring to seven the total number of no-smoking areas in the state capital.

The other areas are Botanical Garden, Youth Park, Air Itam dam, Mengkuang and Teluk Bahang dams and Ampang Jajar Municipal Park.

They were gazetted as smoke-free zones on Oct 2, 2012.

~News courtesy of New Straits Times~