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~