It had been about 22 years since I last brought my family to explore Penang. In March this year, we were there for three nights, mainly to visit my relatives, though we did also check out some of the iconic must-see places in the state.
We touched down at Penang International Airport around noon. The airport impressed me with its unexpectedly spacious layout and well-organised pick-up area. After checking in to our hotel, we went to visit my uncle. The afternoon passed pleasantly as we chatted for nearly three hours, catching up on years of stories.
Before heading back to the hotel, we treated ourselves at a popular hawker centre, savouring a wide variety of authentic and delectable local dishes that Penang is so famous for.
We also went to the Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill. Built in 1890, Kek Lok Si is located on the hillside of Air Itam in George Town. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and is renowned for its stunning architecture, which beautifully blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese influences.
This was my second visit to this spiritual sanctuary. The most striking difference this time was the gigantic statue of Guan Yin standing majestically atop the hill, now another remarkable landmark of Penang.
After offering our prayers and strolling around the intricately crafted pagoda and the beautifully landscaped surroundings, we headed to Penang Hill, which is just a short distance away.
Riding the funicular train up to Penang Hill took only about five minutes. The swift and comfortable railway system has been in operation since 2011. From the summit of Penang Hill, the panoramic view of the island was truly spectacular and picturesque. The Penang Bridge could be seen stretched across the sea like a long silver chain, linking the island with Butterworth on the mainland.
That evening, we stood on the rooftop of our hotel, gazing over the city’s night skyline, where the easily distinguishable Komtar Tower shone brightly.
The next morning, we took an hour-long walk along Penang Street. A sense of deja vu came over me, reminding me of Jonker Street in Melaka.
Many old buildings remain well preserved here amid modern development. There was also so much to see and buy, and of course, plenty to eat.
To unwind and relax, we went to the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, which faces the Strait of Malacca. The balcony offered the perfect spot to enjoy the serene and tranquil sea view.
I was reminded of the distant Strait of Hormuz in West Asia, which frequently appears in global news due to its strategic importance in world oil trade. Standing by the Strait of Malacca, once one of the busiest international trading routes in the olden days, inevitably sparked reflections on history, commerce, and the shifting tides of global affairs.
Living in a peaceful land, far from riots and chaos, is truly a blessing. The ongoing unrest and uncertainties in the Gulf region are heartbreaking for those who sincerely yearn for world peace.
This journey was not merely a short holiday for leisure. It was a meaningful and enriching trip, one that allowed me to reconnect with relatives, appreciate heritage and nature, savour wonderful food, and reflect deeply on life and the world we live in.
The views expressed are entirely the writer’s own.
