GEORGE TOWN: Tourist spots and famous eateries here have been awash in the holiday spirit, with many people heading to the city for a short getaway during the long festive weekend.
Major roads leading to the heritage enclave, beaches in Batu Ferringhi and tourist hotspots were chock-full of vehicles bearing outstation number plates.
At Penang Hill, civil servant Faizal Moktar, 41, had to wait three hours before reaching the hilltop via the funicular train service.
“The long wait was frustrating but it was all worthwhile once we got to enjoy the scenery at the hilltop,” he said.
Faizal, from Port Klang, said he and his family would also try out Penang’s famous nasi kandar during their three-day stay here.
Asked whether he was worried about Covid-19, Faizal said everyone should be safe as long as they observed the standard operating procedure.
“I have always been mindful of my surroundings and avoid crowded places.
“We also sanitise our hands regularly,” he added.
Factory worker Mohd Amirul Ariff Adam, 33, and his family also waited for hours before they could get to the top of Penang Hill.
“We have never been to this popular attraction although Penang has always been our favourite destination for Cuti-Cuti Malaysia.
“It took hours before we could board the funicular train.
“But the ride was pleasant and the view was amazing,” said Amirul from Johor.
Deepavali, which was celebrated on Thursday, saw many people stretching the long weekend by taking a day’s leave.
Those from Kedah did not have to take an extra day off as they observe Friday and Saturday as the weekend.
E-hailing driver Simon Lee, 28, said many people booked his service to explore the George Town heritage enclave and Batu Ferringhi tourist belt.
“Most of them either wanted to go to Esplanade, Batu Ferringhi or sample the famous nasi kandar in town,” he said.
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