A Penangite Sightseeing In Penang

Y'know, living in Penang for a good 27 years of my life, I've always taken what tourist spots we have for granted. It was always "hey, I live here, I have all the time in the world to visit these places. Might as well visit the places which I've never been to, eh?". If it's not for the odd Japanese visitors we have (we normally show them around Penang), gosh, I don't think I'd even check out these lovely spots which are right in my hometown.

So that's where I went during the weekend. My colleagues had a Japanese visitor with them for the weekend, so we thought we'd show him the sights. First stop was Kek Lok Si.

The only times I've been here were with visitors. I don't think I'd even go there on my own! Not that it's not a beautiful spot to go to; it's just that in the blazing heat, I'd pretty much rather be somewhere else. We went in the afternoon, where the sun was glaring, and I was sweating buckets.

Lookie lookie! Turtle soup! Yumm ...

It's amazing how Kek Lok Si has changed over the years (haven't been there in AGES). The buildings were newly refurbished, and new features, temples, and statues were added. Still some things never change. They were still people *ahem* "asking for a fee" all the way up to the temple (ie beggars). They're quite an eyesore, if you ask me. A friend of mine told me that apparently these "beggars" do so well, that they drive good cars and all that!!

My friend's husband, who's born and bred in Penang, has never been to the Kek Lok Si! Imagine that. I guess that made me feel a tad better for not going more often :p

Next stop was Khoo Kongsi. This is the clanhouse of the Khoos. Gosh, I haven't been there in ages, not since my research on the building for my History project in Form 3! I remembered it was free entry then; they charge an admission fee of RM5 now. In a way, it's a good thing, as they use the funds to continue restoring the building.

Next, we headed to Batu Feringghi. We wanted to visit the Butterfly Farm, but what a pity it was closed. In the end, we headed to the beach, and left just before the sun set. The beach seemed a lot busier than before; a lot of water activities were going on (para-sailing, jet-skiing, the works).

All in all, it was a great Saturday. It was good getting out of the house, soaking in the roaring heat (and sweat), and having a really good time with my friends. I shall make it a point to visit Penang's touristy spots more often in future (not just when I have to bring visitors around). Have to be a true blue Penangite mah.

So, when was the last time you checked out your local tourist spots? ;)