PENANG EXTRAORDINARY

PENANG 2013 FESTIVAL

PENANG PICKLED FRUIT

PICKLED FRUITS
These are seasoned fruits preserved in concentrated sugar syrup, brine or in some cases
vinegar. In Penang the popular fruits used are the nutmeg, unripe papaya, mango and guava.
The smell of these sour pickles will make your mouth salivate. Other types of pickles are
shallots and young ginger slices preserved in vinegar. These mouth watering tidbits are sold in
ready packed, bottled and by weight at the markets and bus terminals.
There are two basic types of pickles. Raw or cooked. Young vegetables and fruits are more suitable to be made into raw pickles. If the vegetables or fruits are ripe, the abundant natural juice, usually acidic, reacts with the solution of salt, vinegar or sugar used to preserve them. The result can be disastrous because you will be left with very mushy fruits. However, ripe fruits are good to be made into jam. Raw fruit pickles is very famous in Penang. Many kinds of local fruits can be pickled. However, nutmeg and mangoes head the list.

MOST FAMOUS POPULAR FOOD IN PENANG

   PENANG AIS CENDOL  
Penang Road Cendol is located not exactly at Penang Road but at Lebuh Keng Kwee, a small lane on the left off Penang Road, just before you turn into Komtar (Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong). The stall is outside a kopitiam (coffeshop) which happens to have another famous laksa stall.     




PENANG ASAM LAKSA
     Penang laksa (Malay: Laksa Pulau Pinang), also known as assam laksa from the Malay for tamarind, comes from the Malaysian island of Penang. It is made with mackerel (ikan kembung) soup and its main distinguishing feature is the assam or tamarind which gives the soup a sour taste. The fish is poached and then flaked. Other ingredients that give Penang laksa its distinctive flavour include lemongrass, galangal (lengkuas) and chilli. Typical garnishes include mint, pineapple slices, thinly sliced onion, hε-ko, a thick sweet prawn paste and use of torch ginger flower. This, and not ‘curry mee’ is the usual ‘laksa’ one gets in Penang.



PENANG ACAR ACAR
 Penang Acar is a type of Nyonya salad. Crunchy and aromatic, Acar is usually made by mixing hard vegetables such as carrots and cabbage with a rich and spicy gravy garnished with crushed groundnuts.
Acar acts as a welcome condiment to any meal and is scrumptiously devoured with haste by locals. There is even a fish-based version of Acar!



PENANG CHAR KUAY TEOW
Penang char kuay teow is known the world over, and is the most popular variety of char kuay teow out of many in Malaysia. It’s a hawker dish of flat rice noodles stir-fried in a large wok over open fire together with lard, soy sauce, chillies, prawns, cockles, eggs, bean sprouts and chives.



HOKKIEN MEE

Hokkien mee comes in different versions in this country. The Penang version is soup-based and watery, as opposed to the Kuala Lumpur version which is fried in dark soy sauce and quite sticky. The soup is probably the most important part of the dish. Made from fragrant stock consisting of shrimp paste and dried prawns which are then brought to the boil with a bit of lard for texture, it gives the dish its intoxicating aroma.


NASI KANDAR
Originating from the Indian-Muslim culture, Nasi Kandar is perhaps Penang’s best-known dish. The dish got its name from the way it was peddled decades ago – by balancing pots containing the rice and the curries across the shoulders using a long wooden rod. It is basically steamed white rice served with a variety of side dishes which include a variety of thick, rich curries and vegetables.



ROJAK PASEMBUR

rojak pasembur is a Malaysian salad comprising shredded cucumber, turnip, potatoes, beancurd, bean sprouts, pieces of prawn fritters, squids and boiled eggs mixed together with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. Simple and wholesome

BORIA PENANG

    Boria is another traditional performing art form which owes its origin to Persia, one of its meanings is ‘carpet’ where “grief-stricken mourners would sit wailing and crying, at times in a state of frenzy, during the first ten nights of...Muharram”

 

The less-known interpretation of boria is from the Hindi word borai which means crazy or frenzy. This interpretation has probably arisen after the frenzy of performances in Penang when boria was at its height. As competitions were held between the Boria groups, the frenzy occurred when competition was strife among the costumed performers who paraded the groups’ flags of different colours and designs. This inevitably ended in fights, Apparently, at its peak, apart from the main evening performances there were also performances in the day called kuli kalin where the groups paraded and sang in the streets with masks of different designs in the first five days of Muharram. This was done to collect funds for the performances.

 

Boria is believed to have been brought in between 1845 and 1874 by the “Indians of Shiah origin” The reference to the origin of this performance is also made to the incident at Karbala and for the first ten days of Muharram, Boria was performed to reminiscence this incident. Still making reference to its Indian origins Ghulam states that “...boria performances in Shiah communities in India is the inclusion of passion plays based upon the theme of martyrdom of Ali’s family” (ibid). This genre of performance is believed to have been used to promote understanding of Shi’ite. 

The plays are the main part of Boria whilst the singing supports the performance. Both the frenzy and mayhem it caused and the religious-political significance of these performances led to the disintegration of Boria. As a start to this disintegration, Boria was changed to Ria denoting merriment with no strong religious significance.

From performances of plays it evolved into choric performances where the tukang karang (lead singer) sings the ‘story’, followed by repetitive singing of the ‘sailors’ (chorus) in between each verse. At the height of Boria the tukang karang (lead singer) must be able to improvise his lyrics And have melodious voice to attract not only audiences to earn fame but patrons. A good tukang karang must also use the right lyrics to praise his patron in the hope of getting better financial support.

Penang, Malaysia- World's Heritage City by UNESCO (2012)

PENANG NATIONAL PARK

The Penang National Park spans 1,213ha of land and sea and is used by scientists, researchers, and nature lovers to explore its natural treasures.

Previously known as the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve, this pristine site is known to harbour 417 flora and 143 fauna species. Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve, located at the northwestern tip of Penang, was declared the Penang National Park in April 2003.

Penang National Park is the first protected area legally gazetted under Malaysia's National Park Act of 1980, signifying the State and Federal governments’ environmental protection efforts.

Penang National Park was established to preserve and protect flora and fauna as well as objects with geological, archaeological, historical,ethnological, scientific, and scenic interests.

Natural attractions of Pulau Pinang National Park include the Hill / Lowland Dipterocarp Forests, Mangrove Forest areas,sandy beach habitats, the unique seasonal meromictic lake and the open coastal seas. Stands of Seraya (Shorea curtisii) trees, common feature of coastal Dipterocarp Forest, can be easily seen on steep slopes around Muka Head. There are over 1000 species of plants recorded which are dominated by the family Dipterocarpaceae, Leguminoceae, Apocynaceae, Anacardiaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae.

Part of the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve had been logged before 1955; no forest areas there have been logged since 1955. All logging activities were stopped in 1996, and Malaysian public funding has been allocated to develop the Penang National Park, within guidelines

ECOLOGY

The unique features here are five habitat types not found in the other major Malaysian nature reserves. The park is a haven for a wealth of 417 flora and 143 fauna species, including turtles,crustaceans, and rare pitcher plants. This allows the Park to boast one of the most unique assemblage of biodiversity in Malaysia

FLORA

Secondary forest is the main feature here. The beach is long, and plants are numerous, including rocky bonsai to timber and herbal plants. Trees and plants which can be found here include Chengal, Meranti Seraya, Jelutong, Gaharu, Tongkat Ali, and Bintangor.

The coast is dominate by disturbed secondary forest and hardy plants, such as screw pines. The red paper-like bark of the pelawan trees are abundant; undergrowth and ferns spread between the trees. Other noticeable trees planted include casuarina trees, sea almond, cashew nut, and swaying coconut palms.

Several mangrove trees are found along the Tukun beach. Wild orchids can be sighted on steep rocky slopes and cashew nuts are common here, indicating that some agricultural activities had taken place here many years ago. Fully-grown timber trees are found inside the forest beyond the coast. There are also pitcher plants (nepenthes spp), which managed to survive the coastal habitat.

FAUNA

Among animals spotted in and around the park are dolphins, otters, Hawksbill turtles, and monkeys. Dusky leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques have also been sighted.

Birds are numerous, and noticeable big birds like White Bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites, and kingfisher are occasionally reported.

Mammals such as wild boars, wild cats, civet cats, sea otters, mouse deers, rats, bats, and squirrels and crabs, fishes, and large prawns, monitor lizards, and snakes are common here. Turtles occasionally land in the park.

The meromictic lake has scarce fauna life, since it is usually deprived of oxygen in the lower layer. The brackish water sustains snail of Faunus ater, which shell is unique among the Cerithioideaof great population and high density, up to 6700 snails per m²r. This is unique and singular to the park.

PENANG HILL

                   Penang Hill is one of the oldest colonial hill station established by the British during their time in Malaysia. Explored in the late 18th century, a horse trail was cut by the Waterfall Gardens (present day Penang Botanic Gardens) to the summit of the hilly spine of Penang, allowing the British to escape from the chaos of George Town to the cooler climate on the hill.
Penang Hill comprises several hills including Strawberry Hill, Halliburton’s Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Government Hill , Tiger Hill,and Western Hill. The highest point of this range is at Western Hill, with an elevation of 833m (2,723ft )above sea level. The range also serves as the largest water catchment area on the island, and a number of tributaries to major rivers in Penang.
The earliest mode of transport to the hill was via horses, or a system called ‘doolies’, where masters were carried up the hill on special sedan chairs. To further explore the potential of the hill, systems of bridle paths were cut by Indian penal servitude prisoners for the establishment of more bungalows on the hill.
The Penang Hill Funicular Railway was the second mode of transport established for access to the summit. The first railway was constructed in 1901 and completed in 1905 but was rendered useless, due to technical faults. A second railway was commissioned in 1909, and works for the second line started in 1914 with a budget of 1.5 million Straits Dollars. On 1st January 1924, the 2,007m long funicular railway was officially opened by then Governor of Straits Settlement, Sir L.N.Guillemard. The last upgrade was in 1977, before a complete overhaul of the system in 2010.

What the Penang Hill Offers?

BEAUTIFUL PANORAMA

With an elevation of more than 2,000ft above sea level, Penang Hill offers the best panorama of George Town, and other conurbations on the eastern coast of Penang Island. Enjoy the view of the northern coast from Crag Hotel, or simply sit back and enjoy the lighting up of George Town at dusk. The cooler climate of Penang Hill, with an average of 21◦C,is an important factor in the establishment of the hill resort which offers a cooler respite away from the hustle – bustle in George Town and its surrounding areas.

UNIQUE PLANTS

Go explore the forests of Penang Hill, and discover interesting plants such as tropical oak trees and also the interesting carnivorous pitcher plant. Marvel at the tree Ferns and cycads which remained largely unchanged since the Jurassic period!

MASTERS OF NATURE

Keep your eyes and ears peeled to the calls of various fauna that can be discovered on the hill. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot the Giant Black Squirrel feeding from the canopy, the beautiful Dusky Leaf Monkeys playing or the Greater Racket tailed Drongo singing melodiously on the hill.

HISTORICAL HERITAGE

With the oldest building dated to 1803 (Convalescent Bungalow), Penang Hill is a good repository of bungalows featuring a fusion of architecture from British colonial to Asian and modern architecture.

tropical spice garden VIDEO

PENANG TROPICAL SPICE GARDEN

   

At the Tropical Spice Garden, get ready to experience an enchanted paradise and South-East Asia’s one and only award-winning spice garden. The spice garden is also Penang’s first specially designed & equipped cooking school to date. This tourist hotspot is ranked number 2 out of 38 top must-visit attractions in the island of Penang, so it is definitely a must visit on your trip to Penang. A visit to the spice garden is a magnificent way to learn about spices and know all of its benefits. You can even take full advantage of the availability of fresh spices by cooking with the spices plucked right out from the garden. The cooking class conducted is very relaxed and laid back in manner, and you don’t worry about doing the washing up later on.

When it comes to the cooking class, you may choose from the Malay, Chinese (Nyonya) or Indian cooking courses. Cooking in the garden that looks like a spitting image of an oasis of calm can be rather serene, albeit mischievous monkeys in the garden which are great if you’ve brought young children with you! Although the Tropical Spice Garden charges a relatively high entrance fee of RM25 (including the guided tour), rest assured that you’ll find the fees worth it. The garden is very well-maintained and the view at some parts in the garden is quite breathtaking, especially for lovers of nature. With a great and very informative tour guide for the garden, you’ll receive so many wonderful facts about the spices. There is also a gift shop and the amazing Tree Monkey Restaurant restaurant to refill your tummies, so everyone will not leave empty-handed nor hungry. The restaurant is very popular in Penang, it is opened daily until midnight and there’s even free wifi.

  The Tropical Spice Garden is situated on the hillside near Batu Ferringhi. Apart from spices, there are also tropical vegetation and medicinal plants. The garden is on a hill but you do not have to be in top physical shape to climb up. There are steps that take you up but people with mobility difficulties (or with really low stamina) might find it a little inconvenient to make their way there. Those with elderly visitors should take note that the garden’s facilities such as parking and access road could prove to be a challenge, therefore it is advisable to drive your car up the base of the stone ways to drop the elderly off.

 












   All in all, the Tropical Spice Garden is a must-visit especially for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. With a combination of local food cultures blended as one, you should make a booking if you are visiting with a group to avoid disappointment. Visiting hours are from 9a.m. to 6p.m. daily, giving you ample time to explore the gardens at leisure. Directly opposite the Tropical Spice Garden there is a nice public beach, where many locals hang out. There are also a few nice local places to enjoy a meal.

   

Contact details & address

Tropical Spice Garden
Lone Crag Villa, Lot 595 Mukim 2,
Jalan Teluk Bahang,
11100 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 881 1797
Fax: +604 881 3794
Email : info@tropicalspicegarden.com
Website: http://www.tropicalspicegarden.com

How to get to the Tropical Spice Garden

To get to the Tropical Spice Garden, take a RapidPG bus ride from the center of Georgetown. Buses that pass the Spice Garden are #102 (Airport – Teluk Bahang – Airport) and #101 (Weld Quay – Teluk Bahang – Weld Quay). Every taxi driver knows the place, but it might be difficult finding a driver that agrees on using the meter (Penang taxi drivers are notorious for that). Also finding a taxi to take you back might be difficult at some times. If you are exploring Penang by rental car, you can park it directly in front of the attraction

MAP OF PENANG

MALAYSIA MAP

Aplication of Information Technologies

Till a few years ago, the basic sources of information in the tourism sector were pamphlets, brochures, directories, guide books, etc. produced and published by different countries. These sources prevail even today, though they are the most inefficient means of information.
The last few decades witnessed the application of computer and communication technologies in the field of tourism. Two distinct streams of information sources viz, (i) online and (ii) offline came into existence. Databases containing information about places, tourist attractions and facilities became available for online access in several countries. The emergence of computerised reservations system (CRS) like Galileo, Amadeus, Sabre, PARS, JALCOM, QAMTAM and ABASUS, etc. opened up a new source of online information on tourism and are being expanded continuously. The latest sources of online information is INTERNET which contains some pages on most of the tourist destinations in the world.
The CD-ROM technology also took the tourism industry by storm. CD titles which came in the market during the initial period mostly contained geographical information. Soon multimedia CDs on specific tourism products made their appearance. Several such titles are presently available in the market. The next few years are likely to witness a rapid growth in CD titles covering every aspect of tourism due to improved marketing efforts and increased competitions. Further hotel management and catering technology is fast emerging as an area of information technology application in the field of tourism.