Election heat in Penang soared with an unprecedented turnout of almost 30000 people at dap’s final election rally leading up to the polls.
Archive for September, 2009
Penang is an amazing island destination in Southeast Asia, located in the straits of Malacca, on the north-west coast of Malaysia. Locating just four-hour push by air from Kuala Lumpur – the funds city of Malaysia, the city boasts of a huge mixture of attractions as cultural acne, archaic shrines, beautiful beaches and islands, and some other genuine landmarks with Penang Hill.
Equally interesting is the long narration of Penang dating back to the mid 16th century when some of the Portuguese merchants from Goa (India) who cruised to the Far East in quest of interest blocked on a small unsteady atoll on the northern coast of Penang to profit bright water from a river close by.
The locals called these Portuguese traders ferringi. Later, this quaking islet came to be known as Batu Ferringhi, otherwise known as Lover’s Isle. However, the Portuguese named the main island ‘Pulo Pinaom’, exactly gist Betel Nut Island. This later became Penang, which means ‘palm hierarchy.’ Probably at that time there were areca nut palm grass in abundance in the zone.
In the 17th century, Penang served as a likely protect during the downpour months for Arabian, Chinese, Dutch, French, and Indian ships. In meantime, Penang also became much trendy among the pirates who plundered ships that traversed via the Straits of Malacca. By the 18th century, the zing as well as opium trade between the East and west became seriously current.
At this time, the Dutch dominated the spice trade. Later, the British also took steps to record the scenario to dominate spice trade. As an outcome, they sent Captain Francis Light to begin good trade relations in this territory. Nevertheless, during this time Penang was under the dominate of the Kingdom of Kedah. In 1771, the Sultan of Kedah handed over Penang to Captain Francis Light in arrival for protection against the threats of Burmese and Siamese.
After a year, Francis Light sailed to Junk Ceylon to form a corporate there, along with one of his friends, James Scott. This in stroll allowable him to gain awareness on the customs as well as the words of the people, thereby enabling him to win the trusts of the people. Later, in August 1786, Light landed at nowadays’s Esplanade officially to take possession of the island. This obvious the propitious creation of the first British settlement on Malaysian soil.
After this, the quarter was renamed ‘Prince of Wales Island.’ Later, Light founded a settlement on the northeast isthmus of the island, and named it George Town to principle George, the then Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. As an outcome, this uninhabited district’s population rose to 10,000 by the end of the century. Prince of Wales Island presently flourished as a trading declare for tea, cloves, shower, nutmeg, and textiles.
Meanwhile, when Sultan Abdullah, the then ruler of Sultanate of Kedah, cultured that the British is not willing to recommend protection, he gathered a mass to retake Penang. However, Kedah was defeated, and accordingly Sultan Abdullah entered an engage with the British to hand over Penang to the British. In restore, Light approved to pay the Sultan annually a quantity of 6,000 Spanish dollars. This usage stilled continues, and today Penang Government pays RM 18,800 to the Sultan of Kedah every year. When Francis Light died in 1794, his side was full over by Martina Rozells and William Light.
During the start of the 19th century, the settlement of Penang was transformed into Presidency. By the core of the 19th century, Penang witnessed a glorious trade, with the founding of fruitful deposits of tin in near majesty, , Perak.
Later, Penang was renowned as an immigration docks, helping immigrants from across the world, particularly from South India and South China. After some times, steps were taken to associate Penang by ship to such destinations as Medan, Rangoon, and Singapore.
By the twirl of the 20th century, Penang became an important highlight for trading rubber. In 1905, the first hydroelectric structure in the expanse was done. Soon after a year, the city’s first emotional tramway was urbanized. Gradually, other modes of convey were also introduced here, such as rickshaws.
During the1930s, Penang became an important pivot of entertainment, with an array of show and cinema halls and betting centers. This in fork paved way for the ruin of many luxuriant families. Penang advance suffered as a findings of the Wall Street Crash. Soon after this, the Second World War ruined out in 1941. During this time, the region was bombed. As a result, the British took off to Singapore. Then, came the horrible being, when Penang was dominated by the Japanese Kempettai. Eventually, the Japanese shove surrendered to the English army in 1945.
After long existence of struggle for dominance between the democratic military of Britain and Malaya and the communists, Malaysia attained independence in August 1957, and Penang became one of its 13 states. Penang is now officially known as Negeri Pulau Pinang.
Learn about rivers in asia and east asia countries at the Facts About Asia site.
Copyright (c) 2009 Nowal Khan
Batu Ferringhi Beach is by far, the most popular beach in Penang, Malaysia. It’s whole stretch is composed of small coves and sandy beaches with resorts ranging from small to large scale, 5-star ones. The main street of Batu Ferringhi is amply lined with more hotels, tourist shops and restaurants.
Since Batu Ferringhi is popular, tourist never failed to visit the site each time. Mostly during holidays, the beach gets crowded with travelers and backpackers from all over the globe hence luxury hotels offer great deals and other budget-friendly options. Aside from its beautiful beach, Batu Ferringhi is a prime location for shops, restaurants and its famous night market. The main road, which is more or less 3 km, runs along the coast of the beach. You can find internet cafes for instant internet access and shops that rent out motorcycle for touring the whole area. The post-office and police station can also be found within this stretch. All throughout the country, Batu Ferringhi is the most heavily developed stretch since there are plenty of recreation facilities within the area.
Within the main road, restaurants such as House of Kampong, Deep Sea and The Last Drop provide comfort to hungry locals and tourists. For hungry Indians, there is a place called Jewel of the North or you can dine al fresco while dipping your feet in Batu Ferringhi’s sandy shores at Sunset Bistro. The Yahong Art Gallery, on the other hand, sells wide range of Asian antiques including jewelry, painting, wood carving and ivories. Like stated earlier, there are many recreational facilities that were developed in this side of Penang, such as the Tropical Fruit Farm. This 25-acre fruit farm houses 200 types of tropical and sub-tropical fruits that can be found in Penang, Malaysia and its neighboring countries.
For adventurous travelers, check out Adventure Zone which is a 10,000 square foot facility with indoor playground and drop slides. There are also multiple sections of modular equipments to amuse the kids and kids-at-heart. The Butterfly Farm showcases 4000 Malaysian butterflies of different species. It features the famous Malaysian Rajah Brooke’s Bird wing. This live museum is also a research center and breeding facility.
The Toy Museum is Asia’s first and World’s largest toy museum and can also be found in Batu Ferringhi. This museum houses over 100,000 toys, dolls, models and other collections made by its owner Ir Loh Lean Cheng. It also includes cartoon characters, comics, computer games, sports, movies, novels, shows and music as well as life-size figures that will surely amaze your kids. Also, check out Muka Head Lighthouse which serves as a guide for ships in the region and provides a fantastic view of the ocean.
Large resorts in Batu Ferringhi such as Rasa Sayang, Golden Sands, Park Royal and Bayview provide welcome retreat for weary travelers while guesthouses like Ah Beng, Baba’s and Ali’s are best suited for backpackers. They are very affordable and they are also facing the sea for a great vantage point. The Batu Ferringhi beach itself is bouy-protected from jet-skis and other water sports activities, but beware of jellyfishes which frequented the area on rainy days.
Nights during weekends are made wonderful by Batu Ferringhi’s night market. This affair starts from 7pm until 1am, if not interfered by rains. The whole 2 km stretch of Batu Ferringhi is transformed into a night market which never failed to draw tourists. There are over 1000 stalls which line the main road selling cheap goods ranging from clothes to souvenirs, practically everything you could think of! There are small shops selling Batu Ferringhi souvenirs and beach necessities including sarongs, hats, shorts and bathing suits. There are also money changers if you need to exchange your cash for some local currencies. Also, don’t forget to sample local hawker foods while there. They are cheap and freshly cooked every time.
Nowal has been a freelance travel writer and photographer for almost 10 years now. Penang Travel Guide is his recent travel guide to the island of Penang. The guide provides travel and tourism information of Penang and Georgetown Heritage. Find out more about Penang tourist attractions and Batu Ferringhi Beach at: http://penangmalaysiatravel.com/











































