Straits Quay, Penang

Straits Quay, a new development by Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Group, was highly recommended by our friends, who recently visited Penang.

Pretty similar to our Keppel Bay Marina in Singapore, Straits Quay is also built on reclaimed land. But rather than just an exclusive member club, Straits Quay is an enclave of retail, F&B outlets, performing arts centre and service apartments. Of course, it has a marina of boating berths accommodating up to 40 boats.

The marina enclave.

Lighthouse?

We were there on a weekday and the place looks pretty close to a ghost town. I am not sure if it's due to the fact that it's still pretty new, and there are still shop space that is left untenanted. I do hope that there will be more life and vibrancy in the evenings or on weekends. There is much more potential of this place that what we experience on a weekday afternoon.

Carts selling handicraft.  

Huge mall with Royal Selangor Visitor Centre.

Some shops that I chance upon. The Four Season Bakery sells Japanese-styled bread, which is high quality and premiumly priced.

The Charlie Brown Cafe is definitely a big draw.

Look at the yummy dessert! All with Charlie Brown cartoon characters!

It's such a pity that we didn't have time to dine at the restaurant. Anyway, anyone who has dine there, do leave me a feedback and comment.

Straits Quay Marina Mall is located Tanjong Tokong, the same area as Island Plaza, and just about 10 minutes from Gurney Plaza. Developed by the same E&O Group who is behind the most expensive hotel in Penang - E&O Hotel, you find the same colonial white architecture, with a modern touch, throughout the Straits Quay development.

Definitely worth a visit. I bet the evenings and strolling on sunset is probably the best time to visit and stroll along the marina enclave.


Straits Quay Marina Mall
Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang
10470 Tanjong Tokong,
Penang Malaysia

Air Itam Market, Penang

Air Itam is the area where my grandma used to reside, and the place in Penang my father grew up in. This hometown brings a lot of memories to my family, although I spend all my life in Singapore.

I remember stepping on "cow dung" when I was probably 7-8 years old outside my grandma's house, mistaking it for a tree trunk. Yes, cows roam around the residential area of my grandma's place. No, it's not a "kampung" if that's what you all are thinking. It's a pretty huge three-storey terrace house, which has a steep flight of stairs, three dogs, and a supposedly sound-proof music studio converted by my uncle for his piano and singing lessons. At some point of time, I also remember my uncle turning the house into a video rental house. At that time, video tape rental was a lucrative business.

Those were the fond memories, yes, that's part of my childhood memories. Not so much that I grew up there, but a place where I spend my year-end school holidays. Now, with my grandmother no longer with us, the house has since been sold since my uncle has also moved to KL instead.

We passed by the house on our way to Air Itam market this time, and make a pit-stop for Papa Snew (it's his first time to Penang). The house, sadly, has turned into a motor-bike business, since the sale. Somehow, I  feel a sense of loss when I saw what the house has turn into from the outside. I'm sure my dad felt it more. But anyway, enough ranting of my childhood memories

The most popular sight at Air Itam market is likely the Kek Lok Si Temple. This is probably one of the largest temple in Southeast Asia, built on the hill, which also houses a columbarium.  However, for this post, I'm not going to talk introduce much on Kek Lok Si, but more of the quirk market.

Traffic is usually very heavy and crowded at Air Itam Market. On that morning, we went there around 11am in the morning and the crowd has started to slow down. Usually, the market is most crowded around 9am.

Vegetable stalls, poultry stalls, fruits stalls, dry goods, snacks stalls. It's lined up on the sides of the streets. Basically, it's like a market, but on the sides of the road.

Can you find some of the "old-school" stuff in this road side stall?

Can you guess what this uncle is selling? Or do you think it's scary animal?
Not to worry, it's just wild bore 山猪. The meat is supposed to taste tougher, since it is from the wild and has the ability to move around. But I would still prefer the tenderness of pork that is bred in the farm.

Check the below picture out on the left! Yes, snakes, turtles are sold. Obviously, the snakes and turtles are not for food on the table. I irk at the thought of anyone buying snakes. But both are probably for what someone describe as "animal liberation", or in Chinese, 放生. According to some religious beliefs, some people do believe that freeing captured animals will help them to atone for their sins.

And in Penang, there's a famous snake temple. I do not know if animal liberation is being performed there. But I hope it's done there instead of anywhere else. Otherwise it will be scary!

The photos on the two separate durian sellers. See how one hang his durians nicely on a cart to sell, while the other just spread it on the floor in such a primitive way.

A famous shop in Air Itam Market area is Cheong Kim Chuan. This is an old traditional shop, famous for it's nutmeg products - preserved nutmeg, nutmeg medicated oil. The shop also sells Malaysia local products such as belacan, Tau Sar Pneah (Tambun biscuits) and so on.

The Air Itam Market has pretty good hawker stalls.

Popular stall includes Kway Chap, Kuay Teow Teng, Char Kuay Teow. One of the locals that we shared table with, told us that the Kuay Teow Teng (Rice noodle with fish ball and minced pork) used to be much better. The son took over and business starts to dip. I heard similar stories or comments on other the standard of local Penang food. I really wonder if the next generation would still be able to maintain the legendary taste of Penang Hawker food.

Nothing beats the famous Penang Assam Laksa at Air Itam Market.

I am not a huge fan of Penang Assam Laksa, but I still try this "must-try" dish from this famous stall. You can order and ask the stall assistant to bring it into the opposite hawker market. However, you need to sit on the section that does not have another competing Penang Laksa stall.

Snew's Rating : 4.2 / 5

Although I still prefer Nonya Laksa, this is really good.The flavour is thick and they do not sting on the tuna fish. No wonder it has so many good reviews.

Penang Assam Laksa

Pasar Air Itam,
Jalan Pasar,
11500 Air Itam,
Pulau Pinang

Opens Daily: 11am - 8pm



Related Posts:

Cable Car Up Penang Hill

Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

Hawker Food at New Lane, Penang

Gurney Drive Hawker

G Hotel, Penang

Cable Car Up Penang Hill

Penang Hill cable car or train is probably one of the oldest attraction in Penang. My folks told me they brought me to the cable car when I was very much younger. Those days when my grandma, who resides in Penang was still around. But, I have totally no recall of the place.

After 2 years of revamped, the new cable car track reopened in April 2012. Before the revamped, the journey takes 30-45minutes, with the need to change train at the midpoint. With the revamped, the cars are air-con and the journey takes less than 15minutes.

I got to say that the newly revamped cars are really good! Operation is improved and very smooth. During the descend, somehow, you will feel like taking the roller coaster, except at a slower speed! If you have a chance to sit at the very front row.

On the way up the hill on the cable car, I spotted a bungalow. I was told that locals do reside on Penang Hill. I wonder how is the transport is like for them. Are there roads up, just like the Hong Kong Peak area? My mum told me that she used to hike up Penang Hill during her school days. Penang Hill really has a long history.

It was a pity that the weather was very hazy when we went up on Penang Hill. There wasn't much of a view. It was a bit of a disappointment. But well, we can't control the weather right? Otherwise, it does promise breathtaking views. Could even see the clouds on floating on top of the hill!

But we do see Monkeys! This is one that seems to pose as a model for visitors.

A nice stop for tea is the David Brown Sky Terrace. You get a pretty good view from there as you sip away a cold drink on a hot day. Prices are steep, for the local standard. But, if you convert to S$, then you won't feel that much of a heartache. Afterall, it's a drink on the sky terrace on Penang Hill, a tourist attraction.

There is a tea house, owl museum and other attractions to visit on Penang Hill. But we didn't plan on visiting Penang Hill anyway, so we didn't have too much of a time exploring . We just happen to be on our way to Air Itam market and was told that the revamped is worth checking it out.

Snew's Rating: 3.2 / 5

I would recommend a good 2-3 hours up the Penang Hill. The queue up and down takes about 30minutes. So unless you are going on an off-peak day, otherwise, the queue can be pretty long. Also, for RM30 (tourist pricing), you don't want to just waste your money up and down the hill without spending time enjoying the views and strolling around.


Malaysian
Adult: RM 8
Child: RM 4 (age 7-12)
Senior Citizen: RM 4

Foreign Tourists
Adult: RM 30
Child: RM 15 (age 7-12)


Opens Daily: 6.30am - 10pm (Weekdays)
                    6.30am - 11pm (Weekends, Public Holidays & School Holidays)


Related Posts:

Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

Hawker Food at New Lane, Penang

Gurney Drive Hawker

G Hotel, Penang

Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

I have always wanted to try out Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Not only to see how different is the experience, compared to the Hard Rock Hotel, Singapore, but also to enjoy a true beach resort in the renowned Batu Ferringhi beach. Afterall, there were so much hype when the resort first open its doors a three years ago.

The front office reception and the lobby bar is together in a longish shape counter. On the left side, it's the reception counter. I must say that the service level of the front office staff is excellent. Our requests were all met and carried out professionally without further questions.

On the right side is the lobby bar where we had drinks on two of the night. A pity that the Sand Bar closes at 11pm, otherwise, we would have our nightly drinks there while enjoying the clapping sound of the waves.

Rooms

I must say the rooms is much simpler than what I thought.

Unlike the Hard Rock Hotel in Singapore that use warm colours like purple, the Hard Rock Penang is simple with cool colours.

The twin bed, is just the normal super single beds, unlike the queen-bed that you get at Hard Rock Singapore.

The unique of the room lies with the toilet. Slide the glass together and you get a mirror infront of you. Otherwise, it looks like a frame with the picture of a rock star.

Inspired to be a rock star? You can sit and pose like one on the rock star chair!
Neat amenities in the room.

The range of Memorabilia is worth commending. The different costumes from the 60s to the 2000s are found here.

Be awe by the different colours of the lightings in the evening. No, it's not in the Hard Rock Cafe or a pub. It's just at the entrance, with the reflection of the lights onto the ground.

Facilities & Amenities

We see a lot of families with kids in this resort. No surprise the pool is what kids are attracted to. Long windy pool with slides for the children. The slides are real fun. Even this big kid - ME! also went on the slides a few times!

Does this look like the kids playground heaven?

Otherwise, sip on a nice cocktail with you bikinis on, at the pool bar- The Shack.

We rented the double tube for RM20 a day.  But I rather take the single ones at RM10. Remember, you can't paddle the tube alone. If you are just going as a couple, or a small family, then take turns on a single one. The double tubes takes up more space, and takes another two other person to help maneuver the float. The floats are very popular. Try renting it in the morning as it might be taken up by afternoon.

If you have a bit of budget, I will recommend you to stay at the Deluxe Lagoon room which give you direct access to the pool. You can just jump into the pool anytime, or choose to laze on the deck chairs right at your door step.

There's Lil' Rock Kids club, opens from 10am-9pm for young kids from 4-12. Activities are designed to keep them occupied while you do your spa or shopping.

For the teens, the teens club has a pool table, games station, and even a family karaoke room.

Work out at the gym? Probably you will be more motivated on your trackmill while you enjoy the views of the pool.

Otherwise, try a relaxing massage at the Rock Spa. Opens from 9am-9pm. It's a pity that I didn't have the chance to try out the treatments here. If you have tried any of the spa treatments here, do leave me a comment/ feedback.

We didn't try out the watersports activities offered by the numerous paddlers at the beach area, just outside the resort. Just walk out to the beach, and you would definitely be hounded. But fear not, they are usually quite reliable if you choose the ones just outside the hotel.

For me, I just like to enjoy the sunset views.

And kids making sandcastles.

The beach is fairly good, although I won't really recommend to swim in the waters. Participating in the sea-sports activities and enjoying a stroll along the beach is good enough.

Food

Breakfast is at Starz Diner. The range and quality of food is so-so. Nothing impressive and pretty crowded. On our second day, the restaurant was so crowded that we were ushered to an alternative venue - the pizzeria. However, pizzeria is an outdoor area, and near to the beach. We really have to open our eyes wide enough to make sure that our food do not have added ingredients - flies!

Other than breakfast, and bar snacks, we didn't really dine at hotel as we have a car and would drive out for dinner. But prices in the menu looks pretty reasonable.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang - would I return?

Snew's Rating: 3.9 / 5

Stay Period: 18-20 June 2012

The drawback about the resort is the distance. While it's at the Batu Ferringhi, it's not at the main stretch like Rasa Sayang, Golden Sands or Parkroyal. You can't walk to the night market, as it's still a distance away.

Other than the distance from the city centre (It's about 30minutes from the city) and good food, I have nothing very much to complain about.
It's a resort with full facilities and amenities, and you won't get bored spending 2-3 nights there. However, if you would like to explore the city, then I will recommend you spend to spend a combination of 1-2 nights in the city, and another 2 nights up here at Batu Ferringhi beach area.



Related Posts:

Gurney Drive Hawker

G Hotel

Hawker Food at New Lane