Christmas Day 2010

We had lunch at Goodwood Park Hotel with our expat friends from Australia, whom we met about two months ago, and also my cousin from Christchurch, New Zealand who is here a working holiday.

There was so much good food there, so much that we all went home tired, but satisfied.

Zouk(ed)Out

While Singapore’s nightlife is one of the city’s major attractions, you would not have seen nothing yet until you’ve been to ZoukOut. This decade old dance extravaganza is without a doubt one of the biggest outdoor beach parties in Asia.  This year, it was held at Siloso Beach, Sentosa Island.

Presented by Zouk, and sponsored by SingTel, this events plays hosts to world famous DJ's.

Started in 2000, this is ZoukOut's 10th Anniversary! 

 

Penang - Part Nine

As we missed some places during the last two days, we headed out on foot to the famous Kuan Yin Temple (not to be confused with the temple we visited yesterday). It is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. This temple is frequently visited not only by local Buddhists, but also by tourists.

The entrance to the Khoo Kongsi Clan House is hidden; one must follow the signs in order to find it. Again, amazing architecture, and beautifully restored to its original glory.

On the way to Khoo Kongsi Clan House

Khoo Kongsi Clan House

The trip to Penang was well worth it.  It’s amazing that even though Penang is less than an hour’s flight from Singapore, you land in a totally different world.  The City of Penang hasn’t really developed, the streets are narrow, it’s a lot like China, it would be better if you walked on the road as the pavements are either lined with hawker stalls or motorbikes. 

PART ONE can be found HERE

PART TWO can be found HERE

PART THREE can be found HERE

PART FOUR can be found HERE

PART FIVE can be found HERE

PART SIX can be found HERE

PART SEVEN can be found HERE

PART EIGHT can be found HERE

Penang - Part Eight

Kek Lok Si – The Temple of Supreme Bliss, sits majestically on the hills of Ayer Itams.  The temple is divided into three sections on the side of the hill.  Once at the top you not only get a view of Kuan Yin, but the view over the surrounding town is breath-taking.  Our driver dropped us off at the middle section, as he felt it would be easier for us to start from the middle, ride the tram to the top and then walk down to the bottom – he was right!

The latest addition to the temple is the 30.2 metre bronze statue of the Greatly Compassionate & Sagely Kuan Yin Avalokitesvara.

After spending about 2 hours at the temple, we headed to The Snake Temple – not as many snakes as I would have thought.  Our driver mentioned that there is a declining population of snakes entering the temple as a result of rapid development in the area.

 

PART NINE can be found HERE.

Penang - Part Seven

Another 8-hour day started with a quick tour to the famous Penang Clock Tower, City Hall, Yap Temple, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple.

We then headed to a tour of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (the Blue Mansion). It is situated in the heart of George Town on a magnificent 56,000 sq ft site.  Built in the 1880's, it wasn't until after the death of Cheong Fatt Tze in 1916, restoration works began in 1991 after a group of  Penang conservationists purchased the house after the death of Cheong Fatt Tze's last son in 1989.  Unfortunately pictures were forbidden inside the mansion. 

Our next stop was the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (the Green Mansion), it was originally the home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, leader of the Penang and Perak Hai San groups in the Larut Wars from 1860 to 1884. The mansion was built at the end of the 19th century.

PART EIGHT can be found HERE.