Summer Vacation

By Chuah Bee Kim

DESARU: Forty-four Korean children, aged 10 to 15, who were accompanied by English language teachers from the United States, recently stayed at the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort here during their school vacation.

The one-month stay at the resort was organised by Gabriel Recruitment Agency (GRA) and sponsored by three Korea-based companies — Gwangju Bank, Chonbuk Bank and MBC Media — where the children’s parents were employed.

Event coordinator Kim Ji Sun, 34, said the programme helped the children to improve their command of the English language and expose them to the Malaysian culture.

“In Korea, the parents push their chidlren to study hard. We organise such events during the summer or winter breaks as we want the children to have fun while learning,” said Kim.

He described Malaysians as a friendly lot, and the group had enjoyed their stay at the resort.

“We are making plans to organise another outing to Malaysia again in January next year,” he said, adding that similar trips had been organised to the Philippines and Australia in previous years.

Kim’s colleague, Daniel Shim, 34, also a Korean, chipped in to say that the children were fascinated with Malaysia’s diverse multi-racial culture.

“The children were curious about the locals here who were made up of Malays, Chinese and Indians and enjoyed trying out new food.

“To round it up, I would say the children had a perfect holiday in Desaru,” said Shim.

GRA also organises English camps and robotics camps for children and university students. 

Awed by Khoo Kongsi

I almost gave the Khoo Kongsi a miss. I came up with excuses like "it's raining" and that there was time constraint as I was catching a flight home but Erick Khoo wouldn't take NO for an answer. 

When I stepped into the Khoo Kongsi, a Chinese clanhouse that marks the dominant presence of the Chinese in Penang, I was immediately awed by the intricate carvings and mural paintings, magnificent ornaments and grandiose architecture.

I am not a history buff. But this place is a must see if you ever set foot in Penang. 

Look at the 3D images on the walls. And there are plenty of such images everywhere.

For the chronology of Khoo Kongsi, please click here.

This is Erick Khoo, who is turning 60 this August 31, showing me around.  Khoo Kongsi has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2008. Fire had razed the original building in 1901 but it was rebuilt. Between 1999 and 2001, the temple was restored to the tune of RM4.2 million.

The clan house serves as an example of heritage conservation and restoration.

Erick is the chairman of the Toon Keng Tong, a sub clan of the Khoo Kongsi.

Some scenes of the 1999 movie "Anna and the King" were filmed here.

The restoration works were done by artists from India. 

The steps that lead you to the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.

This is the genealogy of the Khoo clan beginning from the 8th generation who were from the Sin Kang village in Fujian province, China.

Do not come up with any excuses to not visit this place. Its detailed craftsmanship from a bygone era is a feast for the senses and the soul.

Made In Penang

Having coffee with Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng at the Made In Penang Interactive Museum. The entrance fee for Malaysians is RM15. Foreigners have to pay double. Penangites RM10.

It was worth the ticket price.  I also like the Opera Mask station where all you need to do is stand in front of a TV screen and the mask will come on.

And some of my other favourites.

This trip was really full of surprises.  While waiting for boarding time at the Penang International Airport, guess who came by?

The gentleman sitting next to me is none other than Johor Baru MCA public services and complaints bureau chairman John Cheah who was in Penang to attend a Rotary event.

I need to thank the universe for these sweet surprises. I also need to go on a strict diet. 

Arrived at Senai International Airport at 6.15pm.

Day Five In Penang

It is my last night in Georgetown, Penang. It has been a most enchanting, fruitful, magical holiday with many unexpected surprise meetings and unforgettable moments --- all unplanned.

In the morning I paid my last respects to my uncle who was cremated. The chanting was soothing and the weather was fine. Everything was settled before noon. 

I had breakfast with my cousin and three aunts.  I didn't need to order coffee or any beverage because my cousin had already made me a home-made lemon honey juice to bring to the funeral. She knew it was a hot day and it was good to drink honey lemon juice. 

I wouldn't trade my home-made lemon juice for any other beverage unless it was a breakfast or lunch set. Pure common sense, isn't it? I'm saying this because someone tried to make an issue out of me not ordering a drink. Jesus Christ, doesn't free will exist anymore? Not ordering a drink doesn't make me a rebel or a lesser person, right?

But it was a hearty breakfast nevertheless. That's life. If everyone says, thinks, acts and reacts the same way there would be nothing interesting to blog about. 

For dinner, I indulged in Miam Miam spaghetti in the Gurney Paragon mall

I also ordered a green tea parfait. I was told the French-Japanese restaurant doesn't allow takeaways or reservations.

After that it was shopping at the NaRaYa in the same mall for some souvenirs. This is a great shop to go to for affordably-priced dainty stuff.

Good night and pleasant dreams.

A Beautiful Day

A holiday cannot be complete without a body massage. So cousin Moo Lan brought me to this centre managed by the St Nicholas Home in Penang. A 28-year-old masseuse, Liew Yee Kuan, 28, gave my body a top-to-toe pampering.

Yee Kuan was among the six visually-impaired therapists working here after undergoing a wellness course offered by St Nicholas Home, a non-governmental organisation that works with the National Vocational Training Council.

The massage costs RM55. Part of the proceeds go to charity.

Earlier in the day, my cousin also brought me here 

1254W, Jalan Paya Terubong for breakfast. I enjoyed a bowl of "bak-kut bee hoon mee". Patrons can choose either the prawn shell based stock or the pork-rib based stock.

And after the massage, I had this bowl of milky fish soup bee hoon at Jalan Burmah in Pulau Tikus. The restaurant is called Restoran Sawara. The dish uses the garoupa fish.

Next, Moo Lan dropped me off at

where I indulged in some window shopping. After that I walked over to Gurney Plaza and the most amazing thing happened!

Johor former bureau chief Shahrum Sayuthi, who is now the NST political editor, spotted me in one of the shops.  He was there with our colleagues Balkin Kaur, Predeep Nambiar and Adrian Lai. We later walked over to the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre for a meal. I'm so happy to meet all of them.

I later joined Moo Lan and her daughter, Diane, for a meal at the Namoo Korean Dessert n Bistro. I had a tiny portion of rice and a bit of carrot cake, thinking that that was going to be my dinner.

I found myself hungry again after an hour or so. So I treated myself to a Fish-O-Fillet burger at McDonald's.

I am now a certified Chubby Chinese, no doubt about it!

A Tale of Two Bridges

A friend invited me to join the family for a scenic drive across the second Penang Bridge which was declared open on March 1.

I was curious, so I gladly accepted the invitation which also includes dinner at the Red Chopsticks, an authentic Nonya cuisine restaurant in Bayan Lepas, Penang.

After dinner, we headed to the 24km long bridge that is the longest in Southeast Asia. Traveling on the curved bridge that is well adorned with lights felt like a never-ending ride. I fell asleep in the car, probably because of the sumptuous meal earlier.

When I awoke we had already reached the toll and we wanted to U-turn.  The toll collector told us to exit at Tambun.  My friend did that. We were looking forward to check out the curve and lights again.

But we ended up on the first Penang Bridge instead. The first one was opened in 1985 and stretched 13.5km.

It was odd that we got to use the 1st and 2nd bridge on the same night. While we were heading home we had a different view of the 2nd bridge from the 1st bridge as both bridges were running parallel to one another.  We wouldn't have been able to enjoy this view if we were on the 2nd bridge. Again, this was all unplanned.

Sitavana Vihara: Pristine Energy

This is the gateway to the Sitavana Vihara (悉达林) on Penang Hill.

To reach this place, you need to travel 2.8 kilometers of rugged terrain. We went up there in a 4 wheel drive driven by this hero.

He deserves to be called a hero because he has contributed so much to the development of this place. The former cop, who owns and manages the sanctuary together with a group of dedicated volunteers had planted all the fruit trees, built the stairs, the kuti, etc over the last decade. At 73, Yeoh Keng Hock is fit as a fiddle. If you wish to get to the sanctuary, call Uncle Yeoh at 0124996118.

That's me on my way up to the Santa Vihari Sima Hall, built at the peak of Sitavana Vihara, which stands at 600 meters above sea level. The pristine energy here is invigorating. The hall is where monks are ordained.

The entire development spreading over 7 acres has 376 steps but we only used the steps when descending the hill which took only 3 minutes. 

View from the top. I can see the two Penang bridges from here. 

The view mid-way.

A worker, Aung Aung, seen here with the Miracle Fruit tree. I don't know if that is the name of the tree but that's what Uncle Yeoh calls it. I'm bringing back the seeds to plant in my own garden.

The "guardian angels" of the place.

Sadhu (3x)

Trick Art and Wesak Day Rainbow

Have heard so much about the Penang street art but haven't seen the real thing till tonight. 

May also visit the Made In Penang Interactive Museum in the Behn Meyer Building at Weld Quay if I have the time. I was told the artists are all Penangites who are based in China and is owned by Penangites Sdn Bhd.

Tonight I just want to enjoy the breathtaking view at Straits Quay. Caught the Wesak Day rainbow which was there with the moon.  

The moon and the rainbow were certainly there but it's hard to see them in this shot.  

Dined at Blue Reef Fish & Chips. I had peppermint tea to go with the outlet's signature Garoupa in Traditional Beer Batter.  

With my cousin Lee Moo Lan. I really enjoyed her company and gracious hospitality. Thank you for making me feel at home.

Twenty Minutes Ahead Of Schedule

Took a selfie at the Senai International Airport in Johor this morning. So sad to leave dear Shella behind.  

Soon it was time to check in. I've not made any plans.  Don't even know when I'll be back. Will just go with the flow.

While waiting for boarding call, I bumped into Rotarian and Past District Governor Lim Hock Teck and his lovely wife Sally Tan. My Wesak Day certainly got off to a great start.  The couple invited me to the Sitavana Vihara in Penang Hill tomorrow.  Yes, we are on the same flight. It was all unplanned and I am certainly going with them to the Buddhist sanctuary.

And my flight arrived at the Penang International Airport earlier than scheduled.

Managed to visit the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Kampar Road for the food dana offering. It was packed with devotees.  I heard it is one of the oldest Theravada Buddhist temples on the island.