Talk:Air Itam

Connect?

I'm tempted to change this article's status to Guide, but is there any useful info about connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi or cell phone signal strength) that could be included? Great thanks to User:DTW for doing a great job creating this article and whipping it into shape! Ikan Kekek (talk) 08:13, 16 December 2013 (UTC)

Thanks Ikan Kekek. I will see what information i can find on Wi-Fi, cell signal strength and also on Internet Cafes. I do feel that this page is getting close to Guide status, so it would be good to make the article somewhat complete before doing so.

I am also thinking of developing a Cope section sometime soon to place some information on Laundromats, Post offices, Clinics, Pharmacies, etc.

Cheers. DTW (talk) 02:50, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

Terrific. You've done an awesome job! Ikan Kekek (talk) 03:30, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

Entries moved from Penang

There are already entries for these attractions in this article, so I move these entries here, so we can decide what content to use or whether to substitute these for the preexisting entries:

• 1 Kek Lok Si-Temple of Supreme Bliss (极乐寺), Jalan Balik Pulau (along the Balik Pulau Rd that clibs up the Penang Hill). A sprawling hillside structure that is reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, with the khmer/thai/chinese style Ban Po Thar (Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower) (RM4 to top via stairs) and various Buddha images in the main temple complex. Furthermore, a mini-funicular train (RM4) connects to the summit of the hill featuring a giant 36.5m high statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The current bronze version was completed after donations from mainland Chinese in 2003. Currently, there is scaffolding around the statue although the canopy has been completed. The reason for this is said to be that there is resentment in some areas that the canopy now stands taller than the state mosque, but this is unconfirmed. Photographers will find it well worth the inclined elevator ride up. During the Chinese New Year period, the temple is decorated with hundreds of lanterns which turns it into a night-time wonderland. Located near the village of Air Itam; a taxi from Georgetown will set you back RM 20-25; catching a bus from the station next to the Komtar will cost you RM2 (take Rapid Penang bus no. 203 to Air Itam, the last stop). The complex reeks of commercialism with shops at every level and Buddhists may find little sacred at this site. Try to avoid the busy weekends.During the fifteen days of Chinese New Year the temple is colourfully lit and opened to the throngs of tourist and worshippers until 23:00. Unmissable! 

• 2 Bukit Bendera (升旗山), Penang Hill. Probably has the best view of Georgetown and the Penang Bridge, especially at night. Go up via the Penang Hill Railway (Return fare: Malaysians - Adult RM8, Child RM4; foreign tourists: Adult RM30, Child RM15). Duration of journey, is about 10 min; frequency is every 30 min. The service runs from 6:30AM-9PM daily. Take Rapid Penang bus no. 204 to the last stop (RM2) to get to the lower station. The train, which was upgraded in 2011, is a fascinating little cable train service that lifts you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes. The 19th-century English travel writer, Isabella Bird, called the temperature on the hill 'delicious' because it can be very much cooler than on the plains. More than a century later, Ms. Bird's statement still holds true. The more adventurous (and fit) may want to hike up the hill (remember to take along water). There are several starting points for a trek up the hill including from the Moon Gate (about 300m from the entrance of the Botanical Gardens) and from inside the Botanical Gardens itself (just before the Reservoir, steep steps behind small bridge, jump from road over water drainage canal). Trail to the top takes 2-3 hr depending on how lucky you will be with choice at junctions, there is no signage. You can also walk up the 5km long boring paved road which begins beside the entrance to the Gardens. When you reach the summit, you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch (soft drink can RM2, many meals from RM4), buy a souvenir, try to photograph Georgetown and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungfuls of cool, clean hill air. Leave a good 2-3 hr to get to the top and return once buying your ticket. The trains can be crowded and you may have to wait some time in queue at the bottom and top, so try to avoid weekends. 

Ikan Kekek (talk) 13:04, 23 June 2014 (UTC)

Featured destination?

What would it take to make this article a featured destination? Should it be Destination of the Month, or Off the Beaten Path? /Yvwv (talk) 21:09, 16 August 2022 (UTC)