Brief Touch on Penang's Introduction

Penang was originally ruled by the Malay Sultanate of Kedah. In 1786, it was handed over to the East India Company in exchange for military protection against the Siamese and Burmese armies threatening to attack Kedah. On the 11 August 1786 Captain Francis Light arrived on Penang and named it Prince of Wales Island in honor of heir to the British Throne.
When Siam attacked Kedah, Francis Light did not provide military assistance, and this caused the Sultan of Kedah to attack Penang in 1790. Of course the British who were better equipt with modern fire power, easily beat Kedah's forces.

The Sultan was forced to sign an agreement between the East India Company noting that Penang was to be handed to East India Company in exchange a fee of 6000 Spanish Dollars per year.An annual sum of 10,000 ringgits continues to this day be paid by the Malaysian Federal Government to the state of Kedah.
In 1826, Penang, along with Malacca and Singapore, became part of the Straits Settlements under the British administration in India, moving to direct British colonial rule in 1867. In 1946 it became part of the Malayan Union, before becoming in 1948 a state of the Federation of Malaya, which gained independence in 1957 and became Malaysia in 1963.
The island was a free port until 1969. Despite the loss of the island's free-port status, from the 1970s to the late 1990s the state built up one of the largest electronics manufacturing bases in Asia, in the Free Trade Zone around the airport in the south of the island.
In early July 2008, George Town, was recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside with Malacca. It is officially recognized as having a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Horror Rides @ Pesta Pulau Pinang

Tom Cruise......and this hot chick ....certifies..that Pesta Rides...rock!





Holly crap man! Ok firstly i would like to make it clear that the people in this feature are all adults aged 27 and above. Who by the way, have taken stuff to the limit like solero drops at Genting, or Sky dive in Auckland etc.

Ok for those who don't know, Penang has something called Pesta Pulau Pinang every year. It is the mother of all fun fares in Penang. It is a fun fair, a exhibition, a carnival all rolled into one. It is an annual ritual for Penangites to come to this place every year. (Well at least for me when i was a kid)

For those who dont know where it is. It is located next to the Sungai Nibong Bus Station.

Entrance fee to Pesta was RM 3 for Adults and Rm 1 for child.

The grounds are really big and it takes at least a good 3-4 hours to cover it, if all the stalls are open. But thank god they are not. Well i remember back in 1998, the Pesta Grounds were always
full with stalls and even overflowed to the side streets where makeshift stalls will be put up.

The stalls that were operational sold some snacks, abit of agricultural stuff- but who wants to go to a carnival and buy plants. Oh, there is also a registration booth for eligible voters in Malaysia.

Besides that,there are artist shops, souvenir and clothes, to bed sheets and carpet shops. It is worth it if you have a couple of hours to burn. After all, it is a different atmosphere from shopping in the mall.

So comes the rides. No carnival is complete without the rides. Well back in the days..when i think i was 15. I can still remember a particular ride i took that really scared the shits out of me. It was this innocent looking contraption that looked like a toilet role. Riders would go in to the inner circle and get strapped with a fixed metal chain. "Fixed" which means, only a certain size of people can ride this ride. Once everyone is strapped, the entire toilet role starts spinning. The G force is so strong that, the riders are virtually hanging upside down when the roll, spins 180 degrees. (No wonder fat people cant sit in). Imagine a fat guy starts falling down when the machine stops.

Ok enough of history. So what i can sum up from the rides here is that. If you are looking for extreme excitement where safety is left in the car with your seat belt, and crying and vomiting is the norm, then step in.This Euro wheel is the mildest of the lot. Ok but beware, because, what may seem mild is actualy VERY WILD.

The Euro Wheel is like the ferris wheel which goes really slow.

If you have experienced the solero shot at Gentings,you will know that its really scary to some, especially those who take the seats that is facing out to the mountain of nothingness. When you face simply cold air up 1 km in the air.....in suspense...as seconds pass by..... your heart seems to be in Limbo. "To jump or not to jump"!

And when it suddenly drops down at blinding speed..(literally closing my eyes), you can feel your entire gut..... being sucked in! Scream if you must, but most likely you wont be able to. Air stops going in to your lungs...as you hold your breath in horror.
You will experience a small tiny jerk when you jerk back up after....hitting the base..of the ride.


Well this little tiny bugger...doesnt seem intimidating at all. Let along being on the ground and so short. Well ..dont let looks deceive you.

There was 2 kids....small kids...about maybe ....10 or so. Well to be honest....after seeing what the ride is about..i seriously question if they should be on there. Well....they may have made the height limit...but not the age. (im guessing the operator also let them in just like that)
You know whats the worse part of this ride is. Its a jerker! It goes up in repetitive stages....and jerks! And im telling you ..it jerks...so hard that...the poor kids were screaming ...!
So imagine for such a short fart..... it jerks..like 10 -15 times.....for ..maybe ...5 stages! And when its up there....it jerks....again ..all the way down.
*warning* just make sure you dont eat full for the ride.



The Vortex!

This is the killer of them all.

Mother of horrors! It spins.... 720 degrees in total.....meaning you spin on the inner.... chair....and also on the outside. Which really means you are constantly ..spinning nonstop at HIGH SPEED.

But the real farked up thing about this is, that the ride has a long waiting time. They will wait for customers before starting the ride. The last people we saw on there (those in the inset pic), was up suspended in the air for a good 8 minutes ....before the ride started. And the ride was for 20 minutes. It was simply crazy. The guys who came out..was literally shaken and shaking!The lethal weapon was another highlight. Unlike the "Wipe out" at Gold Coast , this ride simply goes round and round. Till you get really dizzy.


Traditional swings? Thing again!
These swings...at max speed ...will hit 90 degrees...at around 80kmph....


Even the caterpiller rides for kids ...looks so scary! Agree?

But for ...fun....its a real max out location to go to. Certainly worth trying out.

Cheap! Good! and Big Budget hotels in Penang! @ www.backpackies.com

Ok! here is the deal. Whenever you are visiting big cities where the cost of transportation has already eaten half of your budget, the last thing you want is to do, is to pay through your nose for some decent accommodation. Im not talking fancy butler, soft goose feather duvet sheets and a buffet breakfast here. I mean lets face it. Most often when we are traveling, we only need a decent, clean, comfortable, safe room to put up in. Anyway, 80% of the time is all spent outside on the road sides an in shopping malls.
Hell the only time i ever see the room is when i check in, get drunk and pass out, and when i check out!
So where do i find such a place without having my pocket holes enlarged.

When visiting Penang, unless you can get some good deals off the internet for places like Tune Hotel, or if you have a rocking fetish that for some reason you must stay in Hard Rock Penang. Then here are some options that i suggest.


For you budget seekers, options are:

1) Old Penang
This place is pretty chic and has gone big on the renovation and looks. Its ultra modern look combined with its hint of heritage flavour makes it one of the most ideal guesthouses to stay in.
They have chosen to go with the dark wood furniture mix, and have managed to create a very stylish out look for their rooms, lobby and common area. Plus they serve breakfast! A recommended stay! Pity they only have 14 rooms....so book fast.



2) Starlodge
Now this baby here is a one off class along Muntri Street. It is very near to Chulia Street and also walkable to all the other coffee shops, clubbing areas (UPR), and bus stops. Rooms are fairly clean and comes with attached bathrooms. It is hard to find a match for such value.
3) 75 Travelers lodge
Budget travelers should have a go at this. The rooms available here is off the budget radar compared to the other choices given here. The guesthouse also provides free wifi.
4) Hutton Lodge- This place is a good deal to stay in. The rooms are clean, people are friendly and its location also ideal. Rooms are resonable priced.
5) Ali Feringghi House
This is the only guesthouse that is not in Georgetown. Located 5 mins from feringghi beach, this is a good place to put up, if you like the beach. The rooms are clean, and comfortable. Drinking alcohol is not allowed in the guesthouse as it is muslim operated. There is a bar where you can hang out tho, just in front calle Sunset Bistro. It is one of the most recommended beach side bars around Penang.

If you are looking for something different on the more heritage side.
Try hooking up with heritage 1926.


What we have to say?: this is one huge mother freaking mansion! The corridor is so long, and with the hanging chandeliers, honestly it looks like im one of those really important royal...back in the colonial days. The floor is wooden and because its old (they dont call it heritage hotel for nothing) it gives out a kinky squeak when you walk around the room. Room is spacious and clean. The room is pretty standard with the usual, aircond, hot kettle and coffee and tea making facilities. Staying here is very different and it is an experience especially you like it quiet. (The place is so big, that noise cant travel that far).

Police Bribing in Asia

You know whats ironic about the whole situation of "police is out in force" because of increased snatch thief cases on the roads? its because it is an opportunity for them to earn extra cash!
Bribery and corruption is something the governments of Asia aren't particularly proud of, but the worse thing is, they don't acknowledge that it is a problem to them! Its so deep rooted into the whole countries administration system, that any force to weed it out, would be deemed as a threat against the very people that takes money from the system.
so here we are, not sure weather to feel safe or scared that there are more police out, patrolling the roads.

I was really pissed off when i got pulled over by the Malaysian police after doing 110km's/ hr on the highway.Well the speed limit was 110! well it was raining and i think maybe the camera couldn't snap properly.
He insisted that i was speeding, and pretended to look at my number plate. It took him like 5 minutes to just look and hint to me that he wanted something. He kept telling me that, i needed to go to the police station to sort things out. And like that would take me 2 weeks.

So ok, i asked him if there was any other way to solve. I cant prove that i didnt go past 110km/hr, and i cant argue that he is bluffing. So i innocently i asked ...and he just nodded and asked me straight in my face if i wanted to be his friend. Errr i said, yeah ok. What do i have to do?

RM 50 bucks to be my friend. Straight up, thats the minimum price of bribery nowadays. Well of course ive heard cases of begging to the policeman telling him you dont have cash, and he will do away with 10 bucks....or even a packet of noodles. (I would have done that, if my mum wasnt by my side) - Pity she already took up a few tens....to show the police man.


So ultimately unless you follow the law straight and straight, then you wont need to worry. But if you happen to get into a tight spot. Remember the golden phrase " is there any way to settle this"?
Then bargain like its friday night in Patpong!

The other case was when i was in Indonesia. Man i tell you, bribing in Indonesia is like first nature to them! Well the police caught me doing an illegal turning on my scooter to the main clubbing area. Checked my "VALID" licence and all and told me straight up. "Jalan Salah!" (Wrong Road), You need to pay 200000 Rp.
I didnt have so much cash with me at that time, and no way in hell am i going to get suckered into paying that much. Latest price list for bribery is (20000 for locals, and 100000 for foreigners)
OK this is what you have to say:
You:I left my wallet in the hotel
Him: ok ill hold your vehicle registration and you go get it.
_______________________________
YOU STALL AND PRETEND TO THINK

Next you say, sorry sir. But i scared ill get caught by the police on the next corner for not having my vehicle registration. Ill pay you what i have now. Is it ok?

Then you start to negotiate.
Important point here is to stall as much time as you can. This makes it look like you regret what you did.


All the best! And thank god for bribery. If not, the world would be square!

Mee CRC @ Larut Road, Penang

I must admit, when i do have the craving to feed on some nice mee goreng/ mee rebus, 3 places comes to my mind. And one of it is here at the corner of Larut Road Penang. Its famously known as Mee CRC (because the stall was formerly @ CRC- Chinese Recreation Club).
Mee Goreng (Fried Noodles)/ Mee Rebus (Boiled noodles with gravy) is usually cooked by indians or mamaks (indian muslim).Hence the other name : Indian Mee!


Well Mee CRC along the corner of Larut Road (near hotel Royal), is very much different from the normal type of mee goreng found else where.
The difference?
When you mention Indian Mee in Malaysia, its a choice of either FRIED- mee goreng or WET- mee rebus. The normal indian mee, is reddish in colour due to the dye and also the amount of chilli and tomato sauce used in the gravy mix.

Mee CRC - If you are ordering the goreng (fried) version, its minus the red dye. The noodles are fried with some light seasoning, chopped vegetables, and the usual squid, egg, and soy bean curd. Its different because, instead of the tomato and chili puree taste, you get fresh stir fried tomatoes, chillies and fried tofu, so there is a bit of sweet juicy and raw texture to the side ingredients of the noodles. Making it a surprisingly crunchy, fresh and tasty chew every time you munch down.

Mee Rebus (wet) on the other hand sees a very significant difference. The cooking style is different, as the gravy used in the normal version is very thick and red (with puree, like mentioned above). Mee CRC is splashed over with semi clear egg drop soup, green vegetables, fresh tomatoes, cooked squid,bits of chicken meat, potatoes and bean curd. The soup makes the whole dish really light. It doesn't leave an after thick taste in your mouth.
*Like i said, its a different way of cooking it*


The noodles -whether wet or dry is served with a side dish of chopped up green chillies, and a slice of half a lime.

Some say the lime must be squeezed in before eating, to give it the tangy taste. But i say its optional. For the rebus (wet) version, i prefer it without the lime.

Is Marijuana Addictive!?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or we'd rather call this tongue spinner WEED- which doenst really matter, as it all sounds the same when you get high tho!

Marijuana is the buds and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant. Which explains why Marijuana is also called Cannabis.
Who started it all? According to some literature the Chinese have been cultivating Marijuana 2000 years ago. Imagine a "Made in China" on a packet of weed! Everything is made in China!.

The plant Cannabis Sativa, is believed to originate from somewhere in the northern region of Himalayan Mountains. An average plant grows from between 12 to 18 feet, blooms from late summer to mid fall. Theres the male and female flowers, but its the female flowers that you what.Female flowers grow in spike-like clusters and remain dark green for a month after blossoming, until the seed ripens. Hashish or Hash, which is more powerful than marijuana, is made from the resin of the cannabis flowers. The concentration of THC and other cannabinoids varies depending on growing conditions, plant genetics and processing after harvest.

In Cambodia -when ordering at Happy Herb Pizza, you get a choice of your pizza being not so happy, happy, or extra happy. The happier you go, the more marijuana they put inside. And if you go extra happy, the folks at Happy Herb Pizza will take care of you quite nicely.

Smokin IT
Smoke goes in the lungs and is absorbed into your blood stream, THC takes seconds to reach your brain.Initially you would feel relaxed,happy and a "on top of the world" and light headed-ness feel. Your eyes may dilate and become more intense.THC in the brain acts to enhance the senses and feelings. Therefore some users may experience, paranoia or panic after smoking it. THC is known to affect our brain's short-term memory, body coordination, increases your heart rate and raises levels of anxiety.

Eating Marijuana
Marijuana enters the stomach and the
blood absor s it there. The blood then
carries it to the liver and the rest of
the body. The stomach absorbs THC more
slowly than the lungs. When marijuana is
eaten, the levels of THC in the body are lower, but the effects last longer.
Effects of Marijuana (Varies with Users)

• Getting high
• Problems with memory and learning
• Distorted perception
• Difficulty with thinking and problem solving
• Loss of coordination
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks
• Severe changes in appetite
• Interrupted sleep or even insomnia
• Mental dependence on the drug(craving to get high)

Initial effects of THC
wears off in the body
after 1 -2 hours.
But the chemicals
stay in your body
for a much longer
time. (3-10 days)

1.) Spread the weed evenly across
the rolling paper
2.) Fold the end closest to you toward t
he top of the rolling paper
3.) Fold it while rolling the paper
covered weed in between your fingers
4.) Lick the glue end of the paper
and finish rolling the joint

*make sure you mix it with tobacco. If its too pure, itll make your world spin ...like hell

Killing time in Air!

4+1 things to do on a long haul (flying a budget airline)

First up, when you are flying budget, you know that you only paid for a seat and that’s it. “No Frills” means you need to pay for water, food and even for a blanket, if you are shivering cold. We heard that there are some airlines that even charge you for going to the toilet.

Most of these long hauls (>3hrs) can be pretty boring. Here’s a list of things you can do to ease it:

1. Browse through that in-flight magazine as some of these magazines are filled with useful travel information. Who Knows? Your destination might be the featured story. Most articles give tips on places worth visiting and the low down on the best chow. It gives you an idea of what to expect when you get to your destination.
   
   
2. Rock and load your I-POD with a good melodic selection to keep those ears entertained. Nowadays, you can even load movies on them. Should easily keep you occupied for a couple of hours.(Until your battery dies off) – Then you need to get those emergency power chargers that uses a 9V or a single AA battery to super fast charge it. (Cheap made in China ones for 2 USD)
3. Get cozy and comfy. Relax, bring along your neck roll, take off those contact lenses, and get some rest. It is always good to feel rested before you start your holiday. Remember to stay hydrated and make just do some light stretching after your nap. (To avoid DVT- deep vein thrombosis)
   Fill up those immigration arrival cards! It’s always the last minute rush to get your particulars filled in the line before immigration check point that you realize you don’t have a pen with you. Fill it up first, it will save you time.
   
   
4. GO gaming! Well we aren’t talking about “Mario-ing” on your personal 3.5” personal screen. It’s more of taking advantage of the intellectual games they usually put on the middle spread of the travel in-flight magazines. (Sodoku, word puzzles are the usual)
   
   
5. Strike up a chat with the air-stewards and air stewardesses. Remember it’s a long haul. Chances are they are also bored of the same old routine. Share some stories and maybe “fingers crossed” they are staying overnight at where you are going. Take the chance! Remember, they have to smile to you. It’s part of their job!