Tag: hill

Penang Perspective: Ayer Itam Dam

Ayer Itam Dam, located about 7.6 km from George Town on the slopes below Penang Hill, is Penang’s oldest and once-largest dam, built between 1958 and 1962 with a capacity of 2.16 billion litres. It supplies water to nearby areas like Ayer Itam and Paya Terubong and also offers a peaceful 2.8 km walking trail with scenic views of the city and surrounding hills. Interestingly, it was the first earth dam in the world designed using electronic computers for structural analysis—a pioneering move at the time. Today, it remains a popular spot for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike.

Sights in Penang : Chin Farm Waterfalls @ Batu Ferringhi

 The rather hidden cascade of Chin Farm is tucked deep within the lush, hilly terrain of Batu Ferringhi, Penang, offering a refreshing escape from the bustle of the nearby beach town. This natural gem features multiple tiers of waterfalls, with cool, crystal-clear spring water flowing gently down rocky slopes, surrounded by dense greenery and the sounds of the forest. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for those seeking solitude or a quiet nature walk.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Chin Farm was a beloved local retreat, often bustling with families enjoying picnics, dips in the pools, and the simple joy of being close to nature. Though now less frequented and slightly off the radar, it still holds nostalgic value for many Penangites and remains a hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered by adventurous hikers and nature lovers.

Penang’s Kek Lok Si CNY Lightings in 2024

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It’s particularly renowned for its striking architecture, blending elements of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles. The temple complex also houses a towering seven-story pagoda, known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Kek Lok Si is home to a massive bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, standing at a height of 30 meters (nearly 100 feet), making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.

Penang Isle: Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani (The Waterfall Hilltop Temple)

As the largest temple dedicated to Lord Murugan outside India, the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple located in the Botanical Garden (or Waterfall) area of Penang was built at a cost of approximately USD 3.1 million and took five years to complete. The staircase of 512 steps leading up to the new temple was found to be longer than the 272-step the Hindu temple in Batu Caves, Selangor. The temple complex and its hill area also houses several other Hindu shrines as well as a massive statue of Lord Shiva.

The new temple features were inspired from the South Indian Chola and Pallava eras and mainly used imported materials from India.
The old temple is popularly known as the Waterfall Hill Temple or Lord Murugan Temple in the island and is also the main site of the annual Thaipusam pilgrimage.

Penang Isle: Bukit Dumbar Park

Penang Bukit Dumbar is a recreational park situated over a man-made hill located in Jelutong area of the island. It serves as a popular place for the locals to exercise, jogging or just to have a stroll during the mornings and evenings. The park is made up of hill slopes with walkway around and at the top of the small hill.

A public badminton court center is also located within the park’s vicinity for those interested to rent a court for playing badminton.

Google Map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DhEztujkscnzZLyh7

Penang Perspective: Insta-Worthy Scenes from Ayer Itam Dam

Ayer Itam dam and its surrounding forested hills region. The area remains one of the hidden nature gems of Penang. Due to this, it is a popular outdoor recreation area for the locals.