Continuing from our previous episode, Ipoh: Culinary Delights in the Mountains, we took a short train ride of about an hour to Butterworth, the gateway to Penang Island.

This review can be read in conjunction with the food section in the article "24 Hours in Penang: What We Ate".

:::Hello Butterworth:::

From Ipoh, you can reach Penang by both bus and train.

We opted for the train, as a childhood memory of our first train ride came to mind. Looking at the train schedule, the name "Butterworth Railway Station" caught our attention. The name itself was alluring, sounding delicious, as if it promised an abundance of high-quality butter.

After nearly 20 years, this is finally the first opportunity for us to encounter the real Battersea Power Station.

Upon arriving at Butterworth Station, I immediately took a picture. The station was not particularly beautiful or larger than usual, and it had nothing to do with butter, as we might expect. It was simply the excitement of seeing Butterworth Station in person.

Walking to board the ferry to Penang Island.

Our next point of interest is about children who were sent to study in Penang. We often hear about this in childhood stories or see it depicted in Thai period dramas. We've always wondered what made Penang so special and why it seemed to be a destination for wealthy children. Let's find out!

The ferry to the island can carry several large vehicles.

Disembarking at the Penang pier, we navigated through the throngs of people, luggage in tow, and boarded a bus bound for Komtar Tower. Our destination was the pre-booked accommodation, which we intended to reach on foot.

This orange building is our accommodation.

Visiting Chinese Temples

After collecting our belongings, we immediately set out to explore Penang, starting with Kek Lok Si Temple, a Chinese temple located on a hilltop.

Sighing heavily at the sight of the distant marker, we realized we were on the wrong side. The actual ascent was on the other side, requiring a climb up numerous stairs. With the evening approaching, we hurried up the steps.

As the height gradually increases, the temple will also be built in a staggered manner to match the increasing height.

The temple plays Chinese hymns in the background. To immerse yourself in the experience, you can play hymns while reading the review.

At first glance, it resembles the Leng Noei Yi 2 temple in Bang Bua Thong.

They offered a ceremony with offerings, and an older woman guided us through the process. Finally, they gave us a bag of holy water adorned with flower petals.

On the mountaintop, there is a large statue of Guanyin. You can go up to pay respects by walking, taking the elevator, or driving. Hurry up, it's almost time for the last elevator ride.

As expected, this was the last lift of the day. There was only a one-way ticket available, meaning you had to walk down on the way back. To top it off, there were only two people in the entire VIP cabin!

Wow, I get to see the view too.

Stepping out of the elevator, a glance back reveals this scene.

"The majestic and beautiful statue of the Goddess of Mercy made the climb well worth it."

After paying respects to the Goddess of Mercy statue and enjoying the view for a while, it started to drizzle. Unfortunately, we didn't have any umbrellas.

As if by a miracle, we found an abandoned umbrella by the roadside, which, though not in perfect condition, provided us with some protection from the rain as we descended the mountain.

We then walked back down the same path we had climbed up earlier. It was many steps and quite steep, not just as shown in the picture, but with many curves.

High altitude, beautiful view.

Despite the light rain, we persevered and continued our journey to admire the view at Penang Hill.

Follow the tram tracks.

The summit offers both scenic viewpoints and nature trails.

The twilight and nighttime views offer distinct and captivating beauty.

The view from the tram ride back at night was breathtaking, like traveling through a tunnel to another world.

:::Street Art in the Traditional Way:::

Penang is renowned for its vibrant street art, which can be found in almost every corner of the city. While you may not have planned to specifically seek out street art, you're likely to encounter it during your explorations. It's recommended to visit during the cooler morning or evening hours to avoid the intense heat.

While walking and taking pictures of Street Art, you will encounter souvenir shops, museums, Chinese temples, markets, ports, etc., as recommended by many sources. So, stop by those places.

Ultimately, we believe we have found the answer to why Thai people prefer to send their children to study in Penang. Although the review does not mention it, from what we have experienced (GoNeverStop's intuition), it is because Penang offers a diverse range of ethnicities and languages. There are English, Malay, and various Chinese dialects, including Mandarin and Cantonese. The locals here can speak at least three languages and are fluent in mixing them. Students who come to study in Penang will definitely gain at least one language. I think we should come here more often so that we can practice our language skills as well.