NICHOLAS CHEAH'S
PHOTOGRAPHY PAGE
Hello! Welcome to my homepage dedicated to photography. Go to my photography page to learn more about photography from an amateur's point of view. Do E-mail me if you have any comments.
Hello! Welcome to my homepage dedicated to photography. Go to my photography page to learn more about photography from an amateur's point of view. Do E-mail me if you have any comments.
Here's a list of my favorite hiking trails around Penang:
Nos. 3 and 5 via Youth Park
The trail via Youth Park is generally easier, thanks to the gradual climb leading to No. 3 rest stop. No. 3 is located on a plateau, offering a breathtaking view of Georgetown. There are 2 steep shortcuts leading to the rest stop - not for the faint-hearted. The longer, gradual path will take an easy 30 minutes.
No. 5 is about 15 minutes hike from No. 3. It is located smack in the forest. The breeze with the rustling of leaves makes No. 5 a very relaxing rest stop.
No. 5 via Moon Gate
No. 5 via Moon Gate is a series of steep stairs. It is a very exhausting climb. Make sure you are fit enough to do this trail. Don't attempt this with an empty stomach early in the morning.
No. 84
No. 84 could be approached from 3 points: Youth Park, Moon Gate and Hye Keat Estate.
The trail via Youth Park and Moon Gate meets at No. 5 rest stop. From No. 5 onwards, the trail is pretty rough. The path is not well-used. At certain stretches, you have to walk with legs apart over a drain. During the wet season, it could get muddy and slippery.
The approach via Hye Keat Estate is quite well-used by farmers. There is a concrete path for motorcycles. When you are high up enough, you could catch the view of Air Itam. You will pass by vegetable farms and fruit orchards and not forgetting the farmers' best friend - the dogs. Ignore them and don't look into their eyes. Just before reaching No. 84, you'll pass by a Hindu shrine where lots of monkeys gather.
USM Marine Research Station
Hike to the "A"-shaped huts from the Penang National Park office. You would have crossed 2 bridges. Turn right at the huts. There are toilets at the huts in case nature calls. Continue hiking along the shore line. There are a few points where you need to use the ropes provided for support. Watch out for monitor lizards along the way. The trail is well-used. A quick hike will take 45 minutes.
Pantai Kerachut
A popular spot for camping and fishing, Pantai Kerachut is quite a long hike, taking about 2 hours. The hike begins like the USM Research Station trail but at the first bridge, take the left turn. An alternative lesser-used trail is to turn left after the second bridge - very spooky and not recommended. The trail is a climb over a hill. So, the first half is a bit strenuous. A beautiful, clean beach with white sand awaits you at the end. Before reaching the beach, explore the meromictic lake during the dry season. Be careful of soft spots in the mud!
Air Itam Dam
The easiest way to get there is to drive right up to the dam. Park your car and enjoy the fresh air while you jog round the dam. Alternatively, there is a jungle trail through a temple at the foot of the hill leading to the dam. There is a nice view of Georgetown from the dam. In the waters, you could sometimes spot some fishes and tortoises.
