Kelab Pelancongan Trip

Above are some pictures I took during the trip using my Nokia E71.

Georgetown is the capital of the island and state of Penang, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. It was listed by UNESCO in 2008 as a World Heritage Site, together with fellow former Straits Settlement, Melaka. Founded in 1786 by British trader Francis Light, Georgetown was one of the three Straits Settlements along with Malacca and Singapore. Modern-day Georgetown is one of Malaysia's largest cities with 600,000 inhabitants.

On the 8th of July, the Tourism Club of SMK Mengkuang, Bukit Mertajam went for a day trip to Penang.Apart from 40 members of the club, the 25 special class students also joined together with all their 12 teachers.

The places we went were The Tropical Fruit Farm in Balik Pulau, The Butterfly Farm at Teluk Bahang, Penang State Muzium & Fort Cornwallis.

Left school at about 8.30am. All the way to Balik Pulau via the Penang Bridge. Reached the tropical fruit farm by 10am. Given some explanation by Mr. Ali. The pittaya (dragon fruit) that I have seen in the market were the red & white, but Mr. Ali explained they also have the yellow version but not in the market because of its small size. The benefits of eating bananas & many types of fruit trees. Then all of us had some local fruits & eating the fig for the firts time was a new experience for me.

Next, we went to the Butterfly farm. For the most of the students, it was the first time to the place. They enjoyed. From there we went to the Penang State Mosque. The Muslims went for their prayers then all of us had lunch.

Off to Penang State Muzium. Penang State Museum, Farquhar Street, is located near Fort Cornwallis, was formerly the Penang Free School which was built in two separate stages in 1896 and 1906. The museum exhibits paintings the artistic military man Captain Robert Smith and the lovely engravings of William Daniell. Other collections are former Penang Hill railway carriage, a handwritten Qur`an , old Malay weapons donated by the family of the late Dato' Haji Fathil Basheer and etc.

The place need more things to attract people or may be it need to be relocated in order to make it more appealing. But still for the most of the students & some teachers this was their first time to the Muzium.

From the Muzium to the Fort Cornwallis. Fort Cornwallis, Light Street. Built on the site where Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, first landed in August 11th 1786. The fort was first built in 1793, but this site was an unlikely spot to defend the city from invasion. In 1810 it was rebuilt in an attempt to make up for initial strategic planning errors. In the shape of a star, the only actual buildings still standing are the outer walls, a gunpowder magazine, and a small Christian chapel. The magazine houses an exhibit of old photos and historical accounts of the old fort. Entrance RM3 for adults.

Eventhough for most of Penangites the place is popularly known as Padang Kota Lama just a place to hang out in the evening or go for a walk but, it also have some historical things such as the information about Captain Francis Light & his achievements. Some of the students also had the popular pasembur & friend noodles.

We left the fort and reached school by 7pm.

It was tiring but I believe the students had some new experience. This is what they will treasure apart from the academic achievements and classroom lessons.

Thank you.
12072009