Butterworth and beyond

This morning we caught a 101 to Weld Quay. From the quay we caught the ferry across to Butterworth. The ride was great, good views of both sides and the clan jetties.
Once at Butterworth we decided to visit the bird park. Well we waited for at least 45 minutes for the right bus, it took us on a very protracted tour around the town and dropped us off about 1 km from the park. The park itself was a great disappointment, very run down, the birds looked dejected. They charged an extra $1 for cameras. Anyway we were the only ones there. Saw a boa constrictor, quite large and looked menacing
Spent about 40 minutes at the park, which was right next door to a large Hindu temple. We walked down to a shopping mall past a Thai temple. Got a cold drink from the mall, then caught a taxi back to the ferry. This time it cost $1.20 for the trip (about 60 cents NZ). Once back on Penang Island we walked down to the Fat jetties. Chinese have occupied the jetties since the mid 19th Century. The jetties are built over the sea and have a wooden walk way to follow (part of UNESCO heritage). They even offer home stays
, which would be a great experience.
From there we decided to go up Penang Hill. Needed another 45 minute wait for the right bus. The trip up there was an experience, it took us through a variety of different ethnic neighbour hoods- Chinese, Malay and Indian. All the communities had these great food courts (Street meat according to Karla), this leads one to conclude that they eat there rather than cooking at home . Surrounding these food courts are large apartment blocks, which one could conclude are low rent apartments for the locals. The wages are low in Malaysia, in-fact so low they are attracting foreign firms to the area (Malaysia has been described at an Asian Tiger). Once at the base of the hill we took a cable car up to the top. Great ride, very steep track, reminded me of the Wellington Cable car but much more modern. At the top you had a great view over to Butterworth and the surrounding hinterland. Visited a Hindu temple and Mosque which are at the top. Also got to see a few monkeys, some up close and personal. One in particular was being taunted by some kids and was very aggressive. Overall, would recommend this site.
We then took a bus back to Ferringgi to the food court , i couldn't resist the giant tiger prawns this time, plus had another blueberry pancake.
while waiting for the bus, saw a chinese
parade. Got back to our hotel a little too late to go for a swim, so a cold shower and bed. We leave tomorrow for Singapore. Also just heard that some buggar has stolen our gas bottles from the batch, while they were rented not very impressed.