Krabi to Penang

Left Krabi at 9 in the morning on a minivan to Hat Yai. From Hat Yai we got the train across into Malaysia to Butterworth and got the ferry across to penang island.

Group Photo with Mr big

Arrived at the hotel at 9 oclock night (12 hours after leaving Krabi!!) and went straight out for a quick curry (Yummy).

The next day started with a dim sum breakfast (more yummy) and then up to the Kek Lok Si temple. The temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and was founed in 1896 by a Chinese budhist.

Kek Lok Si Temple

After the temple went to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in George town. Cheong Fatt Tze started as a penniless teenager from China and ended up establishing a vast fianical empire throughout East Asia becoming known as the Rockfeller of the East. The Mansion it self is one of the largest of its style outside China and conforms to the principals of Fen Shui. Although the mansion is mostly Chinese in style it as western influences such as floor tiles from Stoke on Trent and Scottish cast iron work.

In the afternoon we went to the Eastern and Orient hotel for a spot of afternoon tea. It was very posh, I'm suprised they let us in. Anyway for about 6 pounds you got an endless supply of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes. They just kept on bringing more stuff out!!!!

Tea Anyone!!

The Bill!!

After stuffing ourselves silly with scones we headed over to Fort Cornwallis and had a look around the remains.

On the way back wandered through Little India on the way to Khoo Kongsi. A Kongsi is a clan house (part temple, part meeting hall for the Cinese of the same clan or surname) I think that the film Anna and the King was filmed there. Unfortunately its was shut by the time we got there. Had a quick look at the Acheen St Mosque on the way back to the hotel.

In the evening went out for a curry in Little India.