I’m always busy, but lately the busyness feels like it’s gone way over the line. I think I’d have to learn how to clone myself to keep up. I can barely find time to go out and eat anywhere, so blog updates have been painfully slow, but overdue homework still has to get done, so I’m going to post my Malaysia sightseeing trip over a few installments.
I’ve been to Southeast Asia a few times, and Malaysia isn’t exactly a place with much going on -_- so I didn’t expect much, and sure enough, I think this trip will go down as one of the worst trips of my life. I never want to take a trip this boring again. Of course, that’s down to my own circumstances, not Malaysia’s fault.
The first place we visited was Penang, a resort area in Malaysia.
Street view
From the outside it looks like just a country town..
Street view 2
But it’s actually the hotel district. The road is narrow, and in the evening a knock-off market sets up.
Here’s what the hotel looks like inside.
It’s pretty much the same as anywhere else in Southeast Asia. There weren’t many people, probably because it’s off-season. I imagine it gets crowded once it’s hotter or on weekends.
The beach
It’s a bit small. Well.. just playing in the pool should be fine.
Inside the hotel
If you just stay inside the hotel, it’s fine for a relaxing holiday. But if you want more than that, say good restaurants or surfing, this area is way too quiet. Famous tourist spots like Bali or Guam, with all their buzz, are probably the better choice.
A temple with a reclining Buddha (Wat Chayamangkalaram)
Well.. it’s a tourist spot.
The main gate
It’s flashy, but..
The reclining Buddha, which I was told is the fifth largest in the world
Its expression is peaceful.
I was told the walls are gold leaf.
Apparently a Thai king built it.. having money really makes a difference.
I can’t tell if this is Chinese style, Indian style or Southeast Asian style.
It’s Buddhist, so maybe Chinese style..
A mandala mark on the soles of the feet..
Very profound.
A small Buddha statue
Not that small, actually.. the greasy, self-confident face is unusual. Is this the Malay style?
And this Buddha too..
Looks Chinese..
This one is a Buddha statue meant for people to apply gold leaf to.
You just buy gold leaf and stick it on. It looks a bit messy, but I suppose this is how they bring in income.