Penang

Penang is a state in Malaysia by the strait of Malacca. Although it is an island it is now connected to the mainland by the eight mile long Penang Bridge.  It has been designed to last for four centuries and to withstand an earthquake up to 7.5 on the Richter scale.

Just a short island tour today. We had storms for the best part of the night and it's still overcast this morning. It is also very hot and humid but at least dry.

We first stopped in a Malay village (or Kampung) to see typical Malaysian houses on stilts and then to a local fruit and spice stall. Then on to the butterfly farm which has over 100 species. There were many really pretty ones but they didn't t like posing for photographs, except the one that took a liking to Terry's Hawaiian shirt!

Next was a batik factory. Of course you always have to be taken somewhere to be encouraged to buy something.

We drove back past Batu Ferringhi where we were given a picnic box. Not bad actually!

Afterwards we visited the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Buddhist Temple that houses the third longest reclining Buddha in the world at 33 metres. We then drove back through Georgetown which is named after George III. The heart of Georgetown has changed little since the days of the British influence.