Last Updated on January 16, 2011 by Nancie
The train ride from Singapore to Bangkok is a long one, so I decided to take a break in Penang. I arrived late Friday evening, and I’m leaving today, Sunday, at 2:20pm. I’ll arrive in Bangkok a little after 12:00 noon tomorrow.
Penang is a fantastic city for walkers. All of the sites in Georgetown are easily accessible on foot. I spent the day wandering around the downtown area, popping in and out of temples, eating street food, and visiting local crafts people.
Being the 15th of the month meant that most of the temples were busy with worshipers burning incense and praying to the gods. I took this shot inside Kuan Yin Temple. Known as the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, it is thought to be the oldest temple in Penang. The temple was built by Chinese settlers in the 1800’s.
Penang is a fantastic city for budget travelers. Everything I did yesterday was free. Unlike many places in Asia, there is no charge to enter most of the temples. The local crafts people are friendly, and enjoy showing off their skills. There is no pressure to buy. I spent about $15.00 yesterday (excluding my room), and finished the day with a tummy full of delicious local food.
19 responses to “Through the Sandbox Lens, #22 — Kuan Yin Temple, Penang”
I’ve always wanted to go to Penang – mainly to sample all the yummy food! Great photo by the way. 🙂
Julia
The food is fabulous!
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Looks very photogenic, will check it out if I’m down that way sometime.
Penang is definitely worth a visit.
Hi Nancie! Looks like the trip¡s going fine from your posts. I remember this temple from years ago. The composition and the smoke caught in that light make it a wonderful image. Have fun!!!
love that shot! Capturing the motion of the scene. Nice.
Thanks for your kind words Michael.
Beautiful photo…I really like the backlighting
Thanks so much, Jason.
Great photo, Nancie!
Thank you! I was really pleased with it.
Can’t get over the composition of that photo.
Visually rich and suggests so much.
Thanks Jim. I am really happy with this shot.
I think I need to add Singapore and Thailand to my dream destinations list…
You wouldn’t be disappointed!
I just left Melaka and didn’t bother to go to Singapore, although it was only a few hours away by bus, as you know. It just seemed like too much effort for some place I really wasn’t that curious about. I’m sure I’ll regret it later.
I enjoyed Singapore. I’d like to go back and spend some time there. Where are you off to now? I’m in Bangkok until tomorrow, and then it’s on to Chiang Mai for 5 weeks.
Gorgeous photo!