The Trishaw of Palau Penang

Watching the clouds the other day, as the storm slowly fades away, I who had nothing to do because of the power interruption, grab the pen and notebook then started to write. But actually, I have nothing in mind what to write. Suddenly, little bird chirping on the acacia tree in front of the apartment, and as the clouds move across the sky I remember my ironic, but happy and memorable trip to Georgetown, Palau Penang, Malaysia.

Palau Penang has been my dream destination since I was in college. I read an article once about the trishaw, and that stuck on my mind even years after. Its historical significance entices me, as historical enthusiast, travelling to historical places becomes my passion. When my mother wanted to visit her sister in Malaysia early April this year, I told her that I will accompany her. Unfortunately, due to some unavoidable circumstances, she was not able to go. However, with the preparation we have, I don’t want to waste it so I went to Malaysia alone. Instead of Kota Kinabalu, I redirected my trip to Kuala Lumpur. My trip redirection was a blessing in disguise, because I was able to visit Palau Penang.

How to reach Palau Penang? This is the first question that comes into my mind, hence from the map Palau Penang is far from Kuala Lumpur. So, here it is on how to get there. From the Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur, Palau Penang is a four and half bus ride. But one should not worry because; with the good-condition of buses in Malaysia you cannot feel that you’re travelling more than four hours. The road is also good even you’re a first time traveller. Along the way, beautiful view relaxes your mind. The green scenery and beautiful flowers ease the boredom that you might feel due to long hours of travel. Winding road also made you feel excited on the way.
The State of Penang actually starts at the north western coast of mainland Malaysia. But the capital and the main seat of the state is a bridge away. This is a small island on the north west of West Malaysia. The island is called Palau Penang or Penang Island. Georgetown city is the capital of the state, the seat of administration and commercial centre as well.
As excitement pounding my heart to reach the island when I saw the towering buildings from the Penang bridge I can’t take out from my mind also, the days when I was just imagining of going to Palau Penang. I cannot believe it that I am a few minutes away from my dream destination. Finally the bus stops and I am now at the so-called the “Pearl of the Orient.”
The first thing my eyes search on as soon as my feet set on the soil of Palau Penang is the Trishaw. But, unfortunately I never saw one instead I saw taxis on the terminal. The driver approached us and asks where we are going to stay. With the list of hotels on my notebook I told the driver to bring us to the average hotel if not the cheapest one. So, he brought us to the Cathay Hotel, not the cheapest but at the average. And it was also one of the nicest hotels to stay in. For a person who has a tight-budget on the tour, like me, the hotel is quite reasonable.
Now, I am settled with the place to stay in, I search next for the food. I am a bit hungry because the bus left from Kuala Lumpur at 8:00 in the morning and we arrived around 12:45 in the afternoon. My body clock is now ticking for the fuel – that is the real food. On the busy street along the little India we found a restaurant owned by the Indian-Hindu. Though I am not used to the taste of the south Indian meal, I happen to like then the mutton with rice. Maybe I am just hungry or the food really suits to my taste buds. Well, mutton was also new to me. I do not even know what it is. The waiter told me it is a sheep meat. So, I said as long as it is halal and my taste bud and digestive system can take it, its fine with me.
The next on my list was still to see a trishaw. But still, my eyes were not able to catch any. So, instead of waiting for the trishaw to pass by, I decided to go and see the best that Palau Penang can offer.
My first stop was the bustling little India. I also long to see the Taj Mahal and the real Hindu Temple but going to India is quite expensive. With my fortune to visit Palau Penang, I saw then the real Hindu Temple, of course not the Taj Mahal. One of the important Hindu Temples in Palau Penang is the Sri Mariamman Temple. The beautiful sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses are found inside the temples. Visitors and Devotees alike are welcome by these sculptures. After paying respect to the temple officials and the temple itself, we moved to the next station on my itinerary.

The second place we visited in Palau Penang was the Goddess of Mercy Temple or also known as the “Kuan Yin Teng.” This Chinese temple was built in the 1800’s by the early Chinese immigrants who settled in the city. It is also considered as one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. Devotees and visitors also flocked to the temple all year round. The Chinese comprise a number of population in Malaysia and they are also significant in terms of business and commerce.
The third stop we have on the list was the city hall of Georgetown. The Georgetown city hall is an example of how the people of Palau Penang value history. The city hall was a well-preserved building from the days of British rule. It is located near the boulevard of Georgetown, where a relaxing sea breeze could be felt.
Opposite the city hall was our next stop, the Fort Cornwallis. The fort was built in 1786. In 1804, the convicts reconstruct it with concrete structures. The famous Dutch cannon or the “Meriam seri rambai” is found here. The cannon was a present to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch and it was brought to Penang when the Portuguese stole it.


On our way to one of the most important Moslem sacred places in Palau Penang, we passed by the infamous Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. The tower is a 60 ft. high clock tower built in 1867. It was built to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of Queen Victoria.

Now, our last stop for the day was on the Kapitan Keling Road, the Kapitan Keling Mosque. This was named after an Indian-Muslim Merchant headman or Kapitan Keling. It was built in 19th century and the mosque reflects the Moorish Islamic influence. The mosque is one of the tourist attractions in Palau Penang. I was fascinated by the structures and how it welcomed people from other religious affiliation. Practically, everyone can visit the mosque, Moslem and non-Moslem alike. One can witness how the Moslems perform their prayers here, from ablution to performing Salah.
From 1:00 in the afternoon to 7:30 in the evening I was able to see the important places in Georgetown city, Palau Penang. But still, I did not see a trishaw. Where is the trishaw in Palau Penang? The thing that made me long to see Palau Penang was the thing that I did not see there. But I am happy and contented that I was able to reach Palau Penang even though I never saw the trishaw. Ironic isn’t it? But as what the saying says, “Life is like that.” You will be lead by something to some place but when you reach the place that something is not there or you cannot see that something. It is just an instrument that will lead you to fulfil what you aspire for in life.
As I wrote this, I realize that dreams do really come true in God’s perfect time. A plan to go to Palau Penang was not even in my list, but dreaming of going to Palau Penang lingers on my subconscious mind years before it happened. There is always an instrument of fulfilling one’s dream, sooner or later it will come true, when you believe it will. Like my Palau Penang experience, the Trishaw is the instrument of fulfilling my dream to see the place. Because of the enticement I have in my heart to see the Trishaw, the trip to Palau Penang stays in me for the a very long time, until I had the chance to see the place.
The memories of Palau Penang will stay in my heart forever and I wish one day I can go back and see a “Trishaw”.

Skardu and Deosai Plains (Baltistan)

* Skardu and Deosai Plains (Baltistan)
Capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 metres above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakoram mountain range. Baltistan is known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd" or Little Tibet since its life-style reflects that of the roof of the World and Land of Lamas.It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Places to Visit
Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers Baltistan's five valleys - Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Kharmang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples and pears.
Shigar valley, 32 kms by jeep from Skardu is the gateway to the mountain peaks of the Karakorams. Skardu has a historic Fort atop a ridge known as the Mindoq-Khar or Castle of Queen Mindoq and three lovely lakes. The two - Kachura Lake 29 kms and Stapra Lake 8 kms from Sakrdu are ideal for fishing.

* Deosai Plains

Deosai means Land of Giants. The Deosai plateau, known as the highest plateau in the world is located at the boundary of the Karakoram and the western Himalayas. Deosai Plains are a backwoods country at about 30 kilometres from Skardu at an average height of 13,500 feet above sea level and covers a vast area of almost 3,000 square kilometres.

The Deosai Plains are 32 km south of Skardu. This plateau is the habitat of the greatly threatened Himalayan Brown Bear and many other wild animals. At an average elevation of 3500 metres, Deosai is now a National Park and protected area for wildlife.
The rolling grassland here supports no trees or shrubs and the area is snow covered for seven months of the year. Spring comes to Deosai in August when millions of wild flowers begin to bloom all over the lush green grassland. This is a time when Deosai looks like a paradise with a landscape full of wild flowers on green rolling hills and crystal clear water streams with snow covered peaks in the background.
An adventure jeep safari will take you right across the beautiful mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakorams Travelling on KKH, you will enjoy the most spectacular scenery on earth.
Before reaching Deosai, you will also witness the magical views of Nanga Parbat (8126 m), the ninth highest peak of the world. At Deosai, you first stop will be at Sheosar Lake. This place offers beautiful views of south fact of Nanga Parbat and a panoramic view of Deosai Plains.
At Bara Pani, you can spend one day and visit the core of the National Park for Bear watching or you may enjoy fishing in the cold waters or Barwai Stream. From Deosai, you can travel back via Skardu and Gilgit to enjoy the most thrilling drive along the Indus River.

Lake Saiful Maluk

* Lake Saiful Maluk
Lake Saiful Muluk has a touch of the unreal about it, nestling 3,200 metres high in the shadow of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains) 5,291 metres high. You can go boating on the lake and hear the local legend about Prince Saiful Muluk who fell in love with a fairy. Further up are quaint woodland villages; Battakundi, Burawai, Besal Gittidas and Lalazar.

* Babusar Pass
The Kaghan Valley is blocked at the end by high mountains but a pass lets the jeep-able road snake over into the Chilas Valley. This is the 4,173 metres high Babusar Pass which commands the whole Kaghan panorama as well as gives you, on a clear day, glimpses of the Nanga Parbat (The Naked Mountain) glistening at 8,126 metres.

Kaghan and Naran Valleys

* Kaghan and Naran Valleys
A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away, north-east of the Hazara district of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience. Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in unbelievable pristine state, and unspoiled paradise. That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan.

Location
The Valley extends for 155 kms rising from an elevation of 2,134 metres to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173 metres. Kaghan is at its best in the summer months (May to September). In May the temperature is: maximum 11 C and the minimum 3 C. From the middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran, snow-bound throughout the winter, is open right up to Babusar Pass.
The Kaghan Valley is accessible by road from Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Peshawar. You can drive in your own or a rented car, taxi, station-wagon or bus to Abbottabad which is 122 kms. from Rawalpindi and 217 kms. from Peshawar. Abbottabad is a charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.

* Balakot
From Abbottabad, you drive 72 kms to Balakot, the gateway to the Kaghan Valley. Balakot has the shrines of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Ismail Shaheed Brelvi, the South Asia great freedom fighters.
For your drive to Kaghan, you switch over at Balakot to a jeep. Your first stop is 34 kms away at Shogran at 2,362 metres above sea level. At Kaghan, the little village that gives the valley its name-61 kms from Balakot.

* Naran
At Naran, 23 kms from Kaghan you reach the half-way point. Naran also serves as the base for the whole valley. From here you can ride a jeep or horse or hike in excursions to several picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks.

Chitral Valley and Kafiristan (Kalash Valley)

* Chitral Valley and Kafiristan (Kalash Valley)
The Chitral Valley at an elevation of 1,128 metres, is favourite with mountaineers, anglers, hunters, hikers, naturalists and anthropologists. The 7,705 metres Trichmir, the highest peak of the Hindukush range, dominates this 322 kms long exotic valley.
Location
Chitral district has Afghanistan on its north, south and west. A narrow strip of Afghan territory, Wakhan, separates it from Tajikistan. The tourist season in Chitral is from June to September. The maximum temperature in June is 35 C and the minimum 19 C. In September the maximum is 24 C and minimum 8C.

* Kalash Valley
One of the major attractions of Chitral are the Kalash valleys - the home of the Kafir-Kalash or "Wearers of the Black Robes", a primitive pagan tribe. Their ancestry is enveloped in mystery and is the subject of controversy. A legend says that five soldiers of the legions of Alexander of Macedonia settled in Chitral and are the progenitors of the Kafir-Kalash.
Over 3,000-strong Kafir-Kalash live in the valley of Birir, Bumburet and Rambur, south of Chitral. Bumburet, the largest and the most picturesque valley of the Kafir-Kalash , is 40 kms. from Chitral and is connected by a jeep-able road. Birir, 34 kms. away is accessible by a jeep-able road. Rambur is 32 kms from Chitral.
The Kalash women wear black gowns of coarse cloth in summer and hand-spun wool dyed in black in winter. Their picturesque headgear is made of woolen black material decked out with cowry shells, buttons and crowned with a large coloured feather.
The Kalash are fun loving people who love music and dancing particularly on occasion of their religious festival like Joshi Chilinjusht (14th & 15th May-spring), Phool (20th - 25th September) and Chomas (18th to 21st December for a week). Polo in Chitral is as popular as in Gilgit. Polo matches are great attractions at festive occasions. A regular Polo tournament is held every year (First week of July) at Shandur Pass.

Gilgit and Hunza Valleys

Gilgit and Hunza Valleys

At an elevation of 1,454 metres lies the Gilgit Valley. The quaint little town of Gilgit has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak tourist season is from May to mid-October though the tourist season is round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 33 C and minimum 16 C. In September, Maximum 28 C and minimum 11C.
10 kms from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha of 7th century A.D.at the mouth of the Kargah Nullah. A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 kms. Jeep drive from Gilgit town.
The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit river is the largest suspension bridge in Asia (182 metres long and 2 metres wide) permitting enough room for one jeep at a time to cross.

* Hunza Valley
The visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed by the rugged charm, the fragrant breeze signing through graceful poplar trees and the velvet-like green carpet of wheat fields, set against the background of snow-covered mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres, Hunza valley's tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May is maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C. The October temperatures are: maximum 10 C and minimum 0 C.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi Peak (7,788 metres). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime. The fairy-tale like Castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hunza landmark built abut 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking.

Activities in the area.

The favourite sport in Gilgit is polo which local folks claim originated here. It's more rugged, free-style version than the sedate variety known in the plains. The polo tournament held from 1st November to 7th November is a festive occasion and draws a large number of visitors. The streams and lakes of Gilgit are full of trout.
Trekking and hiking in the rugged mountains and verdant valleys of Gilgit are allowed only in the "open zone" which extends up to 16 kms. short of the control line on the Kashmir border and up to 50 kms. short of the Afghan border. See NWFP Picture Gallery for some beautiful pictures of Gilgit
Gilgit has direct route (about 600 km) from Islamabad/Rawalpindi by the Karakoram Highway. Rawalpindi to Gilgit via Swat is 750 kms and takes 20 hours by bus/van; Rawalpindi to Gilgit via Babusar Pass 592 kms 24 hours by jeep.

NORTHERN AREAS OF PAKISTAN.

Dear Readers !! We all must have heard about the NORTHERN AREAS OF PAKISTAN.
I have been there for a month long tour.The beautiful mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakorams Travelling on KKH, you will enjoy the most spectacular scenery on Planet Earth.
Down below are some information and facts of the area.Hope you'll find it useful and worth reading.

The Northern Areas of Pakistan, cover the districts of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Skardu.
Nature has endowed the area with high peaks and large glaciers concentrated in a relatively small radius. Each district can boast of at least one lofty peak.
K-2 with a height of 8,611 m (28, 416 ft) lies majestically in Skardu district overlooking the Chinese territory.
Nanga Parbat, 8, 138 m (26,855 ft) high, is located in Diamer whereas the 7,788 m (25,700 ft) high Rakaposhi is situated in Gilgit.
Some 28 peaks of the area are over 20,000 ft high.
The Northern Pakistan has some of the formidable glaciers outside Polar region; Siachin (72 km), Hispar (61 km), Biafo (60 km), Baltoro (60 km) and Batura (64 km).
Amidst towering snow-clad peaks, with heights varying from 1,000 m to 8,000 meters. The cultural patterns of these regions are as interesting as its geography. The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzkashi, provide the travelers an unforgettable experience.
Out of 14 over 8,000 meters high peaks on earth, 4 occupy an amphitheater at the head of Baltoro glacier in the Karakoram Range in Northern Pakistan.These are; K-2 or Mount Godowin Austin (8,611 m, world's second highest), Gasherbrum-I (8,068 m),Broad Peak (8,047 m) and Gasherbrum-II (8,035 m).
There is yet another which is equally great, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), located at the western most end of the Himalayas. In addition to these mountains, there are 68 peaks over 7,000 m and hundreds others of over 6,000 meters.

PPS: Your suggestions and comments would be most welcome to keep my blog running around.....