94. Goodbye to Penang

 

Above: Penang flag
The flag is a tricolour consisting of vertical stripes of equal width of light blue (at the hoist), white and yellow; on the central (white) stripe is an areca nut palm or pokok pinang on a mount. Light blue signifies the sea, which surrounds the island. The white represents the State itself in its serenity. The yellow signifies prosperity. The betelnut tree is the tree from which the island takes its names.

 

Above: Waiting for the bus
It was time to leave Penang and I waited here for the bus. When I'd booked the bus a couple of days previously, I found out that the mini bus which left Penang at (from memory) 8.00am, stopped at certain locations to pick-up passengers and the Bayview Hotel was one of them. This was so much easier than having to lug a suitcase down somewhere to catch a bus to take me to Komtar or wherever the bus began its journey.

The bus arrived at the hotel at 7.45am and we were on our way. There was a German fellow plus one or two other chaps on the bus when it stopped for me. We made a stop at Hutton Lodge and a German couple and their 5 year old daughter hopped on. I remember later he found it hard to get comfortable - it was a minibus and he was very tall with such long legs he didn't have room to stretch out. I sat on the right hand side and being nowhere near 6 foot was quite comfortable.

 

Above: Kapitan Keling mosque
The streets devoid of people make for better photos.

 

Above: Penang apartments
We passed these tall apartments on the way. I think the different colours make for an interesting effect don't you? The people on the upper floors must have a lovely view.

 

Above: Morning skies over Penang Bridge
In this photo you can see the hazy mist of early morning light over the Penang Bridge. As the bus was fast moving, very few photos came out well enough. These are the ones that did.

 

Above: Penang Island map

History
The history of Penang began in 1786, when Captain Francis Light struck a deal with the Sultan of Kedah. He acquired Pulau Pinang (Penang Island) from the Sultan on behalf of the East India Company, which is return promised Kedah protection against its powerful neighbours. You can read more information here.