Federated Malay States Railways : pamphlet of ... - Sabrizain.org

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Bodom. Pcnfing.
Tanjong Bunga, Penang-
glory of the town. Here the roads are broad
and good. At every turn are beautiful views
of houses in their gardens, in a land where
ordinary gardening is easy and landscape gardening
inevitable. A drive through this neighbourhood
should be taken by anyone who is spending a few
hours in Penang, Before reaching the Eastern and
Oriental Hoi el on Farquhar Street a turn to the left
down Leith Street is worth taking, for along this
street are several fine Chinese houses. In this
climate, where frost and thaw do not damage
buildings, it is possible to decorate exteriors with a
wealth of ornament which the bright sun shows up
in gorgeous colouring. Notable are the dragons
ramping on the roofs and strange are the figures
in china and pottery and the pictures in panels
on outside walls. It is occasionally possible to
be shown over the interior of one of these houses.
There are plenty of beautiful drives in Penang.
The Chinese temple at Ayer Itam is four miles
away. It can be reached by electric tram (half-an-
hour) from Swettenham Pier, and this route is
more picturesque than the carriage road.
A drive of three miles will in twenty minutes
take us, in a different direction, through a beautiful
succession of gardens and cultivation to the Water-
fall Garden, where the natural beauty of the site,
a green hollow nestling in the hill foot, with a
leaping cascade at its far end, has been utilised to
give Penang and all world-travellers a gem of
scenery.
The beginning of the ascent to the Crag Hotel
(one hour, carried in a chair) is at the Garden. The
hill is 2,066 feet high, and gives a magnificent view
of the whole spreading prospect between Penang
and the mainland. Coolies and chairs are always
in waiting at the foot of the hill. The hotel belongs
to the management of the Eastern and Oriental
Hotel.
In this direction, the pass leading to Balik
Pulau is within easy reach by motor car, and the
scenery, with its glimpses of the sea down wellwooded
long ravines, is unsurpassed.
For other drives there are Relau Police Station
(ten miles) and Bagan Lepas (twelve miles), through
coconuts, padi and open country, and these
motorists will discover for themselves.
Bodom.
Taniong Bunga, Penang.
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