City View to Kampung View in 30 minutes

π‘‚π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘ƒπ‘Žπ‘ π‘Žπ‘Ÿ π΅π‘–π‘ π‘–π‘˜ 𝑖𝑠 π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘ π‘œπ‘“ π‘‡β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘˜πΆπ‘–π‘‘π‘¦ π‘†π‘šπ‘Žπ‘™π‘™ π‘‡π‘œπ‘€π‘›π‘  π‘†π‘’π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘” π‘ƒπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘– πΊπ‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘›π‘‘π‘  π‘ƒπ‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘šπ‘šπ‘’

If you are a local Penangite who has lived in the city all your life, a road trip to Seberang Perai will connect you to a culture that is so close to home, yet often unexplored. For parents, this trip offers your children valuable exposure and a deeper connection to their local community. If you are a traveler seeking slow and sustainable tourism, wanting to take your time and immerse yourself in local culture, this trip is ideal for you as well. Please read on.

As you drive through Penaga on your way to Pasar Bisik, you'll see a variety of traditional Malay houses, a sight that is becoming increasingly rare in today's urban landscape. Typical Malay houses are elevated on stilts to protect against flooding during monsoon seasons, particularly in the rainy months. These structures are usually topped with distinctive thatch roofs and surrounded by wooden walls, featuring strategically placed windows and frames that promote better airflow.

You may also notice some kampung houses that are notably high on stilts. It has been suggested that these houses were designed to accommodate elephants. Fairus explained that most residents of Seberang Perai are Kedah Malays, whose ancestors fled Kedah during a tumultuous period known as Perang Bisik 1831–1842. Many sought refuge in the British-controlled areas of Penang and Province Wellesley (now Seberang Perai) to escape violence and oppression from the Siamese. During this massive exodus, affluent Kedah Malays, likely including the Sultan, penghulu (chieftains), and bangsawan (noble men), used elephants to transport goods and people.

Today, the idea of such long journeys on foot seems almost absurd, yet these vivid tales resonate deeply within me. They transform mere accounts into a powerful connection to our past and cultivate a belief in the incredible journeys of our forebears.

I mentally added Fairus' story as a new trinket to my collection of experiences. Over the years, through countless conversations with participants in the Penang Hidden Gems activities and with friends, I have heard how their ancestors journeyed to Penangβ€”from northern Siam on grand elephants to enduring walks through jungles and along winding roads. Each of these stories forms a charm bracelet of shared history and sentiment.

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