GEORGE TOWN: When you need to watch your budget while holidaying in Penang, take a page from the less affluent.
Penangite N. Nalini, 42, who works as a security guard, said during the school holidays, her children would pine for a family vacation, and with a little local knowledge, their own home state becomes just perfect for it.
“Usually, we go to Batu Ferringhi beach or along the Gertak Sanggul coastline to enjoy the scenery there,” she said.
They only need to budget for transport, food and drinks.
The mother of two children aged 12 and 16 said if she and her husband have more funds that month, only then would they consider taking their children outside Penang for a getaway.
The year-end school holidays begin tomorrow for Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, and on Saturday for the other states and Federal Territories, and will run until Jan 1 next year.
IT analyst Amir Osman Mohd Ibrahim, 46, said although he can afford to take his two teenagers outstation for the holidays, there are many places worth visiting in Penang without spending a fortune.
“We go to Teluk Bahang for fishing and rent a cheap homestay in the fishing village there.
“The homestays are big enough for at least three families,” he said.
Amir Osman called it the perfect setting for fostering closer relationships with his children and relatives.
Teluk Bahang, he noted, also has the National Park, Monkey Beach and Pantai Kerachut nearby.
Another Penang parent, John Therapibut, 36, said he loves spending the year-end holidays on mainland Penang where he lives.
“Those who like nature can always go to Bukit Katak at Tasek Gelugor, a former quarry with huge turquoise-coloured pools,” he said.
It’s only a short drive from Kampung Guar Petai in Tasek Gelugor and visitors will be mesmerised by the uniqueness of the pools and their natural beauty, he added.
On a normal day, Bukit Katak sees hikers and mountain bikers challenging themselves on the rocky and uneven terrain.
The place is also a favourite for newlyweds taking wedding photographs.
Meanwhile, traffic in the city is expected to be heavy this weekend due to Sunday’s Penang Bridge International Marathon, which has attracted 20,000 participants.
Insp Aizad Muhaimin from the Penang Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department said the Penang Bridge will be closed from midnight on Saturday to 10am on Sunday.
“If the situation clears up quickly, there’s a possibility we might reopen the Penang Bridge before 10am.
“However, rest assured that it will not be later than 10am.
“A total of 300 police personnel will be on duty during the event,” he told a press conference.
