ISLAND OF JEREJAK
THE ARRIVAL AT JEREJAK ISLAND
The Name Pulau Jerejak
It was given by fisherman who lived on the island. Long before it gained its alias as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, because of the Jerejak Prison. This 362ha island is located between the Penang Main Island and Seberang Prai. It's an island rich with history, flora and fauna.
It was given by fisherman who lived on the island. Long before it gained its alias as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, because of the Jerejak Prison. This 362ha island is located between the Penang Main Island and Seberang Prai. It's an island rich with history, flora and fauna.
Francis Light
This island though not as famous compared to other islands in Malaysia, has had its fair share of auspicious historical events. Francis Light, Founder of Penang was said to have arrives in Pula Jerejak in early 1786 before heading on to Penang.
Jerejak made it's debut in colonial records when colonel Arthur Wellesly of Wellington, England, proposed that the island act as an alternative naval base to Fort Cornwallis in 1797. The military post in Jerejak was suppose to provide protection for the new town opposite Jerejak, which was to be called Jamestown, now known as Bayan Lepas.
However a sudden outbreak of Malaria caused for a delay in plans. It is believed that the outbreak was a result of clearing the jungle. It was during this time that George Town emerged as a profitable port. Thus the turn Jerejak into a naval base was aborted.
This island though not as famous compared to other islands in Malaysia, has had its fair share of auspicious historical events. Francis Light, Founder of Penang was said to have arrives in Pula Jerejak in early 1786 before heading on to Penang.
Jerejak made it's debut in colonial records when colonel Arthur Wellesly of Wellington, England, proposed that the island act as an alternative naval base to Fort Cornwallis in 1797. The military post in Jerejak was suppose to provide protection for the new town opposite Jerejak, which was to be called Jamestown, now known as Bayan Lepas.
However a sudden outbreak of Malaria caused for a delay in plans. It is believed that the outbreak was a result of clearing the jungle. It was during this time that George Town emerged as a profitable port. Thus the turn Jerejak into a naval base was aborted.
Quarantaine Centre
In order to stimulate the growth of Penang, Francis Light allowed immigrants to claim whatever they could clear thus causing Penang to be flooded with immigrants. As a precaution, these immigrants were first sent to Jerejak for health inspection. In the year 1910, Jerejak was made a health quarantine centre for immigrants planning to go to the main island. After passing the health check, they were sent to Penang to work. Later in the late 1930's, the British Empire built a hospital for patients with Tuberculosis that could house 150 patients at one time. This was located at the eastern part of the island.
In order to stimulate the growth of Penang, Francis Light allowed immigrants to claim whatever they could clear thus causing Penang to be flooded with immigrants. As a precaution, these immigrants were first sent to Jerejak for health inspection. In the year 1910, Jerejak was made a health quarantine centre for immigrants planning to go to the main island. After passing the health check, they were sent to Penang to work. Later in the late 1930's, the British Empire built a hospital for patients with Tuberculosis that could house 150 patients at one time. This was located at the eastern part of the island.
The Russian Cemetery
Jerejak saw military action during the World War II, when a German submarine attacked a Russian naval vessel. It is believed that Jerejak was the site for a German submarine base from June 1943 to March 1944.
In the book entitled History of the USA Naval Operations in World War Two, S.E. Morison wrote that German U-boats sunk about 18 ships in the Indian Ocean. A ceremonial cemetery dedicated to the Russian soldiers still remains on the island, where however, no records indicate that actual bodies were buried at that site.
Jerejak saw military action during the World War II, when a German submarine attacked a Russian naval vessel. It is believed that Jerejak was the site for a German submarine base from June 1943 to March 1944.
In the book entitled History of the USA Naval Operations in World War Two, S.E. Morison wrote that German U-boats sunk about 18 ships in the Indian Ocean. A ceremonial cemetery dedicated to the Russian soldiers still remains on the island, where however, no records indicate that actual bodies were buried at that site.
A Penal Colony
The Jerejak Rehabilitation Centre began operating from 12 June 1969 to August 1993 with its batch of inmates. This first batch consisted of those detained during the 13th May 1969 race riots.
In it's one and only internal riot incident in 1981, The Jerejak Rehabilitation Centre was rampaged when about 100 inmates rioted in the prison, destroying several buildings. The riot was caused by dissatisfaction over decision to lengthen the service period of inmates.
The Jerejak Rehabilitation Centre began operating from 12 June 1969 to August 1993 with its batch of inmates. This first batch consisted of those detained during the 13th May 1969 race riots.
In it's one and only internal riot incident in 1981, The Jerejak Rehabilitation Centre was rampaged when about 100 inmates rioted in the prison, destroying several buildings. The riot was caused by dissatisfaction over decision to lengthen the service period of inmates.
The following years, saw an upsurge in drug related convictions that resulted in the highest number of detainees in Jerejak, 982 to be exact.
As a security measure, fisherman from nearby island were given strict instructions to keep a distance of 200 metres from the beach area of Jerejak. However, 7 inmates still managed to plan a getaway. The escapees were inmates who worked outside the prison area and were nearly finishing their sentences. The first escape incident in January 1988, saw 4 inmates 'leaving' the island while the second incident in May 1988 saw 3 inmates flee. The exact escape routes of these inmates still remains a mystery.
In it's course of closing down the prison, 900 detainees were transferred to prisons in Johor. The first transfer involved 100 detainees whom were sent to Muar Prison, Johor. The following transfers were in groups of about 60 detainees and were all stationed at the Simpang Ranggam Prison, Johor. The last group left on 13 August 1993.
Nowadays there's a beautiful resort on the island. It's called "Jerejak Resort & Spa".
It's very quiet and you can relax all day. In the daytime you can go visit the main island of Penang or you can do outdoor activities on Jerejak. In the evening you can't do much on Pulau Jerejak, because there a no roads or villages. There's just the resort. All that's left is the the island of Penang.In the daytime adventure village of the resort is where you go for outdoor action on Pulau Jerejak. Take it to the limits with abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking or take to nature with fishing, jungle trekking or camping under the stars. The recreational facilities such as rock and wall climbing, low ropes obstacles and archery are ideally situated next to the Adventure Village for easy access.
It's very quiet and you can relax all day. In the daytime you can go visit the main island of Penang or you can do outdoor activities on Jerejak. In the evening you can't do much on Pulau Jerejak, because there a no roads or villages. There's just the resort. All that's left is the the island of Penang.In the daytime adventure village of the resort is where you go for outdoor action on Pulau Jerejak. Take it to the limits with abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking or take to nature with fishing, jungle trekking or camping under the stars. The recreational facilities such as rock and wall climbing, low ropes obstacles and archery are ideally situated next to the Adventure Village for easy access.
WHAT TO SEE......
Penang has so much to see that a visitor will never get enough of time to see all of what she has to offer. So if you coming in to Penang for the first time the best place to start is in George Town itself, which is given the status of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stepping into this unique enclave, you feel as if you were stepping back into time. George Town has many old charming but elegant mixed colonial building, temple, mosques, churches and even rows of pre-war shop houses with some hidden in old fashion nook and cranny of alleys and narrow streets. Walking into these hidden quaintly streets like Muntri Street, Love Lane, Armenian Street and Acheeh Street is like walking in a time tunnel of nostalgic nineteen century scenery especially with its faded and peeling paint and crumbling walls.
So how does one start to explore such wide area of classical mixed pot puree culture of this place? The best is put on your most comfortable walking shoes or use the service of local three wheel trishaw, commonly known by the local as “beca”. Within this enclave visitors will able to see, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion ( Baba Nyonya Museum), a typical home of a rich Peranakan from a century ago is recreated to offer visitors a glimpse into their opulent lifestyle, Kapitan Keling Mosque, founded in 1801 with a distinct Moghul architectural look, Yap Kongsi and its surrounding where “Anna & the King” movie was shot, Leong San Tong (Dragon Hall) of Khoo Kongsi the most picturesque temple in Penang, the Sri Mariamman Temple (Hindu Temple), impressive Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (known as the “Blue Mansion” due to its indigo blue walls) and Church of Assumption.
Penang having a tropical climate offers some of the most spectacular lushly green sights. The Botanical Gardens with matured trees and the Tropical Spice Garden dedicated spice sanctuary while the Penang’s National Park (Muka Head) consist of an eco-attractions like the pristine Pantai Kerachut beach and also a meromictic lake (a body of sea water and fresh water that do not mix) which provide the perfect spot for picnics, fishing, swimming and trekking. The Butterfly Farm with colourful butterflies fluttering freely is also a breeding research centre. This place is indeed an eco-tourism gem.
For the beaches, one can visit the famous Batu Ferringhi, Penang's northern shoreline for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and deep blue seas. In Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, all these beaches offer wide stretches of glittering sand with scheduled coves created by gigantic rocks in between. It is along this famous coastline that resorts of international standard have sprouted up offering a host of water-based recreational facilities such as the Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Holiday Inn and Park Royal Hotel.
Penang is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings and its historical past. Although it is a small state in comparison to others in Malaysia, you will find that it has a lot of places to explore and every corner you turn to is full of amazement and a joy to see. The local have kept alive their dialects, religions celebration, culture and festivals which makes Penang an extensive heritage enclave.
PESTA PENANG SUNGAI NIBONG....
Pesta Pulau Pinang is a trade expo that is held every year at the Pesta Site in Sungai Nibong, Penang. The trade expo is usually held throughout the month of December, and has been held annually since the late 1960's. Usually, there will be pavilions sponsored by different corporate bodies as well as the tourism board of a few neighboring countries.
It has been generally acknowledged that Pesta Pulau Pinang has lost the grandeur of its heydays in the 60's and 70's, when it attracts all levels of society. Today, the middle class shy away from Pesta Pulau Pinang, owing to the often lackluster attractions that appeal only to certain segments of the working class. Critics call Pesta Pulau Pinang a glorified pasar malam where you have to pay entrance fee to view night market merchandise. To lure more people to attend the Pesta, it organises exhibitions as well as invite special performances. The Miss Pesta Pulau Pinang beauty pagent is also an annual event, though it is something that is participated by the non-Muslim population.
PENANG STATE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
The Penang Museum was built in 1965 and houses a collection of priceless artefacts and state treasures. Eight of the ten original oil paintings by the famous artist Captain Robert Smith are found here.Other items on display include porcelain, furniture, jewellery and costumes from past historical eras. There are also maps, charts and memorabilia used by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
THE QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER
The Clock Tower is a colonial reminder from the era of the British Empire in Penang.Built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, the Clock Tower was a gift to the British authorities from a local millionaire, Cheah Chen Eok. Moorish stylings dominate the structure and from afar, it resembles the minaret of a mosque.
CITY HALL
The City Hall located along the Esplanade is a fine building of Victorian architecture built in 1903; a reminder of the colonial era in Penang.
The City Hall faces a historic field - Padang Kota which is a venue for festivals and other large-scale events.
Today, the Hall is still used for period meetings among the Penang Municipal Council Chamber.
GURNEY DRIVE GUIDE
Gurney Drive is most well known for its happening eating places at night. Perhaps then, not many people know that two of the most beautiful temples are located in the vicinity.
The two Burmese temples located opposite each other on Lorong Burmah, the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram and the Dharmikarama, are deemed worthy of a visit if only to admire the striking beauty of its architecture.
CHEONG FATT TZE MANSION
"Winner of the UNESCO Conservation Award 2000 National Architecture Award for Conservation 1995."
This architectural masterpiece is a statement of the eclecticism of the times and of Straits Settlements design and detailing. Carefully restored after a century of neglect, "La Maison Blue" has been the location for several films including "Indochine" with Catherine Deneuve.
UPPER ROAD PENANG
Situated at the beginning of Jalan Penang, right in front of the historical Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Upper Penang Road is considered the centre of George Town’s nightlife. Most popular with expats and Westerners, this major party zone is filled with pubs and nightclubs that come alive with neon lights and thumping music come nighttime, with chairs spilling out onto the pavement for drinking sessions out in the open and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel glowing ethereally in the background.
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA
A turtle shaped island along with a coastal strip of Province Wellesley, on the main land, Penang is bordered by the State of Kedah to the north and east and by the State of Perak to the south. The state stretches itself over 1046.3 square kilometers and is located on the north-western coast of Malay Peninsula. The island is covered by narrow coastal plains, hills and forests.
PENANG BY ITS NAME
Malaysia's single state island is situated on the north-west coast of the Malaysian peninsula, by the Strait of Malacca and it is the second smallest and eighth most populous state in Malaysia.
The name Penang found its origin from a modern Malay name, pulau pinang, meaning the island of the areca nut tree. Penang can refer to the Penang state (Negeri Pulau Pinang) or the Penang island (Pulau Pinang). The capital of the state is George Town.
The island of Penang is one of the main tourist attractions in Malaysia. The island has a fabulous coastline along with its rich multicultural history that is filled with European, Indian, Chinese and Malay influences. It is also known to be the ‘food paradise” of Malaysia.
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