Balik Pulau Penang West Malaysia
Balik Pulau (literal translation “Back Island”) is a quaint little rural township on the southwest of Penang Island, West Malaysia. I remember this place very well in the 1960’s and early 1970’s and it will always have a special place in my memories. In those days it was a rural kampung covered with rubber, coconut, durian, mangosteen, langsat (lansium paratisicum), jambu (guavas) and other trees. The center of the city in those days had an old wet market, which survived the Second World War. Sadly market has given way to progress and development and replaced by a new market which in no way compares to the characteristics and charm of the old market. Back in the 1960’s, I was then a child and often spent time with my favorite aunt in Balik Pulau. I remember enjoying the char koay teow and the char hor fun outside the wet market. Somehow they tasted different and had the kampung feeling about it.
These days, a lot of the land and trees in Balk Pulau have been cleared for new housing developments and Balik Pulau is no longer as green, shady and cool as in the past. Despite this, Balik Pulau still represents the greener part of Penang Island and is famous for its durian, rambutan and purple mangosteen. It is also well known for the assam laksa, which is located near the old wet market. Many people from the locals, interstate visitors and even international travellers still flock to Balik Pulau for this special cuisine comprising of rice noodles with spicy sourly tamarind fish broth mixed with local herbs and spices. The taste is heavenly even though it may be an acquired taste for some people.
I am also glad to see that some of the pre war era houses have been heritage listed to maintain the quaintness of Balik Pulau. Add to this, a wonderful young Russian artist by the name of Julia Volchkova from St. Petersburg has added a couple of new murals to reflect the rustic nature, peaceful and relaxing way of life in Balik Pulau.
To get the best experience, I would recommend hiring a scooter and make it a day trip around Penang Island. Please stay safe and take your time and I hope that you will enjoy Balik Pulau as much as I do. I also hope you enjoy the images that I have taken of Balik Pulau. If you like my images please also visit my photography website on http://jlim118.wix.com/mi-images.
