AFTERNOON tea at Elementos is a memorable experience. Located by Tanjong Tokong's pristine scenic beach, this conceptual tapas and lounge
offers
panoramic views of Penang's northern coastline and the azure Andaman Sea in the distance.
Accompanied by a constant sea breeze offering cool respite from the afternoon heat, each selection in the delightful spread epitomises Hompton by the Beach Penang's distinction in combining alluring culinary art with exquisite taste.
FISHING HAVEN
While savouring some spring rolls and crunchy fish fillet, the sight of several fishing vessels heading out to sea brings to mind the memorable Teluk Bahang visit earlier in the day.
Leaving Hompton by the Beach Penang after tucking into a sumptuous breakfast medley of local delights and western selections, the brief road trip to Penang's northwestern tip
turns out to be a unique experience through the famed Batu Ferringhi tourist belt.
Located adjacent to the Penang National Park, Teluk Bahang fishing village consists primarily of a concrete jetty complete with a covered walkway and a shallow inlet offering safe harbour for boats.
The jetty services both commercial fishing boats and leisure crafts plying the Pantai Kerachut-Teluk Bahang sea route. Accessible to all, it was built after the old wooden pier was badly damaged by the deadly tsunami that hit many Pacific Ocean fringing countries on Boxing Day 2004.
Respite from the overbearing late morning heat comes in the form of shady ketapang trees lining the sandy path leading towards rows of wooden huts where the fishermen and their families live. Living up to its Malay name which translates to 'bay of heat', Teluk Bahang can get quite hot during the day.
Remaining in the cool shade, fishermen take time to rest and tend to light chores while chatting with friends. Kinship bonds are strong here and this keen sense of camaraderie ensures collective safety from the time they set out to sea until they return home with boats filled to the brim with the bounty of the sea.
PRIZED CATCH
Confirming this observation is Abdullah Chik, who has been a fisherman throughout his adult life. Met when mending nets with his bare feet snugly nestled in the warm powdery sand, the 50-year-old resident proudly declares that Penang waters are rich with marine life.
Abdullah's eyes twinkle as he talks about returning home each day to a crowd of loyal customers waiting to purchase the fruits of his labour.
With a number of hotel chefs among those waiting in line, Abdullah and his friends are assured that their fish, crabs and prawns are of the highest quality. The steady income stream helps them provide for their growing families.
Traffic is noticeably heavier on the way back to Hompton by the Beach Penang. The good mix of local tourists and foreign holidaymakers at the various places of attraction bodes well for the Pearl of the Orient as it makes good progress in regaining its lustre that was temporarily dulled by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The remainder of the late afternoon is spent at the beach. Devoid of obstructing boulders commonly found in other parts of Penang's northern coast, this spot is popular among visitors who enjoy taking leisurely strolls, building sandcastles and collecting seashells as the weather cools.
A distance away, the sandy trail gives way to a man-made rocky headland that protects the nearby Tanjong Tokong fishing village from strong waves and eroding water currents.
Climbing up to enjoy a bird's eye view of children playing in the water and womenfolk collecting shellfish in the sand, focus soon lands on a group of anglers busy putting out lures with hopes of landing croakers, groupers and snappers that are abundantly found in the area.
PASSIONATE HOBBY
On approach, Brandon Cheam looks up and smiles. Aptly dressed for protection against the elements, the affable Form 4 student from SMJK Chung Hwa admits to coming here whenever he can. With his Mount Erskine home just a short distance away, he uses the time here to relax before resuming his studies.
Catching the angling bug from his grandfather, Cheam exemplifies the passion and dedication enthusiasts bring to their hobbies. What began as a passing interest morphed into a full-blown dedication when the catch started coming in. While recalling the sheer delight of landing his first catch years ago, Cheam admits that the zeal has not waned and he still experiences the same exhilaration every time something tugs at his line.
Rattling off a list of favourite fishing grounds, Cheam declares that the productive waters near both Penang bridges are his favourites as the strategic locations never fail to yield the most number and largest sized fish for him.
"The ones here are smaller but my family will enjoy fresh fish tonight," he says while gesturing towards a pail filled with his labour of love.
As sunset fills the Tanjong Tokong sky with a myriad of colours, the day comes to an end with a delectable seafood dinner at Spice Garden. A popular dining venue for both locals and foreign visitors since its inception five years ago, its Seafood Symphony buffet dinner offers the freshest local marine choices that are cooked to perfection.
While tucking into all-you-can-eat succulent crabs and mouth-watering prawns, thought returns to Abdullah and Cheam. The exemplary drive and liveliness shown in their shared pursuit in life are the very essence needed to help spur our nation to even greater heights in the days to come.
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