Trishaws Used to Explore Inner City

TRISHAWS will soon be stationed at the Tanjung City Marina for cruise liner passengers who want to explore the George Town inner city.

Air Putih assemblyman Datuk Lye Siew Weng said the state had more than 100 trishaw riders to take these tourists around.

“It is the best way to see the inner city heritage trails.

“We will have a few trishaws stationed here but if there is overwhelming demand, prior arrangements can be made for a fleet of trishaws to take these tourists around,” he said after handing out goodie bags to the passengers of MV Albatros at the marina on Satur-day.

Lye also explained the purpose of organising welcome receptions for the passengers.

Welcome reception:German tourists disembarking from the ship being presented with goodies.

“We present them with local items like the bunga telur, nutmeg and tourism brochures and treat them to kompang performances because we want to generate an air of festivity.

“Sometimes, not all those on board the ship will disembark but we hope they will see the excitement at the pier and change their minds,” he said, adding that local land tour operators should promote full day tours because “there was so much to see and do in Penang”.

The land tour for the MV Albatros passengers was arranged by Mayflower Acme Tours.

Mayflower senior manager Premmy Michael said out of 650 German passengers on board, 500 signed up for the half-day Penang land tour.

“We normally arrange for full day tours but the MV Albatros is travelling on a tight schedule. We have arranged for 15 coaches to take them on a Temple Tour and Round Island Tour.

“There were also several trishaws for those who wanted to explore the inner city,” she said.

Passengers who went on the Temple Tour were taken to Wat Chaiya Mangalaram (Reclining Buddha Temple) in Burma Lane, Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Queen Street and Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam.

The Round Island Tour covered the Batik Factory, Butterfly Farm, Fruit Farm and Fishermen's Village in Teluk Bahang.

Ship passenger Heider Berndt said this was his first time in Malaysia.

“I have read so much about Penang. Everyone is so friendly,” the jazz musician said.

The MV Albatros arrived at the Tanjung City Marina from Phuket and will make its way to Singapore in the afternoon.

Source : STAR
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