IN comparison with the pulsating George Town, the agricultural town of Balik Pulau is imbued with a quiet charm.
However, this is no sleepy hollow. To get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, many would flock here for scenic bicycle rides around the countryside along paths less travelled.
Among its recent distinguished visitors were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state Tourism and Creative Economy Commitee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who checked out several unique places in Balik Pulau on Dec 27.
Their first stop was the Lim Brothers Orchard in Titi Serong.
Also known as Peng Siew Farm, the orchard is famous for its variety of durians during the durian season. Besides that, the family is also a wholesaler of fresh eggs.
The family has a poultry farm behind their house, besides keeping ducks, peacocks and rabbits.
Chow and Yeoh also learned how the eggs were sorted according to their grades.
Joining Chow and Yeoh were special coordinator Gooi Seong Kin and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Lee Wei Seang.
The visitors were later treated to local fruits and desserts during their visit.
After the tour, the entourage visited the more-than-120-year-old Chit Seng Temple, off Jalan Baru, Balik Pulau.
Chow, Yeoh and the team were briefed by MBPP councillor Edward Tan on the history of the Chinese temple and its celebrations.
Then, the team headed over to the ‘Balik Kampung at Balik Pulau’ attraction.
The group checked out the campsite and even had the opportunity to catch fiddler crabs using a handmade tool which was specially designed for the task.
The highlight of their entire visit was the cycling trip to Pantai Malindo in Kuala Sungai Burung.
Pantai Malindo is a popular beach for shutterbugs who wish to take breathtaking photos of the sunset.
It was a refreshing sunset ride which took them pass picturesque villages, swaying coconut trees and eye-pleasing paddy fields as the sun dipped into the horizon. A definitely befitting ending to their Balik Pulau experience.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting