This way into Balik Pulau is not for all and it’s a hike over the hills from the Air Itam Dam.
“Minor hill trails were carved out by the farmers who brought their farm produce either to Air Itam or to Balik Pulau. Through regular use by these farmers as well as by hiking enthusiasts, the main trail gathered popularity over time and a hike over the hills became a regular item on the weekend or holiday calendar,” the book entitled ‘Never Forgetting Balik Pulau’ stated.
The book is a part memoir, part guide by 75-year-old author Josephine Choo; who after spending her entire youth in the village in Balik Pulau, accumulated a bagful of tales. All photographs were by principal photographer Adrian Cheah with exception of those acknowledge, while the old photos were contributed by Josephine.
Josephine said that it was necessary for her to document part of her growing up years (1950s – 1960s) in Balik Pulau to provide the younger generation a glimpse into the not-so-distant past.
“It gave me great pleasure to relive those evergreen years in this book. Being my first published book – although I have edited many – it was a passion-project and I enjoyed the journey immensely, bringing it to fruition.
“Adrian and I believe passionately in the project and its success. As an art director and a photographer, he knew that he could put together a brilliant book.
“After designing hundreds of books, this was the first project he actually took out his own money to co-fund with me,” Josephine said.
She said the life in Balik Pulau, in the 50s and 60s, was carefree and safe (except for the presence of centipedes and snakes in her family’s squatter house).
“Life was simple day-to-day living with no frills. You do your chores and enjoy the small treats.
“One of my sweetest childhood memories was the ‘sweet’ man. He placed a giant aluminum tray on a makeshift portable stand and delicately ‘tik tok’ slivers from a sweet chewy, gooey, and nutty slab unto a small piece of tracing paper, all for five or 10 cents.
“I recognize this sweet to be the genesis of the popular dessert nougat of modern times,” she said.
Born to a family of educators (her parents and brother Joe were educators), Josephine followed her passion in teaching after qualifying as a teacher in 1965. She taught at the Convent in Balik Pulau for two and a half years, attended the Universiti Malaya, en route for Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as an administrator.
“I stayed near USM before moving to Tanjung Bungah following retirement. My parents’ house in Titi Teras was the focal venue for boisterous family reunions. Today, my brother upkeeps the house. We look forward to yet another happy occasion after the pandemic,” she said.
“The point is, I never really ‘left’ Balik Pulau, the playground of my entire youth. On my many visits, I have been surprised and gladdened by the appearance of new things.
“Balik Pulau was the sole inspiration of this book. The village and its surrounding suburbs have many interesting stories to tell,” she said.
The 168-page book contains stories about the attractions in Balik Pulau; such as laksa, nutmeg and the King of Fruits, among others.
The books are available at all major bookshops in Penang and at MPH in Kuala Lumpur, priced at RM55. Alternatively, those interested can e-mail Adrian at [email protected] or WhatsApp 016-407 1408.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of Josephine and Adrian