Around the island

I took a tour around the island this morning and it held a few surprises. Firstly the level of development that has gone one between Georgetown and Batu Feringgi; there are apartments and condominiums everywhere. Secondly, the lack of major development from Batu Feringgi up to Balik Pulau. There is still farms around, still wooded hillsides and unspoiled places. Perhaps not for long though. The road to Balik Pulau, which used to be narrow, sinuous and dangerous is now being widened. This will made the area more desirable for those that work in the factories and offices nearer the coast.

The Snake Temple, once nestling in a wooded hill some distance off the main road, and heaving with tourists and snakes, is now surrounded by factories and apartments. A few tired looking snakes are draped around in the incense smoke; the stall-holders and temple guardians are only slightly less lethargic. The temple has been extended backwards, but looks cheap and plastic, tourist trinkets (Rolex sir?) competing for space with the altar and winning.

My driver told me that a few years ago the rents for the shop-houses in Georgetown used to be minimal - MR30 a month. Now they are as much as MR500 and so many residents have moved out of the town. Georgetown is quieter in an evening than I remember it and indeed several large bars and restaurants I used to visit are now closed.