Air Itam

Air Itam (also spelt Ayer Itam or Air Hitam), is based in central Penang Island (Pulau Pinang). Located west of George Town, Air Itam is largely a suburban area home to the famous Penang Hill, or Bukit Bendera and the gigantic Kek Lok Si Temple.

Introduction

Orientation

Orienting yourself around Air Itam is fairly straightforward. If anything and the biggest challenge is knowing where George Town ends and Air Itam starts as both now merge seamlessly together. For the purposes of this Travel Guide, Air Itam begins west of Jl Masjid Negeri and Jl Scotland. Central Air Itam is located around three main streets: Jl Air Itam, Jl Pasar and Jl Balik Pulau. This area is often overflowing with pedestrian activity and a barrage of traffic courtesy of the popular local markets and businesses that help to congest this major, yet tiny road. To the north, along Jl Bukit Bendera, is the Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) base funicular train station. Taking a ride on the funicular lifts you up to the top of the hill, offering scenic views and a much cooler climate. Directly to the south of central Air Itam is the township of Bandar Baru Air Itam, more commonly known as Farlim. Largely a residential area, Farlim runs along Lebuhraya Thean Teik and is littered with housing estates and condominiums. Much of Air Itam's facilities, including banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics and laundromats are found here. Northeast of Farlim and east of Central Air Itam, is Kampung Baru, another residential area, which runs along Jl Air Itam and is the most common route from George Town.

Weather in Air Itam

The climate in Air Itam is very much similar to George Town. Expect year round hot and humid days that are often broken with a cooling afternoon shower. Evenings are much cooler than the daytime, but rarely drop below 20°C. Being further inland than George Town, Air Itam tends to experience slightly less rainfall and lacks the cool breeze that occasionally blows in from the Strait of Malacca. As an exception, Penang Hill tends to be much cooler compared to the coastal plains of George Town and Air Itam. Elevated 833 m above sea level, Penang Hill offers much welcomed cool climate once described by Isabella Bird, a 19th century travel writer, as 'delicious'.

Travel to Air Itam

Using the extensive Rapid Penang public bus network is a affordable and convenient way to reach Air Itam. Most people will be coming in from George Town, with bus 203 terminating within the town centre near the local market and Kek Lok Si. Another option is bus 204, which terminates at the base of Penang Hill, via Air Itam town centre. Bus 201 and 502 will also pass through the town centre and are also good options to take. For those in Bayan Lepas and the Penang#By plane|Airport or near Queensbay Mall, bus 306 passes near the town centre. You must alight at Jl Air Itam and walk for about 20 minutes or take another bus. From Balik Pulau, bus 502 will also pass through the town centre before continuing on to George Town.

Best way to travel in Air Itam by a Taxi

Taking a taxi to Air Itam is naturally the more expensive option, but is an excellent option if you are travelling late at night. A fare from KOMTAR, George Town, to Air Itam should cost around RM20-25, Batu Ferringhi around RM30-35 and RM45 from around Bayan Lepas. Keep in mind a 50% extra charge is applied after midnight. Whenever you do take a taxi keep in mind that most taxi drivers will attempt to inflate the fare and refuse to use the meter, so haggle furiously to ensure you are not ripped off.

Getting around

The main town area of Air Itam is fairly compact and easy to walk around on foot. However there are many cases where footpaths do not exist and walking along the side of the road is common. Doing so is considered safe but do keep an eye out for traffic, wide open gutters and other hazards. Walking between Kek Lok Si to the base of Penang Hill is a leisurely walk, which takes around 20 minutes and passes the War Memorial Park. If you are bothered waiting, bus 204 is another way to travel between these two popular areas. Venturing beyond the town centre on foot may not be the best option thanks to the hot and sweaty weather of Penang, but taking the bus to the outlying areas is an excellent option.

Sightseeing Tips

Jade Emperor's Pavilion Penang - Main prayer hall at the Jade Emperor's Temple

• Air Itam Dam - This was the first dam to be built on the island and is popular with local residents as a picnic spot and jogging. The views of George Town at the crest of the dam are stunning and rival Penang Hill. To reach the Dam you will require your own form of transport. Many local residents walk or cycle up to the dam, taking around 40 minutes on foot from the Air Itam town centre.
• Jade Emperor's Pavilion - Thni Kong Tnua | A Taoist temple located near the foot of Penang Hill dedicated to the Jade Emperor, one of the most important figures in Taoism. The current temple dates back to 1905, with a former temple existing on the grounds since 1869. The temple underwent restoration in 2002. During the Jade Emperor's Birthday and the 9th day of Chinese New Year, throngs of pilgrims come to visit and pray here.

1985 Kek Lok Si temple. Penang. Spielvogel Archiv - Kek Lok Si

• Kek Lok Si Temple - An impressive and expansive hillside temple complex, reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-east Asia. Much of the temple is free and you could easily spend a few hours exploring the halls and shrines. Within the temple complex is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, or Ban Po Thar, which is part of a separate paid area. The pagoda is styled with Khmer, (Thai) and Chinese influence and is one of the main attractions of the temple. A mini funicular train can take visitors to the summit of the complex where there is a giant, one hundred foot high, bronze statue of Kuan Yin the Goddess of Mercy, unveiled in 2002. The world's largest pavilion (two hundred foot high) was completed in 2009 to shelter it from the sun. There is a Koi carp pond and well manicured gardens, along with a few more temples. Views from the summit are impressive and are worth the trip up. One unfortunate side of the temple is that it reeks of commercialism with stalls scattered throughout, including in prayer halls, selling trinkets and junk. The temple is popular with pilgrims during the weekend. During the fifteen days of Chinese New Year the temple is colourfully lit with thousands of lanterns and remains open until late. If you are in Penang at this time the temple is worthy of a night visit after 19:20.
• Penang Hill - Bukit Bendera | Arguably the best views of George Town and the Melaka Strait can be found here, mainly at night. Most people take the funicular rail to the top of the hill. The trains, upgraded in 2011, lift you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes, taking around 10min to the top. Those who are adventurous and fit have the choice of hiking to the top of the hill, taking around 2-3h. Trails start around the Botanical Gardens at the Moon Gate near the Botanical Gardens, inside the Gardens just before the reservoir, or along the boring paved road next to the entrance of the Gardens. When you reach the summit, you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch, buy a souvenir, try to photograph George Town and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungfuls of cool, clean hill air. Can be very crowded during weekends.
• Penang Hill Mosque - Masjid Bukit Bendera | A simple but ornate mosque located at the top of Penang Hill.
• Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple - A small Hindu temple that is also one of the oldest in Penang.
• War Memorial Park - A small park that is dedicated to the fallen of World War II.

What to do as a Muslim in Air Itam

George Town , Penang. View from Penang Hill - View of George Town and Seberang Perai from Penang Hill

• Hike up Penang Hill

Muslim Friendly Shopping

• Air Itam Market - Pasar Awam Air Itam | The main market within Air Itam, selling almost fresh produce, clothing and other products. The market spills out beyond the main market building and runs along Jl Air Itam. There are also a variety of hawker stalls scattered throughout.

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Air Itam we had no local Muslim that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/Muslima and have been to Air Itam or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Air Itam, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io and email us your updates.

Assam Laksa, Air Itam, Penang - A piping hot bowl of Assam Laksa

• Astaka Bukit Bendera - modern multi-storey hawker centre located at the top of Penang Hill. The hawkers sell some nice local cuisine that you typically see around Penang, with a slight inflation on the price.
• David Brown's Restaurant & Tea Terrace - Set in a British colonial building at the peak of Penang Hill, with colonial decor to match. They serve up international food including beef aks/ Steaks, hearty stews and roasts. For a Snacks they also sell cakes, scones and sandwiches, along with tea and Coffee. There is a nice garden area at the restaurant and the views of the city area are some of the best on Penang Hill.
• Pasar Air Itam Laksa - A simple and popular hawker at the local market selling one item, Assam Laksa. This particular stall was popularised by a visit from Anthony Bourdain. If you like your food a little spicy be sure to request chilli. Look out for their red sign with Gold writing along the outside wall of the market.

Where to stay

Air Itam Dam - Air Itam Dam Most people stay in George Town or Batu Ferringhi as they are close to Air Itam. There are also very few choices available, so prices tend to be more expensive here.

• Bellevue Hotel - The only hotel at the top of Penang Hill, with good views to match. A colonial style bungalow with 12 rooms that are very simple and a little worse for wear. A simple breakfast of eggs, toast, spreads, tea and coffee is included. You are paying for the privilege of staying on the peak with exceptional views.
• Fastbook Hostel - A small hostel with 6 superior Muslim friendly rooms including bathrooms, but separate toilets and a short walk from the Air Itam town centre. Rooms include air conditioning and TV. There is also a communal washer/dryer, refrigerator, microwave and toaster available. There is no signboard for the hostel, but look out for Gops Cafe, with a big pink signboard, which is located next door.

Telecommunication

Telephone

The area code for Air Itam is 04 the same code used by the rest of Penang in addition to Kedah and Perlis. International calls should be dialled as +60 4 XXX-XXXX. Most of the Air Itam area has full network coverage from all of the major mobile telephone networks. There may be some mobile coverage black spots, particularly on Penang Hill away from the major tourist area or if you plan trek around the hills. Public telephones are available and scattered throughout, mostly found around the major town centres within Air Itam.

Air Itam Halal Travel Guide

There is still plenty more of Penang to visit, simply hop on one of the local Rapid Penang buses.

• Continue further into Penang's backcountry at Balik Pulau. The area is literally the back of the Island and is a slice of an undeveloped Penang. Around the expansive area you will find kampungs, fruit farms and Rice paddies scattered throughout.
• Relax on the beach at Batu Ferringhi and the nearby resort city of Tanjung Bungah. If you're hungry for seafood look no further than the fishing village of Teluk Bahang and if you still have some energy left go for a leisurely trek in Penang National Park.
• Cross over to Penang's mainland (Seberang Perai), which is somewhat off the tourist track. The towns of Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam are a great place to start.

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