 Air Itam Village, Penang
|
|
|
Air Itam, also written as Ayer Itam and more recently, as Air Hitam, covers a broad area that includes Farlim, Thean Teik Estate, Rifle Range, Kampung Bahru, Kampung Melayu, Hill Railway Road, Hye Keat Estate, extending as far east as the junction with York Road. Air Itam Village, or Pekan Air Itam, however, is only a small area within the vicinity of the Air Itam Market. Air Itam is traditionally regarded as the most central district of Penang Island. Located mostly on hilly land, the area served as a vegetable producing region for the city. The hills above Air Itam Village still has a number of vegetable plots. The produce is carried down to the market in the village below, or taken by bus to other markets in the city.
Air Itam Village is served by a one-way traffic system fed by Jalan Air Itam, Jalan Paya Terubong and Jalan Balik Pulau. Jalan Balik Pulau is a hill road that goes through the central hills to reemerge in Balik Pulau.
Air Itam Village is the base for visiting Kek Lok Si, the biggest Chinese temple in Southeast Asia. The temple complex sprawls over the hills above the village. Further uphill is the Ayer Itam Reservoir. Air Itam Village is famous for laksa - the Penang variety, of course. There are several stalls selling laksa in Air Itam Village, but the most famous is the one located beside the Air Itam Market.
Getting there
Rapid Penang Bus 201, 202, 203, 204 and 206 go to Air Itam.
Sights within and around Air Itam Village
Kek Lok Si Temple
Air Itam Maha Mariamman Temple
Shree Dharma Muniswarar Temple
Ayer Itam Dam
Cheng Kon Sze Temple (1002 Steps Temple)
|
|
