You know, the last activity like this that I did was back when I was in high school. We would ride in bikes to Gua Kelam and Batu Pahat. These are the hot spots in Perlis back then. So when one of my ex-colleague back in Dell suggested on spending the Saturday in Balik Pulau. So I'd thought why not because many of most have not explore what's there even though you're locals, right? 

So we started our journey at about 10.30. Had our early lunch in Restoran Peladang, Balik Pulau (didn't managed to capture any photos). It was a Malay restaurant with more than 30 varieties of dishes to choose from. From chicken to seafood. They open as early as 10.30 am. 

After that, we headed to the horse ranch which we didn't know operates from 4pm to roughly about 7.30pm daily. The time showed 12pm. So Maznah (the organizer) suggested that why not we head to the beach instead to kill time. She used to study in ICT(Island College of Technology) many years back, so as far as she remembers, there is a beach nearby. So we got some help from the locals to asked for directions on where the beach is situated. It was in Pulau Betong, roughly at the end of Balik Pulau. When we arrived, there were a bunch of students in a school trip were having their lunch. There were some spots left under the shady trees. The scenery was breath taking!. It was much cleaner compared to Monkey Beach in Teluk Bahang. The sands are much cleaner as well as the water. Unfortunately we could not take a dip as we did not bring extra change of clothes as it wasn't a plan trip. Weather was very good at that time and the sea breeze were so cooling. We put on a rattan mat and sat on it. Please note that there is not public toilet provided. Bring your own potty if possible...Hahahhaha

As we sat, we noticed that the water tide was getting closer to our rattan mat and it was only 2.30pm. I advise that if you wish to visit the beach in Pulau Betong, try to get there early in the morning as the tide is lower in the morning and the wave is not agressive as in the afternoon. It'll be just nice to take a sunbath. Absolutely awesome! Since the water tide is getting higher, Nazirul suggested on getting something to munch at any nearby stall. So we found a Thai stall and sat there till about 3.30 then headed to the nearest mosque to have our prayers.

We were just in time to the horse ranch as the time showed 4pm. When we arrived, there were a few visitors which were already there but it wasn't that packed. The host were friendly enough to greet us. The entrance fee do not include the charges for horse/pony rides. Only those with 85kg and below in weight are allowed to ride in order to avoid the backbone of the horse gets injured. The ranch are run by husband and wife which started as a hobby because their 15 years old son represents Penang team in the horse endurance ride and from there the hobby were then turned into a business. The ranch has been operating for the past 1 year. So it wasn't that old. The place also sells snacks and drinks as there are no stalls nearby. So I would suggest if you can bring your own water, that would be great.

Countryside Stables Penang

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Countryside-Stables-Penang/433900663311622?viewer_id=100000475432067

Jalan Hilir Sungai Burung, Kampung Jalan Baharu, 11000 Mukim H Sungai Burung, Penang, Malaysia, 11000 Penang, Malaysia

Then later on, we headed to Bukit Genting Thai restaurant for dinner. Literally uplifting, this hill restaurant could possibly be the gem among a sea of Thai restaurant on the island. Besides having Penang’s panoramic landscape as a plus point, this restaurant is the second reason why Bukit Genting is worthy of an uphill drive. Spicy belacan chicken, stuffed crab shells and Thai green curry are among the speciality you’ll find in the menu. It will be a short hike up by car to the restaurant. So please use low gear.

Address:

Bukit Genting Hill, Bayan Lepas, Penang. 

Tel: +604 629 9801.

Their FB page is https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bukit-Genting-Hill-Leisure-Park-and-Restaurant/121686754525764