Islands of Stars (Penang, Malaysia / Phuket, Thailand)

Note: This is a supplementary story on my two trips to Penang. Pictorial version available at On Location Report : the Penang Astrophotography Exhibition & Astrofest 2001

08 to 13 February : Penang, Komtar

The Penang Astrophotography Exhibition and Astrofest 2001.. the continuing tour of over 400 pictorial contributions from the world over. The second part of this exhibition brought us to Komtar building in Pulau Pinang (Penang Island). The building looks well-used, it's obviously seen many people in its lifetime.

I had a wonderful time in Penang with the food and the astronomers. What really struck me was the sincerity and ardent passion of those astronomers in their zeal to share the universe with the public. Their tireless energy kept them on their feet the whole time, taking question after question from the ceaseless audience.

The event at Komtar was declared a success by all involved.

13 to 17 February : Phuket, Blue Canyon Country Club

Phuket was a short air-trip across the sea from Penang, past Langkawi. The feel of the island was very different from that of Penang, there were immediate touristy sensations. In contrast, Penang felt rather laid back, like Singapore before we spun into the fast lane of modernization, while Phuket managed an atmosphere of being a rural fiesta.

I was met at the airport by the resort's minibus. It was a short ride of 7 minutes' from the airport to the clubhouse. Backpacker's dress code aside, I was getting really strange looks from the employees of the resort. For one thing, I looked out-of-golf-fashion. I checked into a nice little apartment styled place. It had a balcony that faced north.

Dusk, Venus was visible to the west, and looking up.. I honestly have never been to a resort that had this many stars just outside at its balcony. See, the golf course operates only during the day. Absolutely minimal lights for acres around. Although the Phuket airport is located very near to this resort, there are no flights in or out of the island from 6pm to 6am. That was more than enough for me.

Looking up at Orion, I remembered a recent posting in the Astro list asking what was the faintest star visible in Singapore. At Blue Canyon Club, it appears I'm looking at a very fine sprinkling of magnitude 6 or higher stars to the left of Orion. Most certainly, I can see all of the listed stars in Orion's bow from Wil Tirion's Atlas.

The next time I go there, I am definitely bringing my equipment for a mega-astrophotography session. In all, I am very much impressed with the landscaping of the resort. I have seen the before and after pictures of the resort. They pride themselves in designing with minimal disruption to the natural lands.

Beware though, there is a cost to pay for such beauty. Room rates from S$200 to S$500 per night. See pictures below for location view. For reservations: reservation@bluecanyonclub.com ; Website http://www.bluecanyonclub.com

09 to 11 March : Penang, Island Plaza

In less than a month, a second exhibition in Penang was announced following the Komtar exhibition's success. This time it would be held at Island Plaza, a newer building sporting posher franchises, U.S. Pizza, a United Artistes Cineplex, and even a Coffee Bean outlet.

While the night observation sessions remain as popular as ever, the crowd was of a different sort. They were more consumers with a purpose: Manic shopping. Quite unlike the Komtar crowd who were more into hanging out and browsing than buying. This crowd flitted in and out of the exhibition.

None the less, the same team of helpers from the St Xavier's Astronomy Club shone through. They were having an immense time entertaining themselves, and in the process catching a lot of attention from the harried shoppers.

My second trip to Penang in 4 weeks and I felt very much at home there.

By Lin . 18th March 2001, Sunday.