Pantai Acheh
Pantai Acheh is a "cul de sac" town i.e the tarred road ends here, the last town so to speak. It is a quaint little Chinese fishing village where everybody knows everbody. The ride from G hotel to Pantai Acheh will take you through the residential area of Tanjong Tokong and Tanjong Bungah. From there the roads will be very narrow as it snakes and hugged the coastilne towards the tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi. This is where the numerous sea side resort hotels are situated including the Hard Rock Cafe.
After the Batu Ferringhi stretch, the traffic will drop significantly and this is the most enjoyable part of the ride. The ride towards Telok Bahang Dam will bring us to the beautiful shoreline of the northen Penang Island and imagine the sea breeze blowing onto your face as you race along the coastal road. You will ride past the Spice Garden before heading towards the Forest Reserved at Telok Bahang where you can take a breather or if you prefer some local delights you can stop at the Kopitiam just before the the beginning of the climb to the Tlk Bahang Dam.
(Two spikes of climb towards the tropical fruit farm after Tlk Bahang - one climb going to Pantai Acheh and another coming back)
The climb up the dam is only the beginning of a 10 Km ascent towards the tropical fruit farm where you could stop to enjoy a cold tropical fruit juice and enjoy the panoramic vista. If you look at the map above you will noticed you are entering a 'GREEN' zone. There are lots of durian orchards and as you climb the hill you will be surrounded by forest, flowing cold streams and cascading waterfall. Your pace will be in sync with the chirping of the singing birds and cry of monkeys and cicadas. On a cold misty morning, wisp of fresh and cool air could be enjoyed.
Once you reached the Tropical Fruit Farm, in another 1 Km your strenuous ascent is going to be rewarded with an exhilirating downhill ride for another 8 Km before you come to the junction to Pantai Acheh. It is very prominently signposted where you have to turn 90* right after a Chinese temple and from there you have 2 small hillocks to conquer before you can enjoy the tranquility of Pantai Acheh.
(Photo courtesy from Alan aka Turbosnail)
On arrival, you would probably stop at the little village coffee shop infront of this temple and Chinese school to have a cold 100 plus, refill and have a breather before you move on. Villagers and fishermen will most likely be at this common village happening place having a cuppa and catching up with the latest news and you would stood up like a sore thumb with tight lycra riding attire!!!
