Penang 2024: D6; Is it worth saving?

 Remember that yellow Honda Integra sedan? Today, I now get close to it, for the first time since first seeing it over half a decade ago, to check in on its condition, and overall appearance.

Over the past 6 years, on the surface, it would seem that this Integra had not received the TLC that it desperately needed.

Paint scuffs, perished carbon bonnet, super low suspension, super tinted windows.

Leftover wrenches and poorly fitted trim pieces.

I don't quite know what to make of it. In its current state, its really sad. Again, 6 years later since the last time I photographed it, and it appears it hasn't really improved in its condition at all. As such, I find it sad that such a rare car is in such poor a condition, especially when this is the only unit that I've seen in Malaysia as a whole.

It begs the question though. Should it be saved?

I spoke with a friend to discuss costs and he estimated that the price to repair would easily be a 50k job. If you look on Carousell, you will find a similar yellow Integra 4-door for the low sum of 25k RM that was sold just over a year ago (At the time of writing). As such, it seems that it would just be uneconomical to restore.

Source: Carousell

However though, the car isn't publicly placed for sale anywhere that I know of. So it probably isn't really for sale at all. Maybe putting a piece of paper asking whether the owner is willing to sell would do anything? Maybe. I might do it, might not. For now, I feel that this car is just a little landmark.

Looking on Google Maps, it seems that the car has been there since 2014. 10 years! 10 whole years that this Integra has been in the vicinity! I guess the car has seen usage to some point, but, again, the condition is just really tragic to see.

November 2014. Source: Google Maps

January 2019. Source: Google Maps

With this aside, I don't have much to cover for today that is relevant for this blog page. 

Considering how late it is and how tired I am, I think I will conclude this entry quickly, since there wasn't alot to cover. Tomorrow will be my last day in Penang for this trip, and I can't guarantee anything else that is juicy for this blog. Hope to see you again in the future. Ciao!

~Efini

Penang 2024: D5

 Hello everyone! There isn't a lot that has happened today, although it has been quite a day for me physically. Let me run you through the day...

Today's journey started out very late. I think by the time we arrived where we wanted to go, it was already almost 4pm. Anyways, from Island Penang to mainland, we've driven to the Design Village Outlet Mall.

Malaysia tends to have these outlet malls around the country. The most popular one among Singaporeans is the obligatory Johor outlet, but there is one here in Penang. Popular clothing brands and some food are available, but oh there is one thing that is available here.

On the very top of the MSCP at the outlet mall, what you find is the following:

Source: thesmartlocal.my

Oh yeah, its a go-kart track.

Its an interesting concept at that. Located on top of a MSCP, the open-air location has lots of wind available to cool you off, albeit not enough to battle the heat. 

As a surprise from my relative, this gem of an activity was no doubt what I wasn't expecting. So as it seems, I need to drive here?

I have zero experience with go-karts, so I'd hope that this wasn't going to be an extremely hard activity.

Ah wait, I forgot I was writing all of this in present tense.

Its fun, really fun. I still haven't attained my license, but this is a raw experience. The karts no doubt steer in really fast, faster than anything I've experienced thus far. It took a session to be accustomed to the go-kart, learning the dynamics and the course. 

Fast forward past the second session, here are the results:

My kart was Number 9, so the timings on the left of the chart are what I managed to get out of the second session. As a first-time experience and clocking 2 seconds behind the 10th fastest recorded open lap, is what I assume is a decent start.

Sadly, my endurance was obviously lacking, and towards the end of the second lap, I was losing my strength to turn the wheel. Losing my grip on the steering wheel on the last corner where other drivers were sitting was a bit, embarrassing. In the third and last session, my hands completely caved in, making me unable to turn the kart to the point a few emergency braking was needed. Whoops.

All in all though, I think its a nice enthusiast activity. Its on par with the ATV riding of previous trips, albeit it is less of an exotic activity, and requires some driving know-how and endurance. Otherwise, it is also cheaper than its Singaporean counterpart, so I strongly recommend giving it a go. The track's website can be found here (Kart Hauz)

At this point in time, the sun had gone down. There was a beautiful red sunset while I was driving, but conveniently, the sun had made its exit before I had the energy to find a photo.

Sadly I have nothing else noteworthy to write home about. Due in part to my fatigue that still lasts even until the time of writing, I don't really have any other text to write, and have no media to present. Ah, maybe tomorrow there will be more. For now, goodnight!

~Efini