Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre

Another recent attraction is the Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre in Relau, Penang which was opened to the public on 19 December 2015 and it was officially opened on 28 January 2016 by the Penang state government. It was previously known as PISA Aquatic Centre before it was closed for refurbishment. Facilities available at the aquatic centre is a Olympic-sized lap pool, 3m-deep diving pool, water theme park for kids, party space, badminton courts, squash courts, gymnasium, sauna, hot showers, lockers, function room, sports store and a café. The refurbishment is part of the massive Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) project developed by SP Setia replacing the previous Penang International Sports Area (PISA) which was a popular venue for sports events, events, fairs, conventions and exhibitions in Penang.

I decided to check out this new facility upon reading the news of its official opening ceremony published on Buletinmutiara as I have been frequenting the public swimming pool at the MPSP Stadium in Bukit Mertajam for the past few years. The other public swimming pool in Seberang Perai is SJ Arena in Seberang Jaya. It is the only public swimming pool in Penang Island. 

I had the opportunity to tour around the place including the main lap pool, diving pool, children’s outdoor water park and the viewing platform. Immersing in the hot showers after the swim is indeed most satisfying for me.  The main highlight is the vast lap pool for those who wanted to do some exercise or practice swimming during their spare time, and the water candy-themed park for the kids, another recreational and relaxing spot for the family. It was less crowded when I went there on a Tuesday afternoon. 

The building has a renewed, modern façade design while the interior has a revitalised, brand new look. A hotch-potch mix of colours contrasted with white and grey concrete walls make the atmosphere more vibrant and playful. Entrance fee for adults who wanted to use the facilities is RM8 during weekdays from 8am-6pm, RM10 during weekdays from 6-11pm and RM10 during the weekends. For children, senior citizens and disabled persons, the entrance fee is RM6 during weekdays from 8am-6pm, RM8 during weekdays from 6-11pm and RM8 during the weekends. Locker hire is RM2 with RM20 deposit.

Below are some of the pictures of the Setia SPICE aquatic centre taken by me using my iPhone camera after my swim. 

Olympic-sized lap pool with diving pool in the background. 

Candy-themed water park for children

Olympic-sized lap pool viewed from viewing platform

Olympic-sized lap pool with diving pool in the background viewed from viewing podium.  

Exterior facade of Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre

The Star LED Art Sculpture

I had a chance to visit The Star LED sculpture which is a recent attraction at Jalan Raja Uda, Butterwoth, Penang designed by Ong Jun Hao in conjunction with Urban Xchange 2015. It was launched on 7 November 2015. This star-shaped art installation is set in an abandoned building along Jalan Pusat Perniagaan Raja Uda 1, taking centre stage among rows of shophouses and flats within the commercial area of Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth.

The objective is part of urban renewal of Butterworth through creating a new community art space. The 3-storey high art installation appears as if light emanates from inside the building and the light is able to penetrate through the solid thick concrete floor slab of the abandoned building.

This dazzling LED light display along with occasional performances, markets and music concerts plays a pivotal role as a new community space, which helps rejuvenates and revitalise the existing dead space behind the newly-built shopwhouses along Jalan Raja Uda. This art installation illuminates a previously abandoned building and quiet dark alley, creating a vibrant urban landmark which draws many visitors. Recently, Penang state government also launched Bamboo Square at the open area next to the art installation, decorated with planted bamboos and illuminated with mini red lanterns and red ribbon wishing tree as part of the Chinese New Year celebration. 

How to get there

The Star LED sculpture is located at Jalan Pusat Perniagaan Raja Uda 1, off Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, behind Coffee Venture. Entrance is free for all visitors.