penang (pg) - Campbell House Penang

PENANG (PG)
THE 7 MUST DO

PENANG HERITAGE TRAIL
Explore Penang’s myriad old temples, clan houses,
shophouses and shady lanes, where churches rub
shoulders with mosques and temples. Walk one of
the many trails available, create your own, or leave
the route to an experienced trishaw driver who should
have the low-down on the most interesting places in
town. Historical buildings with interesting architecture
include CHEONG FATT TZE (The Blue Mansion), the
KHOO KONGSI, the PENANG PERANAKAN MANSION
and the PENANG STATE MUSEUM, as well as the TOWN
HALL, FORT CORNWALLIS, the WAR MEMORIAL, and
CITY HALL.
CHEONG FATT TZE Photo Daniel Selvantharan
Photo Fwu Kai Quah
www.facebook.com/TheBatteredPhotographer
 CLAN JETTIES OF PENANG
ON
NAKAN MANSI
PENANG PERA

rt Mronga
Photo Norbe
A community of houses built on stilts over of water of Georgetown, the “clan jetties” are
home to 5 main Chinese clans - Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee and Yeoh, the pioneer immigrants
who came to seek their fortune here over a century ago. While the younger generations
are absent, living and working elsewhere, their elders continue to enjoy the laidback
lifestyle of the wooden jetties. Take a few hours to stroll past the houses (some operate
as homestays), souvenir shops, and salons of this sleepy village, which are all connected
by wooden walkways. For the best photo-ops, wait till sunset when the boats in the harbor
are backlit by a splash of orange, contrasting beautifully with the turquoise-blue of the sea.
When: morning till late, daily
How: Rapid Penang, any buses to Weld Quay
Photo
CHEONG FATT TZE
Photo C K Loh

PENANG HILL
Enjoy the cool, refreshing air and
panoramic views of the island
at 821 m above sea level, and be
privy to some of the grandest old
colonial mansions (now turned into
restaurants and guests houses).
Take the 30-minute PENANG HILL
FUNICULAR TRAIN that goes from
Air Itam Station to the hilltop.
Alternatively trek up via the Botanic
Gardens, which takes about 3
hours through lush foliage of the
rainforest.
Photo Daniel Selvantharan
When: (trains operate) 6:30am10pm, Mon-Fri; till 1pm Sat-Sun
How: Rapid Penang, Bus 203/204


PLACES OF WORSHIP
BATU FERRINGHI BEACH
Though the beach itself is not the best in Malaysia,
the area’s “never a dull moment” atmosphere makes
an irresistible appeal, with scores of seafood and
international restaurants. There’s also many resorts
here, plus a variety of recreational options including jetskiing, banana boating, skim boarding, and parasailing.
As evening falls the night souvenir market opens up,
while the pubs and cafes make the area ever more lively.
Grand churches, elaborate Buddhist
mosques are concrete testaments of
how different religions can co-exist in
harmony with each other, whether it
be it the ST GEORGE’S CHURCH built
over 200 years ago, KAPITAN KELING
MOSQUE, KEK LOK SI TEMPLE, or SRI
MAHAMARIAMMAN (the Snake Temple)
where live snakes really do live inside.
KEK LOK SI
For ultimate illumination experience,
Kek Lok Si Temple is lit up for 33
nights following the Chinese New
Year.
 PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM
representing 120 species – living here, along
with other creatures such as beetles, lizards,
frogs, snails, and a few small animals. As a living
museum designed to educate the public, the farm
also functions as a conservation and research
centre to develop breeding methods. Tour guides
are available, and the entry fee is RM27 for adults,
RM15 for children.
When: 9am – 6pm, daily
How: Rapid Penang, Bus 101,102, and 501
THE SIRE MUSEUM RESTAURANT

The former home of Yeap Chor Ee, a prominent businessman and
philanthropist, the Peranakan building, with its high ceilings and stained
glass windows, has been turned into an elegant museum, with a restaurant
that oozes charm and serves the best local and fusion dishes. The museum
section houses portraits of the family, as well as furniture and artifacts from
days gone by. There is no entry fee to the museum, but it won’t hurt to pay
drink in the atmosphere and rich history contained within these walls.
When: 11:30am - 3pm and 6pm – 10:30pm, Mon - Sat
How: No.4, King Street, Georgetown

CITY SPECIALTY
BOUTIQUE CHECK-IN
An authentic Peranakan dish, this
This restored Victorian-style corner shop house in the heart of old Inner-
in at number 7 on the ‘World’s
50 Most Delicious Foods’ list
complied by CNN Go in 2011.
Tamarind, or sometimes dried
slices of sour mangosteen, is
used to increase the sourness.
cultures and modernity. Here antique Chinese armchairs are juxtaposed
against a Baroque chaise lounge, set off under high tech LED lighting.
How: 106 Lebuh Campbell, Georgetown; +60 (0)4 261 8290
Having originated in Penang, this
meal of steamed rice – plain or
variety of curries and side dishes.
Find it at Tamil Muslim or IndianMuslim stalls.
This spicy prawn noodle soup,
with beansprouts and boiled egg,
is enjoyable as a ‘winter’ warmer.
BEST SEAFOOD ON THE ISLAND
Past the hotels and the little village at the pier of Teluk Bahang,
restaurants within walking distance of each other. Although lacking
the decor and services of those restaurants at Batu Ferringhi, these
eateries do not lose out in terms of the quality and taste of the
dishes (and, of course, they’re more economical).
Photo Hagerman
A charming, boutique heritage property dating from the 1800s, this
hotel has been carefully renovated and decorated with a stylish mix
of antique and contemporary furniture, with a high level of modern
comfort. Light, airy and delightfully decorated, there’s plenty of space
for guests and peaceful views overlooking the garden.
How: 23, Love Lane, Georgetown; +60 (0)4 262 1323
TAKE HOME
Stroll this 2 km sidewalk along
the Batu Ferringhi Beach, full
of stalls selling everything
from clothing and accessories,
to souvenirs and food.
When: 5pm – 11pm, daily
How: Rapid Penang, Bus 101
Photo Sher Ren Lee
This monthly street market, with more than 70 stalls, specializes in arts
and crafts (with hands-on demonstrations), live cultural performances, and
serves up plenty of popular street food too. There are also lots of children’s
activities, including a book corner, and you can check out all the latest
updates at www.littlepenang.com.my.
Photo Jim Geuther

Photo Hillyne Martini
When: 10am – 5pm, last Sun of every month
How: Rapid Penang, Bus 103/204
SEE THEM BEFORE THEY’RE GONE
DID YOU KNOW?
Penang Bridge is the third longest in Asia at 13.7 km
.
KEEP IN MIND
George Town Festival 2013 is on from June 7 to July 7. Soak in the street
and indoor local and international art, music, theatre, dance opera and
When machines and factories come, traditional craftsmanship dwindles –
it’s a universal truth. Nevertheless, these artisans promise to continue their
masterworks as long as time permits, if for no other reason than just to
keep the traditions alive.
Heritage listing on 7 July, 2008.
www.georgetownfestival.com
PENANG AFTER HOURS
Mediterranean-inspired clubs, lounges and bistros, as well as al fresco
eateries, all thrive on Upper Penang. To really experience the ground move
(literally) under you, pop by on a weekend when the sounds of live bands,
popular backpacker’s area, dotted with many little bars serving cheap
beers and snacks.
How: Rapid Penang, Bus 103/204
Photo Billy Lim
Photo Stephen Chee
Hawker delights and exciting restaurants come alive at nighttime,
resulting in a mix of up-market kopitiams (try Coffee Island), fresh
seafood restaurants (try Bali Hai Restaurant), dim sum restaurants (try
Corner Club Restaurant), and hip bistros – all great place for people
watching.
How: Rapid Penang, Bus 304
At a shophouse near to the Kuan Yin Temple, Lee Beng Chuan (now in his
eighties) and his wife still make joss stick incense the traditional way. While
mass producers uses sawdust, Lee uses sandalwood powder imported
from Western Australia and India, both of which are more expensive, but
also healthier, longer burning, and more aromatic.
When: 8am – 11am, weekdays
How: No. 1 Lorong Medan (Off Steward Lane), Georgetown
Neon lit signs have taken over the market, but Kok Ah Wah continues
his work in the shop he inherited from his father, and continues to
hand craft signboards to perfection for those customers who believe in
keeping some aspect of their roots and culture intact.
When: 11am - 5pm, weekdays
How: No. 41, Queen St, Georgetown
You may not care how spring roll wrap
is made as long as it tastes nice, but
this is the place to learn anyway. All
morning this roll master manipulates
large dollops of pliable dough over his
hot iron griddle. And so skillful is he,
that he manages to produce about 15
When: 8am -11am, weekdays
How: No. 5, Chowrasta Rd (Rapid
Penang, Bus 301/302/303/401)
Photo Loh Juh Khang
