Author: Will C

Penang Perspective: Ayer Itam Dam

Ayer Itam Dam, located about 7.6 km from George Town on the slopes below Penang Hill, is Penang’s oldest and once-largest dam, built between 1958 and 1962 with a capacity of 2.16 billion litres. It supplies water to nearby areas like Ayer Itam and Paya Terubong and also offers a peaceful 2.8 km walking trail with scenic views of the city and surrounding hills. Interestingly, it was the first earth dam in the world designed using electronic computers for structural analysis—a pioneering move at the time. Today, it remains a popular spot for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike.

Pulau Jerejak (Jerejak Island)

Pulau Jerejak, a 3.6 km² islet just off Penang’s eastern shore near Bayan Lepas, has had a dramatic evolution over time. It started as pre‑colonial fishing villages but, under British rule, became a leprosarium (from 1868), a quarantine station (notably between 1877–1957), a TB sanatorium, and later a high-security prison known as “Malaysia’s Alcatraz” from 1969 to 1993. After the prison closed, the government opened Jerejak Resort & Spa in 2003, which later shut down.

Today, about 77% of the island is forest reserve, and there are initiatives to redevelop parts for eco‑extreme sports like mountain biking and flying fox, while conservationists push for UNESCO heritage recognition to preserve its rich history

Walking Through Heritage XV (Five Foot Way)

The five-foot way is a covered walkway found in front of many shophouses in Malaysia, especially in places like George Town, Penang. True to its name, it’s typically about five feet wide and provides shelter from sun and rain, allowing people to walk comfortably along rows of shops. It’s a unique blend of architecture and function—often lively with activity, from street vendors to chatting locals—and reflects the colonial and multicultural heritage of Malaysian towns.

Sights in Penang : Sungai Satu Outfall

The Sungai Satu outfall is one of Malaysia’s first two sea outfalls at Batu Ferringhi beach. Stretching 120 meters out into the sea from Sungai Satu and Sungai Batu Ferringhi, these structures are designed to channel river water into the sea while also acting as scenic viewing platforms for visitors. Positioned 300 meters apart and standing two meters high, the outfalls will allow beachgoers to enjoy panoramic sea views, with waves reaching the top steps during high tide.

Sights in Penang : A Bougainvillea Tree at Kampung Kolam

In Malaysia, one of the most eye-catching plants you’ll often see brightening up fences, gates, and roadsides is the bougainvillea, known locally as pokok bunga kertas. Its name, which translates to “paper flower,” perfectly describes the thin, papery texture of its vibrant bracts that come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white. Despite its delicate appearance, this hardy plant thrives in the tropical heat with minimal care, making it a favorite for gardens and public spaces. Whether it’s cascading over a trellis or standing tall like a small tree, the bougainvillea adds a burst of cheerful color wherever it grows—an unmistakable part of the Malaysian landscape.

Penang Street Art (The ‘Sad Art’ Cement Eclipses Tiny Figure Miniatures)

During the George Town Festival, Spanish artist Isaac Cordal brought a unique touch to Penang by placing around 20 tiny cement sculptures—known as Cement Eclipses—throughout George Town. These small, somber-looking figures, about 17–20 cm tall, can be found perched on walls, ledges, and electrical boxes, often high above eye level. Blending quietly into the city’s heritage architecture, they invite passersby to pause, look up, and discover hidden corners of the city—like a little art treasure hunt tucked into the urban landscape.

Here is the list of locations where you can hunt/find these tiny art sculptures (note: some may no longer be there anymore or removed):

  • Armenian Street Junction (opposite the famous bicycle mural)
  • Biscotti Cafe, Beach Street
  • Warehouse 129, Beach Street
  • Fuku (side alley of the building), Beach Street
  • The Courtyard, Beach Street
  • Vietnamese Phở & Coffee @ Lean Thye 1951 (building’s back), Ah Quee Street
  • Lebuh Ah Quee Junction
  • 56, Lorong Pasar
  • Penang Straits and Oriental Museum, Stewart Lane
  • 39, Love Lane
  • 33, Love Lane
  • Journal George Town, Muntri Street
  • Green-colored Townhouses along Magazine Road
  • Curios-City Penang, Victoria Street
  • U.A.B Building Interior (closed at the time of this hunt)

Sights in Penang : Trishaws at Stewart Lane

The Penang trishaw, which looks like a small buggy attached to a bicycle, first appeared around 1935–1936 with about 50 units managed by the city. It used to be a common way for locals to get around, but today it’s mostly a fun ride for tourists—complete with bright neon lights, music, and guided trips through George Town’s narrow streets and famous murals.