Category: Colonial Buildings

Lebuh Acheh (Acheen Street) at Night

Acheen Street, also known as Acheh Street (Lebuh Acheh), is located in the heart of George Town’s heritage zone. It was named in honor of the Acehnese community that once resided there.

This historic street is also home to the renowned Acheen Street Mosque, a distinctive and historically significant place of worship. Recognizable by its iconic minaret, the mosque stands at the junction of Acheen Street and Cannon Street.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Acheen Street was once a bustling hub for traders and pilgrims traveling to Mecca? In the 19th century, it played a key role as a stopover for Hajj pilgrims from the region, thanks to the Acehnese merchants who facilitated their journey.

The Whiteaways Arcade at Beach Street

The Whiteaways Arcade on Beach Street, George Town, is a historic colonial-style building dating back to 1903. Recently renovated into a bustling commercial center, it features an art gallery, exhibition spaces, trendy cafes, and diverse retail shops. Visit the Whiteaways Arcade to explore its unique blend of history and modernity, right in the heart of George Town.

George Town Street View: Union Street

A stroll along Union Street on a somewhat quiet Sunday.

Union Street (or Lebuh Union) is a rear road of the old Central Police Station of George Town in Beach Street. The street was reportedly named to commemorate the Act of Union (1800) which created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801. The main Penang Maybank branch is located along this street.

Penang Buddhist Association

Completed in 1931, the Penang Buddhist Association is located along Anson Road in George Town. The old Straits Eclectic style building is a popular place for Buddhists in Penang to participate in various religious and communal activities.

Apart from Wesak Day, many people also usually visit it on the first day of Chinese New Year for new year prayers.

George Town World Heritage City

Various images showing the many heritage buildings and major places of worship in the city of George Town. As part of its recognition to be accorded with the World Heritage status, July 7th is designated as George Town World Heritage Day and it is also a state holiday here in Penang.

Butterworth Street View: Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi

Located at Bagan Luar, Butterworth, the Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi Hall and Community Center building was built during the British colonial era and served as a recreation club building back during that time. It was later renamed in honor of the late father of former Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.