Queensbay Mall in Penang is celebrating Chinese New Year with its “Blooming Bliss” theme. The mall’s central atrium has been transformed into a beautiful garden featuring pink cherry blossoms, red lanterns, butterflies, and a porcelain-shaped hut as the centerpiece. The decorations symbolize happiness, abundance, and prosperity, with flowers that open their petals for visitors to enjoy.
Category: Beyond George Town
Penang Isle: A Floating Ferry Restaurant
Touted as Penang’s first floating ferry food hall, Marina De Captain Restaurant is converted and renovated from an old unused ferry docked near the Queens Waterfront promenade in Bayan Lepas.
Gurney Plaza Mall : Deepavali Festive Decorations 2024
Colorful and beautiful display of Deepavali decorations in Gurney Plaza shopping mall.
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated with joy and togetherness. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, inspired by various legends, such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated with vibrant cultural unity, bringing together people from all backgrounds to honor the Hindu festival of lights. Homes and temples are beautifully decorated with oil lamps, kolam (rangoli) designs, and colorful flowers, creating a warm, welcoming ambiance. Early morning prayers and rituals are followed by family gatherings, where traditional sweets like murukku and laddu are shared. Open houses are popular, inviting friends of all backgrounds to partake in festive meals and celebrations. Many communities organize public events and performances, including cultural dances and traditional music, highlighting Malaysia’s rich, multicultural harmony on this joyous occasion.
Penang Isle: Ferringhi Bay
Ferringhi Bay is a beachfront container boulevard in Penang, offering a unique mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences along the famous Batu Ferringhi beach. The outdoor mall features F&B outlets housed in containers, with a focus on modern, tropical aesthetics and an Instagram-worthy atmosphere. It’s designed to attract both locals and tourists, blending retail with a relaxing beachside vibe.
You can explore more about Ferringhi Bay here and the Google Map location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jEjDvwDAH2YLR3p27
Bukit Mertajam: Hung Kung Kong Hoay
Nestled in the heart of Bukit Mertajam’s old town heritage street, Hung Kung Kong Hoay stands as a significant Chinese clan association with deep cultural roots. This historic landmark reflects the rich heritage and traditions of the local Chinese community, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts exploring Bukit Mertajam’s vibrant heritage area.
Penang Penaga: Kampung Agong Agro Themed Park
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Penang at the Penaga district, Kampung Agong is a hidden gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the rustic charm of traditional Malaysian village life. This quaint agro-themed park, located in the tranquil area of Seberang Perai, is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
Kampung Agong consists of a vast area made up picturesque coconut groves, charming bamboo houses, and various iconic swing sets that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding paddy fields.
Various activities can be enjoyed at Kampung Agong, from cycling through the scenic countryside to picnic and horse riding, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and experience the simple pleasures of life in a traditional Malaysian kampung (village).
For more details, do visit its website at https://kampungagong.com/
Bukit Mertajam: Jalan Pasar Hawker Centre
Also known as Pek Kong Cheng Hawker Centre, this hawker food centre is a popular food destination located near the Tua Pek Kong Cheng Temple at Jalan Pasar in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. It offers a wide variety of local Malaysian street food, including favorites like char koay teow, curry mee, chicken rice, and Hokkien mee. The hawker center is known for its lively atmosphere, with many food stalls and seating areas that attract both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to experience authentic Penang cuisine and the local food culture.
Bukit Mertajam: Tua Pek Kong Cheng Temple
The Tua Pek Kong Cheng Temple in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, is a significant Taoist temple dedicated to Tua Pek Kong, a deity worshipped for protection, health, and prosperity. The temple is known for its rich history, dating back over a century, and its vibrant cultural practices, particularly during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
The temple’s architecture reflects traditional Chinese design, with intricate carvings and decorations. It serves as a focal point for community gatherings and religious ceremonies, attracting both devotees and tourists interested in Penang’s cultural heritage.
Hungry Ghost Festival at Bukit Mertajam
The Hungry Ghost Festival in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, has been celebrated for over 130 years. This festival, rooted in Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, honors the spirits of deceased ancestors who are believed to roam the earth during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The event features various rituals, including offerings of food, paper money, and entertainment like Chinese opera and puppet shows, to appease these spirits. The festival remains a vibrant cultural tradition, attracting both locals and tourists to experience its unique customs.
The festival also hosts the giant effigy of Tai Su Yeah (Chinese version of King of Hades) which will then be paraded in the middle of Jalan Pasar on the night of Aug 20, where it will be burned and “sent back to the other world”, a ritual witnessed by thousands.
Balik Pulau: 2 Acres Cafe and Durian Farm
2 Acres Durian Farm in the scenic Balik Pulau – Teluk Bahang area offers visitors a unique experience with freshly brewed coffee and delicious durians. Nestled within a sprawling 2-acre durian farm, this charming spot also provides picturesque settings perfect for relaxation and photography. Whether you’re a durian lover or a coffee enthusiast, 2 Acres is a must-visit destination in Penang.