Category: Places to Visit

Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival 2024 @ Armenian Park

Armenian Park in Penang is beautifully illuminated with 300 traditional lanterns to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. This display, organized by the Kampung Kolam MPKK and supported by local leaders, will run for a month, with the main event scheduled for 15th September. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, traditional games, workshops, and a lantern parade on the main event day. Penang’s Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the festival’s importance, emphasizing its role in fostering community and family bonds.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, originated in ancient China over 3,000 years ago during the Shang dynasty. It celebrates the harvest and the full moon, symbolizing family unity and prosperity. The festival is deeply tied to the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess. Traditionally, people give thanks for the harvest, enjoy mooncakes, and participate in lantern displays. It usually falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its brightest.

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: 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 Scenes

Balik Pulau, located on the southwestern side of Penang Island, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rustic charm, and agricultural heritage. This tranquil area offers a stark contrast to the bustling urban centers, with its lush paddy fields, rolling hills, and traditional Malay villages. Balik Pulau is famous for its durian orchards, attracting fruit enthusiasts during the durian season. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the Tropical Spice Garden, enjoy scenic bike rides, and experience the authentic kampung (village) lifestyle, making it a delightful retreat from the urban hustle.

For more related areas in Balik Pulau, click here.

George Town Street View: Kapitan Keling Mosque in the Evening

An evening view of the old Masjid Kapitan Keling (Kapitan Keling Mosque). Located at the Heritage zone of George Town, the Kapitan Keling Mosque is one of the oldest and famous landmarks in the island.

The mosque was built by the the head of the Indian Muslim community in Penang during the year 1800, and is located at along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (formerly Pitt Street but was later renamed after the mosque). The historic mosque was also used previously as the state mosque of Penang. The name “kapitan keling” is used to denote the headman or leader of the South Indian Muslim community.

Light Street View: LED Tree Lights

George Town’s Light Street has been transformed into a vibrant tourist attraction with the installation of a new LED light display at the Esplanade’s Municipal Fountain Park. The Penang Island City Council’s initiative, costing RM261,000, aims to enchant locals and tourists alike, enhancing the city’s nightlife and boosting tourism. The LED strands, adorning trees, create a magical ambiance, receiving positive feedback from the community. With plans to refresh the display colors periodically and expand to other areas, George Town is set to maintain its allure as a must-visit destination.

George Town Street View: The Fountain Garden

Light Street View: Esplanade Trees Decorations

The enchanting sight of brightly illuminated trees along Light Street at night. These trees are located along the walkway of Esplanade, on the opposite side of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

George Town Street View: LIGHT STREET

Penang’s Kek Lok Si CNY Lightings in 2024

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It’s particularly renowned for its striking architecture, blending elements of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles. The temple complex also houses a towering seven-story pagoda, known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Kek Lok Si is home to a massive bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, standing at a height of 30 meters (nearly 100 feet), making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.