Despite its name, Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian) was not originally settled by Armenians. It was named after the small Armenian community that once lived there in the early 1800s, who were influential traders and philanthropists in Penang. Interestingly, the famous Eastern & Oriental Hotel was founded by the Armenian Sarkies Brothers, who also established Singapore’s Raffles Hotel.
Today, the street is a UNESCO heritage hotspot known for its murals, cafes, and historic shophouses.
Gurney Plaza celebrates Deepavali 2025 with its vibrant “A Joyous Deepavali” theme, featuring colourful decorations like a giant peacock, intricate kolam designs, and glowing lanterns that light up the main atrium. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, including a Sitar and Tabla recital by the Temple of Fine Arts while shoppers who spent a certain amount can redeem exclusive Deepavali packets during the month of October.
Wisma Kastam (formerly the Malayan Railway Building), was completed in 1909 in George Town, Penang, and designed in Edwardian Baroque style by the British architect Arthur Benison Hubback. Though it was built as a railway terminus, it never housed any actual train tracks—passengers would come to the station, then take a ferry across to Butterworth instead.
Over time, it served many functions: offices, a clock tower, customs building, waiting hall, and more. Because of its utilitarian role without actual rail lines, locals refer to it as a “ghost station.” It has now been granted Grade I heritage status and is under new leaseholders, with efforts to preserve its architecture and legacy.
The building is located along China Street Ghaut, and is also known as the “Big Ben” of Penang.
Queensbay Mall is celebrating Deepavali 2025 with its “Radiance of Lights” theme, transforming the central atrium into a vibrant tribute to the Konark Sun Temple. The space is beautifully decorated with glowing elephants, golden lotus flowers, and garden-inspired displays, creating a warm festive atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances like Odissi dance and Silambam, along with family activities such as rangoli contests and card-making workshops; making the festival a perfect blend of shopping, tradition, and celebration.
In the heart of George Town, a new mural at Armenian Street has turned heads while spreading an important message — “Love Our Turtles”. Launched as part of a month-long campaign (Aug 15 – Sept 14, 2025) by the IKHTIAR Foundation and proudly sponsored by ecoBrown’s, the artwork blends Penang’s cultural vibrancy with a call to protect endangered sea turtles and our oceans. More than just street art, this mural is part of a larger conservation movement, reminding visitors and locals alike that preserving marine life is as vital as celebrating heritage. The artwork is located just across the “Children on Bicycle” mural.
Armenian Park (in George Town) was transformed into a vibrant lantern wonderland during the Pesta Tanglung Tanjong 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival, with glowing lanterns, floral displays, and colourful arches making it a photogenic hotspot. Visitors flocked to the park with phones ready “selfies” or “wefies”, capturing the festive lights and decorative installations.
The atmosphere combined traditional elements (lanterns, mooncake vibes) with modern street festivity, creating a communal space of warmth, visual delight, and cultural celebration.
The newly restored western and southern moat at Fort Cornwallis at night. Together, both moats will form a water basin covering about 4,000 m², about 0.9 m deep, and holding roughly 3,600 cubic metres of water. The restoration uses traditional construction methods, with features like mechanical sand filters and bio-retention swales built into the design for ecological health and long-term stability. The project is part of Penang’s North Seafront Improvement Programme, with funding from the state government and partners like Think City and Yayasan Hasanah.
A trishaw in Penang, locally called “beca,” is a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi mainly used by tourists to explore George Town and Penang’s heritage sites. The trishaw ride is a popular and relaxing way to see local street art, temples, mosques, and historic buildings around the UNESCO World Heritage Site area. Typically, rides cost around RM 40 to RM 50 per hour, with drivers often serving both as guides sharing local history and navigating the narrow and busy streets safely.
Trishaws hold historical importance since the 1930s and remain a cultural symbol despite the decline in daily local use, mostly catering now to visitors who want an authentic and leisurely tour experience around Penang’s charming spots.
Senses Coffee is a cozy café located at 419 Chulia Street, George Town, Penang. It is known for its fresh brews, including coffee and matcha, along with a variety of refreshing drinks and delicious homemade treats. The café offers a chill and artistic vibe, making it a popular spot for both coffee lovers and those looking for a relaxing atmosphere in the heart of George Town. The operating hours are normally from 9:30 AM to around 7:30-9:30 PM daily.
