An Islander's Perspective of Penang
Penang Esplanade is currently host to a multitude of lantern sculptures which light up during the night, showcasing the various iconic or famous landmarks from around the world. The sculptures are placed there as part of the state’s domestic tourism events during the pandemic period.
There is also a pair of mythical creatures made of paper lantern at the same area: https://travel2penang.org/2021/03/26/esplanade-street-art-dragon-and-phoenix-lantern-sculptures/
A stroll through the many alley ways in George town is a little adventure of its own. Several back alleys in George Town recently went through a ‘beautification process’ as new colorful tiled walkways are being built for people to take a stroll along these rustic alleys.
Revealed as Malaysia’s first urban archaeological park, part of the Sia Boey area in George Town has been rejuvenated and converted into a new public park. Sia Boey was once a busy place for the locals as there was a market, a canal that enabled small boats to come in and with its close proximity to the sea, Sia Boey was also a bustling trading station in the old days.
After the old Sia Boey market was closed and the nearby shops were relocated elsewhere, the area was abandoned for a time until the start of the Sia Boey Rejuvenation Project – headed by the Penang Development Corporation and George Town World Heritage Incorporated. The project is aimed at revitalizing the entire Sia Boey area, with the urban park being the first phase that is completed.
The entrance gateway of the Lim Kongsi (Lim Clan Association), a Hokkien association located at Ah Quee Street, George Town.
The full name of Lim Kongsi is Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi. Kew Leong Tong (or ‘Hall of Nine Dragons’) is the primary association of Lim clan here. It was said that the name ‘Kew Leong Tong’ was to serve as a memorial to the sons of a certain Lim clan who were promoted as the chief magistrates during the Tang Dynasty in China.
Named after Penang island’s colonial founder, Captain Francis Light, Light Street (Lebuh Light) was reportedly the first main street to be laid out and built in George Town. The area surrounding this road was once a thick jungle before it was cleared out, way before the Fort Cornwallis even came into existence. Captain Francis Light had his first house built along this street.
Along Light Street, there are several important government buildings that still exist till today, including the State Assembly Building, the Supreme Court Complex and the National Bank building.
The Supreme Court Complex and the National Bank building can be seen here.
The Supreme Court.
State Assembly Building.
At a vantage point on Penang Hill.
