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.
As night falls, the city’s Kapitan Keling Mosque Street comes alive with the vibrant glow of red lanterns, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune during Chinese New Year.
Traditional trishaws resting after their last passengers left, offering a leisurely tour along the heritage trail during the evening. The classic shophouses, bathed in the lanterns’ warm light, stand as a testament to Penang’s rich history and cultural diversity.
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.
This once every 12 years event, deeply entrenched in the island’s cultural heritage, pays homage to the revered deity Tua Peh Kong, known for bestowing prosperity and fortune. The event was cancelled during the supposed Year of Tiger in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic reason, and was instead scheduled for this year. The last process was held in 2010, as shared in this post HERE.
As the procession weaves its way through the streets, adorned with colorful banners and intricate floats, the atmosphere is infused with the melodious rhythms of drums and the aromatic wafts of incense. Both locals and visitors eagerly gather to witness this captivating spectacle, which serves as a testament to Penang’s rich heritage and strong community bonds.
Tua Peh Kong, also known as Tua Pek Kong or Da Bo Gong, is a deity widely venerated in Chinese folk religion and Taoism. He is regarded as a god of prosperity, wealth, and protection. Tua Peh Kong is often depicted as a portly figure with a long beard, wearing traditional Chinese attire.
Penang’s Chinese New Year Celebration, known locally as Miao Hui, transforms the island into a lively tapestry of cultural delights and festive cheer. The streets come alive with vibrant decorations, captivating performances, and the tantalizing aromas of traditional delicacies. From colorful parades to mesmerizing lion and dragon dances, the atmosphere is electric as families and friends gather to welcome the Lunar New Year with joy and anticipation. It’s a time when old traditions blend seamlessly with modern celebrations, reflecting Penang’s rich heritage and spirit of unity. In every corner, the spirit of renewal and prosperity fills the air, making the Chinese New Year in Penang an unforgettable experience for all who partake in its festivities.
Graffiti and street art murals found at the walls along an alley at Lumut Lane, George Town. The old mural featuring the Praying Indian Lady can be found here too.
A recent mural created by Dotmasters found at Love Lane in George Town.
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.
The Cenotaph located at the Esplanade is a historical and heritage war memorial erected by the British empire. The cenotaph was unveiled by the Prince of Wales on 31 March 1922, at the Esplanade seafront to remember the losses during World War I battles.
The Penang Veterans Association also built another small monument besides the cenotaph to remember those killed in World War II, Siam-Burma Death Railway, Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation and the Reinsurgency period.
A breathtaking view from Penang Hill showing the eastern side of Penang. One might spot the Bukit Mertajam hill at the distance.