Tag: Heritage

Penang Road Night View

Penang Road (Jalan Penang) is one of George Town’s oldest and liveliest streets, connecting colonial-era landmarks with modern spots like Komtar and Chowrasta Market. Known for its mix of heritage, street food, and nightlife—especially around Upper Penang Road—it remains a key hub for both locals and tourists.

Khoo Kongsi at Night

Khoo Kongsi, officially known as Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, is the grandest Hokkien clanhouse in Malaysia and one of George Town’s most iconic heritage sites. Located at Cannon Square amidst a network of old shophouses, it was rebuilt in 1906 after a fire destroyed the original structure—featuring a magnificent ancestral hall, operatic stage, administrative blocks, and rows of terrace houses forming a tightly-knit clan complex . The main hall, Leong San Tong (Dragon Mountain Hall), showcases exquisite Southern Fujian craftsmanship—with detailed stone carvings, ornate wooden beams, gilded decorations, and a rich visual tapestry of murals and ancestral tablets. The site also houses a small museum tracing the Khoo family’s migration from Fujian, clan governance, and community influence in Penang’s development.

George Town Heritage Celebrations (5-7 July 2025)

The 17th annual George Town Heritage Celebrations—themed “Doors and Doorways”—ran from 5–7 July 2025, inviting visitors to step into Penang’s hidden past. The event featured immersive storytelling, artisan workshops (from pottery to traditional snacks), heritage-themed performances, and behind-the-scenes access to eight historic Category 1 heritage buildings. Designed to celebrate George Town’s living traditions, the celebration focuses on cultural connections, community engagement, and heritage education. The event is located at the areas around Armenian Street this year.

Penang Street Art (Beacon of Hope / Bomba Street Art)

The “Beacon of Hope” mural, also known as Bomba Street Art, is a 100-meter-long public artwork beside Malaysia’s oldest fire station on Beach Street, Penang. Painted by muralist Tam Yaw Tyng in 2023, it features 18 vibrant panels that honor the bravery of firefighters, including tributes to seven fallen heroes. Commissioned by The Learning Kingdom Education and supported by the Penang Fire Department, the mural transforms the alleyway into a meaningful tribute to courage and sacrifice—now a popular stop in George Town’s UNESCO heritage zone.

Pulau Jerejak (Jerejak Island)

Pulau Jerejak, a 3.6 km² islet just off Penang’s eastern shore near Bayan Lepas, has had a dramatic evolution over time. It started as pre‑colonial fishing villages but, under British rule, became a leprosarium (from 1868), a quarantine station (notably between 1877–1957), a TB sanatorium, and later a high-security prison known as “Malaysia’s Alcatraz” from 1969 to 1993. After the prison closed, the government opened Jerejak Resort & Spa in 2003, which later shut down.

Today, about 77% of the island is forest reserve, and there are initiatives to redevelop parts for eco‑extreme sports like mountain biking and flying fox, while conservationists push for UNESCO heritage recognition to preserve its rich history

Walking Through Heritage XV (Five Foot Way)

The five-foot way is a covered walkway found in front of many shophouses in Malaysia, especially in places like George Town, Penang. True to its name, it’s typically about five feet wide and provides shelter from sun and rain, allowing people to walk comfortably along rows of shops. It’s a unique blend of architecture and function—often lively with activity, from street vendors to chatting locals—and reflects the colonial and multicultural heritage of Malaysian towns.

Sights in Penang : Trishaws at Stewart Lane

The Penang trishaw, which looks like a small buggy attached to a bicycle, first appeared around 1935–1936 with about 50 units managed by the city. It used to be a common way for locals to get around, but today it’s mostly a fun ride for tourists—complete with bright neon lights, music, and guided trips through George Town’s narrow streets and famous murals.

Views from Lorong Toh Aka (Toh Aka Lane)

Lorong Toh Aka, also known as Toh Aka Lane, is a narrow, T-shaped alley nestled within George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang. Historically, it was known as “Ironworks Street” due to its association with ironsmiths, particularly from the Cheah clan. Today, the lane is lined with pre-war heritage townhouses, reflecting its rich past. A notable feature is a steel rod art sculpture depicting an ironsmith at work, commemorating the lane’s historical significance. Lorong Toh Aka connects to Beach Street, Malay Street, and the Acheen Street Mosque, making it a charming spot that blends cultural heritage with the vibrant life of George Town.

Fun Fact: The lane gets its name due to a prominent Cheah ironsmith whose descendants were among the first Chinese blacksmiths in George Town. The ironsmith legacy is celebrated with a whimsical steel-rod caricature sculpture on the lane, showing a traditional blacksmith hard at work — part of George Town’s iconic street art series by Sculpture at Work.