Tag: Heritage

Penang Isle: Yeoh Kongsi Clan Temple

The Yeoh Kongsi clan association originates from the period of 1836 to 1840, is a clan association of Hokkien emigrants in Penang bearing the Yeoh surname who came from mainland China. Yeoh Kongsi is one of the five major Hokkien clan associations in Penang and the association’s building is located at the intersection of Chulia Street Ghaut and Victoria Street, George Town.

Penang Isle: The Supreme Court Complex

The Penang Supreme Court complex at Farquhar Street, Georgetown was built in 1903 during the British colonial years and has been hearing cases ever since. The court complex incorporated neo-Palladin style architecture and is currently houses the Penang High Court. The design of the complex was done by the Public Works Department, which was headed by John Henry McCallum, the Surveyor-General of the Straits Settlements at that time. The Penang Supreme complex was also expanded with a 3-storey wing. The Logan Memorial is located right in front of the court’s main entrance.

Penang Isle: Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Located at Church Street, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (formerly known as Hai Kee Chan mansion) was originally the home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, a very prominent figure in Penang. It is an unique heritage mansion built at the end of the 19th century with architectural influence from the Peranakans culture, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas. Though not a Baba himself, Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee incorporated the culture during the building of his mansion due its association with wealth and substance.

The Peranakans are a Chinese community adopting selected ways of the local Malays and later, the colonial British, hence, created a unique lifestyle and customs which had not only left behind a rich legacy of antiques but its cultural influences in Penang. The mansion cum museum is also the house to over 1,000 pieces of antiques and relics of the era as well as a testimony of that time’s eclectic design and architecture.

For more information, one can visit the official site of the mansion at http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/

Visiting Hours
Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Admission Fee: MYR 10.00

Pinang Peranakan Mansion Exteriors

Penang Isle: The World Heritage Office

The Penang World Heritage Office located at the heart of George Town (Acheh Street) is set up to manage, keeping tab and protecting the heritage values of the site. In addition, the office also conduct research, training and education programs with regards to heritage related activities as well as to promote the site.

Penang’s George Town was listed as World Heritage Site by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 7 July 2008 at the World Heritage Committee meeting in Quebec City, Canada.

For more info, visit the official website.

George Town Street View: ARMENIAN STREET (Lebuh Armenian)

The popular historical Armenian Street is located at the heart of heritage zone in George Town, Penang.

The street’s name originates from a the Armenian community residing in the area including an Armenian family who had their home at the junction of the now Armenian Street and Beach Street in the early part of the 19th century. The famous Armenians amongst these were the Sarkies Brothers who later founded the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in the 1880s. After the Armenians left Penang, the street was populated by the Chinese community and they in turn, established some of the more famous clan houses in the area.

Armenian Street is currently home to Penang’s most famous art mural drawn by Ernest Zacharevic and various local shops and cafes catering to the tourists who visit the street.

  • The most famous mural of Penang

Penang Isle: Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse

Located within Fort Cornwallis, this historical lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Malaysia. Built in 1882 during the British administration, it was known as the Fort Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse twas made of steel framework, which is a stark contrast with the rest of the fort. During the renovation in 1914 it was renamed as Penang Harbour Lighthouse. The 21 meters high minaret is made from white iron frame with depth filed covering of 16 nautical miles deep.