In George Town, heritage buildings of different faiths and cultures are common sights which serve as a history of Penang’s multiracial harmony. Pictured here is the view of the dome of Kapitan Keling Mosque with the roofs of two pre-war Chinese style townhouses.
Hutton Lane (or Jalan Hutton) was named after James Hutton, a British who also happened to be one of the first doctors in Penang. Hutton arrived in Penang during the early 1800s and subsequently became the sole registered doctor practicing in George Town several years later. Starting from Larut Road, Hutton Lane passes through Transfer Road to Penang Road.
Dato Kramat Road (or Jalan Dato Kramat) is a major road in Penang which starts from the area near Komtar all the way to the Ayer Itam district. The road was named after a small Muslim-Tamil settlement near Sungai Pinang in the 18th century before the arrival of Sir Francis Light. The settlement was likely led by a Dato Keramat, a Muslim ascetic of possibly Tamil origin.
Dato Koyah Road or locally Jalan Dato Koyah, is a rather small road in the heart of George Town that can be accessed via Penang Road. The road was named after Syed Mustapha Idris (who was also known as Dato Koyah), a famous Malabari faith healer in George Town during the early 19th century.
The intersection of Penang Road and Dato Koyah Road is marked by the closed and abandoned “Kayu Nasi Kandar” shop.
Cintra Street is a road in George Town that connects both Kimberley Street and Chulia Street. Cintra apparently refers to the Portuguese word for “Port” and the street has its root traced back to early Eurasians who settled here. Back in the old days during the 19th century, the street was also known for its Japanese geisha establishments or the Karayuki-san.
There is also a steel rod art sculpture found along this street.
Loke Thye Kee is an old and historical building that can be easily recognized as it stands at the corner of Burmah Road and Penang Road. Built in the late 1920s to resemble a ship, the building was a popular Chinese restaurant back in the old days until its gradual decline. The building was later renovated and restored in 2012 to its present state. Now, the building houses a few cafes and eateries.
Originally named after the old Prangin Canal in the area, Prangin Road was later renamed as Dr Lim Chwee Leong Road (or Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong) in the 1980s, after the physician who had his dispensary which was located along the road.
Prangin Canal in the old days was a popular water route in George Town for transportation of local goods to and from the ‘Sia Boey’ marketplace, and also due to its proximity with the sea.
The newly renovated Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce heritage building located along Light Street. The building now houses several shops, a hotel and also a cafe.
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.
China Street (or Lebuh China), is one of the main and oldest streets within the heritage area of George Town. The street was predominantly populated by Chinese settlers during the late 1700s and it runs from Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling to Beach Street as well as crosses a few other streets in the area.
The Kuan Yin temple of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (Pitt Street) can be seen facing this road directly.