Tag: old

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.

Penang Buddhist Association

Completed in 1931, the Penang Buddhist Association is located along Anson Road in George Town. The old Straits Eclectic style building is a popular place for Buddhists in Penang to participate in various religious and communal activities.

Apart from Wesak Day, many people also usually visit it on the first day of Chinese New Year for new year prayers.

Penang Isle: The TAN Jetty

Scenes from Tan Jetty, one of the six clan jetties at the eastern shore of Penang island.
As the name suggested, this jetty used to house Chinese immigrants of the Tan surname clan from the Fujian Province in China during the colonial era in the late 19th century.

Acheen Street View: Heritage Townhouses Facade

Old heritage pre-war townhouses along Acheen Street, George Town. These double-storeys townhouses normally have the “Southern Chinese” Eclectic Style architecture, which is often influenced by a mix of Chinese, Indian and European style design.