Penang Isle: Lim Kongsi


The entrance gateway of the Lim Kongsi (Lim Clan Association), a Hokkien association located at Ah Quee Street, George Town.


The full name of Lim Kongsi is Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi. Kew Leong Tong (or ‘Hall of Nine Dragons’) is the primary association of Lim clan here. It was said that the name ‘Kew Leong Tong’ was to serve as a memorial to the sons of a certain Lim clan who were promoted as the chief magistrates during the Tang Dynasty in China.

Penang Isle: Penang Free School

PFS

Founded by Reverend Robert Sparke Hutchings, Penang Free School is the oldest English school in Southeast Asia which was also the first colonial era school to open to all children of any race or religion. On the 6th February 1816, a committee headed by Hutchings, submitted a proposal of the establishment of a school to the Governor of the Prince of Wales Island and on the 21st of October 1816, Penang Free School was established. The school is located at Jalan Masjid Negeri, or Green Lane.

George Town Street View: Cintra Street

Cintra Street

Cintra Street

Cintra Street

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.

PRANGIN ROAD (Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong)

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.

George Town Street View: LIGHT STREET

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.