A blooming Tecoma (often called “trumpet tree”) by the side of St. George’s Church in George Town, Penang, captured on a bright, cloudless day. Its soft pink flowers briefly blanket the branches each hot season, giving a cherry-blossom feel against the white facade and blue sky.
In Malaysia, one of the most eye-catching plants you’ll often see brightening up fences, gates, and roadsides is the bougainvillea, known locally as pokok bunga kertas. Its name, which translates to “paper flower,” perfectly describes the thin, papery texture of its vibrant bracts that come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white. Despite its delicate appearance, this hardy plant thrives in the tropical heat with minimal care, making it a favorite for gardens and public spaces. Whether it’s cascading over a trellis or standing tall like a small tree, the bougainvillea adds a burst of cheerful color wherever it grows—an unmistakable part of the Malaysian landscape.
George Town’s Light Street has been transformed into a vibrant tourist attraction with the installation of a new LED light display at the Esplanade’s Municipal Fountain Park. The Penang Island City Council’s initiative, costing RM261,000, aims to enchant locals and tourists alike, enhancing the city’s nightlife and boosting tourism. The LED strands, adorning trees, create a magical ambiance, receiving positive feedback from the community. With plans to refresh the display colors periodically and expand to other areas, George Town is set to maintain its allure as a must-visit destination.
A recently built commercial area that houses a number of shop lots, that is located at Jalan Sungai Kelian, Tanjung Bungah (beside the Tanjung Bungah Market).
Upon entering Botanic Gardens, the sight of these Cannonball Trees greets the visitors. The trees are scientifically named Couroupita guianensis, and they are also known commonly as the ‘Cannonball Tree’ due to the shape and appearance of the fruits.
The various types of trees found in the forest of Penang.
A random scene at Armenian Street, George Town during the Chinese New Year.
Take a rest amidst nature’s green at the Penang Botanic Gardens.
A Dusky Leaf monkey (or also known as Lutung) spotted with its child on a branch of a tree at the Penang Botanic Gardens. This species is usually found in the rainforest regions of Malaysia and Thailand. Unlike the adult, a newborn has golden-yellow fur.
Deriving its name from the Betel Nut palm tree (locally known as Pinang tree), Penang was once famous for the trees and its local name is ‘Pulau Pinang’, meaning the ‘Island of Betel Nuts’.