Penang Places Of Interest
There is no doubt that some of best Penang places of interest lies in the historic city of Georgetown. Centered around the famous fort Cornwallis, Georgetown has been shape by trade, commerce and good old fashion graft.
Life in the inner city thrives today much as it always has despite the encroachments of the 21st century. It remains organic and slowly evolving, a stark contrast to the many others Asian cities that have seen their hearts and souls ripped out in order to make way for modern skyscrappers and giant high rises. Visiting some of the old building and heritage site at Georgetown brings back many fond memories. Some of the Penang place of interest includes Cheong Fatt Tze mansion, Khoo Kongsi, Fort Cornwallis, Museum, Temples, Churches and many more.
Georgetown infrastructure have been systematically manage, thanks to the British influence, which makes it an easy place to leisurely wander around. The best old fashion ways to discover the historical city is either by foot, bicycle or trishaw.
As a city with busy hive of activities, Georgetown is a spectacular combination of old and new, and of the traditional and modern way of life. Take some time of to explore this city of intense sights, sound and smells as you won't find anyplace like this elsewhere.
Enjoy and have fun!
Life in the inner city thrives today much as it always has despite the encroachments of the 21st century. It remains organic and slowly evolving, a stark contrast to the many others Asian cities that have seen their hearts and souls ripped out in order to make way for modern skyscrappers and giant high rises. Visiting some of the old building and heritage site at Georgetown brings back many fond memories. Some of the Penang place of interest includes Cheong Fatt Tze mansion, Khoo Kongsi, Fort Cornwallis, Museum, Temples, Churches and many more.
Georgetown infrastructure have been systematically manage, thanks to the British influence, which makes it an easy place to leisurely wander around. The best old fashion ways to discover the historical city is either by foot, bicycle or trishaw.
As a city with busy hive of activities, Georgetown is a spectacular combination of old and new, and of the traditional and modern way of life. Take some time of to explore this city of intense sights, sound and smells as you won't find anyplace like this elsewhere.
Enjoy and have fun!
1. The Little India
This enclave boasts a rich living history that spans over two centuries. Popular with heritage enthusiasts, international conservationists, tourists and locals, Little India features a thriving and vibrant collection of historic attractions, places of worship, shops, restaurants, florists, barbers, astrologers, millers, money changers, fruit sellers and herb dealers.
3. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Lebuh Leith
Cheong Fatt Tze (1840-1917), a Hakka from Tai Pu in the Teochew district, migrated to Java in the 1850s where he prospered and moved his base to Penang in the early 1890s. A powerful Nanyang industrialist and a first-class Mandarin in the Manchu government, he was made Consul-General in Singapore and economic advisor to the Empress Dowager.
Cheong Fatt Tze had eight wives and owned many residences throughout his trading empire but made Penang his base, where he raised his six sons.
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built over seven years from 1896 to 1904 by teams of master craftsmen from China. This mansion is only one of three of its kind left outside China. The mansion is the only stately Chinese-type dwelling representing the best of 18th and 19th century Chinese architecture in the State
Cheong Fatt Tze had eight wives and owned many residences throughout his trading empire but made Penang his base, where he raised his six sons.
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built over seven years from 1896 to 1904 by teams of master craftsmen from China. This mansion is only one of three of its kind left outside China. The mansion is the only stately Chinese-type dwelling representing the best of 18th and 19th century Chinese architecture in the State
5. Esplanade
Next to Fort Cornwallis is the Esplanade, a popular waterfront promenade which stretches from the hawker stalls at one end to the clock tower at the other. Central in the Esplanade is the Padang, a huge square of town green.
Standing proudly beside is the City Hall, a stately colonial building which is a fine example of British palladian architecture featuring magnificent Corinthian columns and huge windows. It was once the seat of local government
Standing proudly beside is the City Hall, a stately colonial building which is a fine example of British palladian architecture featuring magnificent Corinthian columns and huge windows. It was once the seat of local government
7. Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR)
KOMTAR, a prominent Penang landmark, houses Government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants.The 65-storey complex also contains theaters, squash courts and a geodesic dome which serves as a multi-purpose hall, while the 55th floor offers a panoramic view of the city and on clear days, also of Gunung Jerai in Kedah
9. Penang Islamic Museum, Lebuh Armenian
Syed Al-Attas Mansion once belonged to Syed Mohammad Al-Attas, a Muslim of Achehnese descent who aupported Acheh’s struggle against the Dutch in the 19th century. Built in 1860 after the Straits Eclectic style, the mansion now houses the Penang Islamic Museum.
The Penang Islamic Museum is open to the public
daily except on Tuesdays.
Visiting hours are from 9.30am to 6.00pm.
Entrance fee: RM3 for adults and RM1 for children below 12 years of age.
Address: 128, Armenian Street, Penang, Malaysia.
The Penang Islamic Museum is open to the public
daily except on Tuesdays.
Visiting hours are from 9.30am to 6.00pm.
Entrance fee: RM3 for adults and RM1 for children below 12 years of age.
Address: 128, Armenian Street, Penang, Malaysia.
11. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
A very good example of adaptive reuse, the former home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee has been converted into a showcase of the opulent lifestyle of the Peranakans and their many customs and traditions, displaying over a thousand pieces of antiques and collectibles of this unique community.
Opens: Monday - Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Closed on Sundays and all public holidays
Daily conducted tour at 11.30am and 3.30pm sharp
Admission: RM10.00 for adult (aged 12 and above)
Free for children below 12 and RM5.00 for School Children in uniform.
Address: 29, Church Street, 10200 Penang
Opens: Monday - Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Closed on Sundays and all public holidays
Daily conducted tour at 11.30am and 3.30pm sharp
Admission: RM10.00 for adult (aged 12 and above)
Free for children below 12 and RM5.00 for School Children in uniform.
Address: 29, Church Street, 10200 Penang
13. State Art Gallery, Dewan Sri Pinang
Located within the Dewan Sri Pinang, the Art Gallery features two exhibitions. A permanent collection featuring the cream of Malaysian artists situated on the third floor, and a contemporary collection on the ground floor.
Opens: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, except Sundays
Admission is free
Admission is free
2. China Town
China Town on the island stretches from Weld Quay to Lebuh Stewart, lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh King. China Town is so large and well-preserved that you will sense and feel the lifestyle of Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s.
Visitors will be intrigued by the many clanhouses, shophouses and temples found along these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind. Stepping into these streets will certainly take you back in time.
Visitors will be intrigued by the many clanhouses, shophouses and temples found along these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind. Stepping into these streets will certainly take you back in time.
4. Clock Tower, Pesiaran King Edward
The clock tower was presented to Penang by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
It towers 60 feet in high – one foot for each year of Her Majesty's reign. The Queen had died by the time the clock tower was finally completed in 1920.
It towers 60 feet in high – one foot for each year of Her Majesty's reign. The Queen had died by the time the clock tower was finally completed in 1920.
6. Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama
Fort Cornwallis is situated at the spot where Captain Francis Light was supposed to have landed in 1786. Originally a wooden structure, the fort was rebuilt between 1808 and 1810 with convict labour. It was named after Charles Marquis Cornwallis, a distinguished Governor General of India, and designed to protect the harbour from possible French attacks.
Today, much of the old fort remains, but its precincts have been converted into a public park and an open air theater. It is still guarded by old cannons, which were retrieved by the British from pirates who had captured them from the Johore Sultanate. The most famous of the cannons is Seri Rambai, which dates back to 1613. Local beliefs have it that childless women can become fertile by placing flowers in the barrel of the cannon and offering special prayers.
Address: Padang Kota Lama, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Opens: 8:30am to 7:00pm daily
Admission: RM1.00 per person
Today, much of the old fort remains, but its precincts have been converted into a public park and an open air theater. It is still guarded by old cannons, which were retrieved by the British from pirates who had captured them from the Johore Sultanate. The most famous of the cannons is Seri Rambai, which dates back to 1613. Local beliefs have it that childless women can become fertile by placing flowers in the barrel of the cannon and offering special prayers.
Address: Padang Kota Lama, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Opens: 8:30am to 7:00pm daily
Admission: RM1.00 per person
8. Nagore Shrine, Lebuh King
Constructed in the early 1880's, the shrine is a memorial to the Caliph, Syed Shahul Hamid. Faithful devotees may be seen visiting the strine to seek favors on Thursdays
10. Penang Museum and Art Gallery
Located at Lebuh Farquhar, the Penang Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most popular attractions in Malaysia. The building which houses the museum was built in 1821 and was formerly the Penang Free School. It showcases old photographs, maps, charts, historical relics, paintings of early Penang, all of which provide an insight to Penang's history.
Opens: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily except Fridays
Admission: RM1 for adults 50 sen for children
Opens: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily except Fridays
Admission: RM1 for adults 50 sen for children
12. Residence of Ku Din Ku Meh
Located at No. 20 in upper Penang Road is another restored heritage home that once belonged to a Ku Din Ku Meh (1848-1932), whose real name was Tengku Baharuddin bin Tengku Meh. He was a Kedah Malay who was the Administrator of Setul (Satun), with his writings and administrative records preserved in the Thai National Archives in Bangkok. The residence today is a budget hotel.
14. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Museum
The Sun Yat Sen Research Centre and museum is open to public. It serves as a nerve centre for planning and collecting information, records and artifacts of Dr. Sun Yat Sen's six years involvement in Penang.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Museum Foundation Research Centre, 26 Lorong Susu, 10400 Penang
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Museum Foundation Research Centre, 26 Lorong Susu, 10400 Penang
