"Penang" a Penang Travel Page by p_yenyen

Penang may well be Malaysia’s most famous island, evidence being the coast’s vast expansion since the early eighties.

Priceless architecture centres mainly in Georgetown, the capital of The Pearl of the Orient. Its endless rows of 100 year-old shophouses and colonial villas give Georgetown its distinctive atmosphere. Did you know that Penang was venue to several chartbuster movies like the remake of “Anna and the King” (starring Jodie Foster), and the French film “Indochine” (starring Catherine Deneuve)? A glimpse of Georgetown and one will understand how this unique capital seduced the many film directors as well as tourists.

The best way to capture Penang’s mix heritage is to stroll around town. Be charmed by aged buildings with their faded colours and crumbling walls. Let your eyes be affixed on the slowly changing architectural details of yesteryear houses with their columns or multi-coloured Peranakan tiles. There is a sense of being back in time surrounded by worship houses and shelters. A peaceful atmosphere rests on the streets where Aceh Mosque resides, the oldest house of worship in the city. The smell of incense drifts in the air amidst gold settings of Burmese, Thai and Chinese temples. The magnificent Khoo Kongsi is a true form of Chinese art with its delicately carved wooden panels. Other old-time occupants include Chinese shopkeepers who seem to have lived here forever, colourful Indian food stalls and rickshaws and their drivers. The Georgetown of yesterday continues to create history today.

To all the people who love penang who keep returning time and time again, the island beckons like an old friend, with a few physical changes but its sould intact. Drive around the 'Pearl of the Orient' and you'll see that despite being a thriving city, the island has managed to retain all of its colonial grandeur. Regal mansions flanking three lined avenues vie for attention together with ornate clan houses and temples that boast 10,000 buddhas and writhing snakes.

Thanks to Allan and Debbie for the weekend trip. And the bear too. :-)