The Streets of George Town

The Streets of George Town
George Town, although multicultural in composite, is predominantly Chinese and a big portion of it is Chinatown – a noisy, crowded, delightful conglomeration of people, goods, mobile stalls and old shophouses.

For the best of George Town, walk along Love Lane, Pitt Street, King Street and Carnarvon Street. Certain streets like Chulia Street and Campbell Street are best viewed in the evening, when they burst to life with hawker stalls and nighttime activities. Incidentally, some of the best hawker food are found on these two streets. See also the Southern end of Penang Street for a taste of “Little India.” Along this street are several banana leaf rice restaurants and a Hindu temple.

For the best of colonial architecture, see Beach Street and Light Street, where financial institutions and chambers of the State Assembly are housed.

Penang Islamic Museum

PENANG ISLAMIC MUSEUM 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. Tel: +6 04 262 0172 Fax: +6 04 264 4692 Website: www.penangislamicmuseum.net

Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama

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

george town,penang

George Town, named by the British after King George III, is Penang’s capital city. The government centre and its financial heart, George Town is an interesting and bustling city with modern high rise buildings, cathedrals, mosques, government offices, temples, bazaars, shops and cafes. A myriad of delights, George Town is very compact – the older part of the city is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleyways, which makes it a pleasure to walk and sight-see.

Indeed, walking is highly recommended – a leisurely stroll will enable one to slowly drink in the many details that would otherwise be lost in a hurried tour. If walking is considered tiring, try a ride on the old but exciting trishaw.