A trip to Penang is like a trip back in time. Penang has the highest number of historical buildings in Malaysia and is home to the famous E&O Hotel, which was built in the late 19th century by two Armenian brothers, who were traders during the time when Penang ws an important spice trading island in the Far East.
Walk down any of the streets such as Chulia street, Armenian Street, Cannon Street or Love Lane, and it will show you the splendour of Penang's past in the form of its lovely old and ornate structures which once housed prominent European families or wealthy Chinese traders and even some portion of the small jewish community that once held a place there.
A good way to experience this 'old world' feeling is to first take time out to visit the Penang Museum which houses an excellent record of what life was like in the time of Sir Francis Light and the British rule over the island. Touring the centre of town is best done in the evening as Penang has a vibrant and colourful night life in the form of its street markets and hawker stalls. One way to get around without having to walk and yet being able to take in all that there is to see; and let me tell you now that there is a lot to see; is to take a trishaw ride in the back streets of Penang Road. A 10 minute trishaw ride will cost less than one pound and is a very pleasant way to soak in the ambiance of Penang in the evening.
Most of the buildings are unchanged from its construction and many facades will provide for interesting photo snap shots. Take time to visit the old mosque, chinese temple, little India and even the old cemetary which dates back to the mid ninteenth century.
Further places worth exploring are the Botanical gardens, which houses not only many species of plants and trees cultivated over the last 100 years but also a largely extended family of monkeys which roam the park freely. Moving away from the city, there is always Batu Ferringhi beach to spend the day or two at. Aside from water sports and sun bathing, at night the streets are turned into one long night market where vendors sell second hand books and cheap CDs as well as local souvenirs.
No mention of Penang is complete without mention of its food. It is the home to almost every Malaysian dish you wish to savour. Stalls and coffe shops abound but there are also some nice restaurants worth checking out while in the city. The Old China Cafe on Cannon street serves some exotic fare at fairly reasonable prices and has enough antiques and historical memorabilia to keep you charmed with this little place.
Penang is well worth a visit especially for those who like a little bit of history and culture besides the usual sun and sand one gets in a tropical island.
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Mar 16th, 2001
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