Category Archives: Penang

5 Most Popular Chinese Temples in George Town, Penang

penang

George Town is one of the most beautiful cities in Penang, Malaysia. Home to a large Chinese community, the city has some of the oldest Chinese temples on the island. Read on to know more.

Wat Chayamangkalaram

A popular Thai Buddhist temple in George Town, Wat Chayamangkalaram is a must visit attraction in the city. Built in 1845, the structure holds the famous reclining statue of the Buddha. Along with the 108 ft long statue of the Buddha there are several other smaller shrines and sculptures dating back to the early Buddhist period. The colourful dragons (Chinese cultural symbol) and the beautiful pagodas around the temple make it even more visually appealing.

Khoo Kongsi Temple

Known for its beautiful architecture and modern design, Khoo Kongsi was built in 1851 by a group of Chinese traders. Today, it is a UNSECO World Heritage. The main entrance of the temple is decorated with gold plated pagodas and other sculptures and paintings depicting important instances from the life of Buddha. The 36 divine guardian-statues next to the main shrine is a famous attraction at the temple. A traditional feast is held during the Chinese festivals for all visitors.

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Located on Burmah Lane, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is the first kyaung (Burmese monastery temple) in the city. Built in 1803, by Chinese pilgrims, it is home to ancient relics and items dating back to the beginning of Buddhism in Malaysia. The wishing pond and the standing statue of Buddha are among the major attractions here. Chanting sessions are held regularly within the temple complex.  During Wesak Day and Thankyan festivals the temple is packed with devotees.

Kong Hock Keong Temple

Built in early 1880 by Chinese settlers, Kong Hock Keong Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in George Town. Dedicated to Goddess Guanyin, the temple features several statues of Buddha along with numerous other idols, paintings and sculptures. The beautifully carved entrance gateway and the courtyard leading to the main shrine add to the elegance of the temple.

Hainan Temple

Dedicated to the Sea Goddess, Hainan Temple is one of the most visited temples in George Town. Built around 1866, by members of the Hainanese community (one of the oldest Chinese communities), the temple complex is home to ancient Buddhist sculptures, paintings and objects. Daily chanting sessions and meditation classes are organised at the temple premises.

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit George Town, Penang

A colourful, multicultural city located in the Malaysian island of Penang, George Town is one amazing holiday destination.

penang

A former Malacca trading hub, the town today is the capital of Penang and is popularly known for its British Colonial buildings and other architectural wonders. For those of you heading to Malaysia, here are five reasons why you should visit the beautiful George Town.

Architectural gems

Named after the King George III, the city is known for its fine colonial architecture. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is home to several tall and beautiful buildings. Most structures here are as old as over 100 years. Penang Museum, Fort Cornwallis, The Old Town Hall and Saint George’s Anglican Church are among the popular architectural attractions in the city.

Unique Chinese temples

With a large Chinese community, George Town boasts the best and the oldest Chinese temples on the island. Featuring terrific architecture and design, these temples are a must visit in the city. Built during the beginning of Buddhism and Chinese Taoism, most temples here preserve elements of history and elements related to Buddhism and its practices. Khoo Kongsi is one of the oldest and the most beautifully carved of all Chinese temples in George Town. Yap Kongsi, Teochew Temple and Khoo Kongsi Temple are among other popular temples in the city.

Heaven for food lovers

The delicious Indian curries, traditional Malay delicacies and the authentic Chinese cuisine make George Town a heaven for food lovers. There are numerous restaurants and cafes in and around the city that serve a wide range of cuisines and delicacies prepared with real spices and herbs. During cultural festivals, markets are packed with stalls and shops serving mouth-watering local delicacies.

Street art

Apart from the beautiful temples, great food, and architectural marvels, it is the town’s street art that appeals most to the visitors. Images and depictions from ancient historical texts are painted on walls across the town.  While most of these paintings are drawn by the locals, few of them are prominent works by famous artists like Natthapon Muangkliang, Louise Low and Tang Yeok Khang. A bicycle ride around the town is the perfect way to enjoy this street art.

Fantastic mix of cultures

George Town is home to people of different ethnicities, such as the Chinese, Malays and Indians. It makes this town one of the most vibrant ones in Malaysia. Festivals and events are great times to take a peek into the region’s rich cultures and traditions.

Shop till You Drop! Five Popular Markets in Penang, Malaysia

penang

Also known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is a beautiful island state off the northwest coast of Malaysia. Featuring a wide coastline and beautiful landscape, the city is a world renowned holiday destination. While most people visit Malaysia for its beaches and nightlife, few others like to enjoy and explore the colourful markets and bazaars in Penang. Take a look at some of them.

Little Penang Street Market

Open only on the last Sunday of every month, Little Penang Street Market is a famous flea market in Penang. Often referred to as a shopper’s paradise, the market is flooded with goods and antique items from the country and beyond. Homemade jewellery, dolls, pottery and painted tiles are among the popular items available here. Art works of prominent visual artists are also put to display at some of the shops. Interestingly, there are music and dance performances throughout the day. Food lovers can enjoy a sumptuous range of authentic cuisines and delicacies at the nearby restaurants and bars. Furthermore, there are designated spots here for hourly book reading and interactions.

Lorong Kulit Flea Market

Lorong Kulit Flea Market was established in 1992 and offers a wide range of electronic goods and items at terrific prices. Along with electronics, you can buy watches, shoes, used goods, antique items and other knick-knacks. On weekends the market is usually flooded with tourists and locals, so you may want to avoid the place if you are not too fond of big crowds. Most of the items sold here are available in limited quantities, so it makes sense to reach early and grab the best deal.

Pasar Chowrasta

Pasar Chowrasta is a well stocked marketplace in Penang and one of the best places to buy groceries, fish, meat etc. Besides groceries, the market is stacked with Indian spices, Chinese goods and other products like dry fruits, and cheap clothing and fashion accessories. There are several bookstores as well as old shops selling paintings and furniture. Interestingly, several shops and stalls here are over 100 years old.

Macallum Street Night Market

Operating every Monday from 7 am to 11 pm, Macallum Street Night Market is a remarkable night market in Penang. Having earned the reputation of offering some of the cheapest products and goods in the region, the market sells clothes, fashion accessories, homeware, decoratives, bamboo table mats and several other items of daily use. A few stalls and shops even offer electronic items at dirt cheap prices.

Batu Ferringhi Night Market

With an extensive range of items and goods on sale, Batu Ferringhi Night Market is one of the finest road markets in Penang. There are a total of over 100 stalls selling a range of classic and beautiful handicrafts and antique goods. Home ware and decorative items like lacquer plates, embroidered pillow cases and bejewelled accessories are sold here. The market is open from dawn to dusk.

Most Popular Attractions in Penang – the Best of Sightseeing, Dining & Nightlife!

penang-aLush green hills and magnificent temples – Penang is a beautiful mix of a lot of things that are easy on the eyes. A number of travellers book tickets on flights to Malaysia every year to visit this beautiful place. As there is so much to see, sometimes it becomes quite difficult for a traveller – who is short on time – to decide the ‘what’s’ and ‘where’s’! Here is a quick compilation of the best of everything that Penang has to offer from each important holiday aspect – sightseeing & activity, food and nightlife.

penangSightseeing spot

Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple and the Penang Road of Georgetown – no holiday trip can be considered complete without visiting these iconic places of Penang. Penang hill is known for its panoramic views and a smorgasbord of activities. Hop on the train to enjoy the lush sceneries or simply walk and explore; the heavenly fresh air of the hill is sure to revitalize your senses. Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the world. The architecture is a blend of Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles which gives the temple a uniquely aesthetic appearance. Why should you visit Penang Road of Georgetown? Because it is perfect blend of contemporary and old world charm and is packed with top notch restaurants, karaoke joints and bustling nightclubs. Travellers can also explore the fashionable boutiques and antique shops here.

Places to Eat

Street food, dining on budget or fine dining – Penang has it all to suit the preferences of varied travellers. Love street food? Try the Mee Goreng at Bangkok Lane. If you are looking for some cheap and decent places to eat, Char koay teow stall, De Tai Tong café and Zealand Seafood are the best places. Luxury travellers who have booked flights’ tickets to Penang and wish to dine at an upscale restaurant, 1885 Restaurant and Kebaya Restaurant are the apt spots.

Nightlife

Over the years, Penang has witnessed a significant change in its nightlife. There are a number of places that blossom as the sun goes down. Auto-City and the Night Market are two of the most popular places to sample the wonderful nightlife of Penang. For lady travellers, F.A.M.E (Glo) at Georgetown is a perfect place. It is considered to offer the best ladies’ night in the country!

Penang Island Jazz Festival 2014 – A Must Visit Event for Penang Travellers in December

Known for its rich heritage and breathtaking views, Penang Island draws a large number of tourists every year. Among the many attractions in Penang, the jazz festival has a prominent place. Every year the island hosts an incredible jazz festival that is attended by a number of music and fun lovers. Penang Jazz Festival is all about music, fun, artist performances, jazz and loads of entertainment.

Inception

Though the idea of jazz festival in Penang took birth somewhere in 1996 but the final shape of the festival came in after eight years. In 2004, The Capricorn Connection organized the two day/ one stage event with some workshops and a mini jazz gallery; the idea was to create a festival experience. Over the years, due to its growing popularity, a number of other supporting activities have been added. Some of the most noteworthy ones are Fringe Stages, “Jazz with a Heart” Charity, Island Jazz Forum, Community Drum Circle and After Hours Jazz Jam.

About the Festival 2014

Bigger, noisier and better – this is the 11th edition of the Penang Jazz Festival and it is bound to be entertaining. As the festival has aged well through the years, it has established itself as one of the most popular attractions in Penang. A number of performers will rock the “Jazz By The Beach” stage this year. Some of the prominent ones are Crystal Bowersox, Carmen Souza, Monoswezi, Laila Baili Trio, CNIRBS and Jo Yeong Duk Trio. Apart from the performances, the festival will have workshop exhibitions, Sunrise @ TSG, After Hours Jazz Jam, Creative Malaysia Fringe Stages and the “Island Music Forum Sessions”. Over the course of time, the festival has witnessed a lot of talents, local as well as from the international acts from USA, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Brazil, Hungary, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.

Highlights of the Festival

•    Jazz by the Beach
•    Fringe Stages
•    Sunrise @Tropical Spice Garden
•    Island Music Forum Sessions
•    Workshops
•    Jazz Gallery
•    After Hours Jazz Jam and More!

The Dates

The festival is starting on 4th December and will continue to rock the island till 7th December.

Locations

Bayview Beach Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, PARKROYAL Penang Resort and Tropical Spice Garden are the key locations.