01 Jul The Heritage & Street Art of Penang
Hey “George”, it’s been 6 months. I’m still having a love/hate relationship with you because on the second day of my visit, I fell really ill and all I wanted to do was head straight home. The food surprisingly was too ornate for my palate. I thought I wasn’t a picky eater until I met you. Most of the time your food was too oily for my liking. I wished I could be raving like everybody and say awesome food, but I am not one of them everybody. Also, I expected a grand farewell party with dramatic booms of fireworks? What you gave me was small farts of lights during the year-end countdown that left me with a “that’s it???” reaction.
But… you showed me a place with a rich culture of street art & heritage. The laid back lifestyle and the untouched historic architectures were pretty worth my 4D3N stay even though the above-mentioned hiccups. The mishmash between the old outlook of the building and the modern cafes which sprung up over time kept my eyes really busy and my fingers firing away my cam. So I forgive you… terima kasih1.
The accommodation which we stayed in was the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel. A hotel already well known among travellers who have been to Penang. The good reviews are everywhere on the internet, in blogs & TripAdvisor so confirm safe. In fact, I was really surprised the room was so huge for 4 pax. If I was athletic, I’ll probably do cartwheel or yoga headstand.
Armenian Street Heritage Hotel
139, Lebuh Carnarvon, Georgetown, 10100 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
visit site
The view from our room. Not a luxurious view but it has its charm. We even heard a loud crash during one of the nights. The kpo-ness2 in us, stuck our heads to see where the loud noise came from.
You’ll have to be careful where you walk because when there’s space for motorcycles, they will be on it.
Because the bird too chinese looking I cannot. I was so inspired.. had to mimic a poem on painting picture.
This roadside cart that sells the chinese crispy crepe I must say, was one of the nicest thing I ate.
The travelling mates, B & WS enjoying their loh mee.
You will know when you’re reaching Penang Hill when you see everyone taking pictures with their mobile phone on a flight of stairs.
It must feel really nice to be living on the hill top, like a rich man. Makes me want to shout out to the house owner, “at night scary or nottttt?”.
The train ride was pretty steep. The view was quite something. Would I recommend anyone to go? Yes… go breathe in some fresh air!
Penang Hill
Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, George Town, Penang Island 10350, Malaysia
visit site
Adult Normal: RM30.00 | Express: RM60.00
This is just scary. Reminds me of how dangerous my bro’s construction crane job is. Thanks to them, in future tourist can walk further out to see the spectacular view.
Our next destination, the famous Kek Lok Si temple. One of the nicest Chinese temple I’ve visited by far.
Kek Lok Si Temple
1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
visit site
Can see a person’s greed by looking at what wish they pick. I picked for all things we wish for. *thumbs up!*
The friends and our chinese zodiac. Damn, I really do look like a monkey.. zzz.
Kuan Yin Niang Niang bless us. The Goddess of Mercy standing tall at 99ft looks really magnificent.
Even though these stone statues are real cute, it feels out of place.
All you have to do is tell the cab driver to bring you to a famous Cendol (a traditional dessert originating from Southeast Asia) stall, and they will know where to bring you.
Time for some photowalk and hunt down the street arts, my main reason for visiting Penang.
This is most probably vandalism, but cute ain’t it?
The remains of artist, Ernest Zacharevic’s first solo exhibition in Penang “Art is Rubbish/Rubbish is Art” @ Hin Company Bus Depot. Too bad I didn’t make it in time for the works displayed within the gallery area. Some works can be viewed from this site.
That’s all folks! Till then.
1. Terima kasih – Thank you in Malay
2. Kpo – Busybody
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