myPenang Heritage

Bo Lang Chai by Pusat KOMAS

2011-08-23T15:52:00.003+08:00

An almost forgotten history of Penang's Clan Jetties video entitled, "Bo Lang Chai" which in Hokkien dialect means "forgotten", literally it means "no one knows". It's a historical video about the tremendous hardship of the early Chinese migrant workers struggling to make decent living a century ago video a Chinese puppet show in Hokkien dialect.
It really brings home how poor Chinese people from China were, duped into working almost like slaves to build up Penang and promises of land by the then British government were never met until today 100 years on.

Bo Lang Chai (Forgotten) from Pusat KOMAS on Vimeo.

Heritage Hotels Penang

2011-05-01T20:23:00.000+08:00

There are many hotels in George Town offering affordable accommodations. Some are modern high-rise while others offer visitors a unique traditional or old Penang experience.

Hutton Lodge Experience unique colonial-style living in a restored guesthouse located in the heart of the George Town. At 17, Jalan Hutton, just off Penang Road, it is ideally located within walking distance of George Town's many tourist attractions.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, This Chinese house with Straits Settlement designs dates back to the 1880s and is a winner of the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award in 2000 for conservation. Compare rates for Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion here

Search and compare rates of other Hotels in Penang HERE

About Chowrasta Market

2010-03-19T14:44:00.001+08:00

Penang to get heritage experts to preserve Chowrasta Bazaar
By K. KASTURI DEWI - Friday March 19, 2010 ; The Star

THE state will engage heritage experts to carry out a study on how to preserve the heritage value of the more than century-old Chowrasta Bazaar in Penang Road.

Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik said the state was also holding talks with Think City Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Khazanah Holdings, and the Penang Municipal Council on methods to revive the building, which is having some structural problems.

“Plans to redevelop the bazaar this year could not be carried out due to insufficient funds. The council’s allocation of RM1mil is not enough and the state has to look at other options to raise the money.

“If options are made available for the re-development of the bazaar is feasible, then work on the project could start next year,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Plans to redevelop the building began in 2002 and there were proposals to relocate the traders at the bazaar to Jalan S.P. Chelliah.

However, the idea had been scrapped two years ago due to long-standing problems such as objections by the traders and insufficient budget.

Built in 1890 by George Town municipality, the front portion of the bazaar facing Penang Road was rebuilt in 1920.
Source: The Star

Penang Hill tram

2010-03-11T13:32:00.000+08:00

Latest News: Tram to Penang Hill to stop for 7 months

4WDs start plying Penang Hill 05-03-2010
Penang Hill’s funicular train to stop for 7 months 20Feb-2010

Chinese New Year in Penang

2010-02-01T10:50:00.000+08:00

HAPPY YEAR OF THE TIGER!!
The year of the tiger begins on 14 January 2010 and ends on 2nd February 2011.
Penang is a great place to spend the New Year and enjoy great Chinese / Nyonya food.
Checkout some great New Year recipes and what to do this new year:

Enjoy some great New Year cookies during this period. Some great New Year recipes to try at ...... http://food.mymalaysiabooks.com/ - kueh kapit kuih, ribbon cookies, kueh bahulu, etc.
Where to eat in Penang at: myPenang
Where to go in Penang, Malaysia or at myPenang
Where to stay in Malaysia

What's in store for the Year of the Tiger:

The Year 2010 is the Year of the Metal Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011. In Chinese feng shui, Metal is the destroyer of wood and so they are on the destructive cycle and have conflict relationship. It means that the year 2010 may not be peaceful and more international conflicts are expected. .................

..... more at Chinese Celebrations HERE

Preparing for Chinese New Year

2010-01-21T09:42:00.000+08:00

If you are looking for some typical hone-made Chinese New Year Cookie Recipes, check out at http://food.mymalaysiabooks.com.

Kueh Kapit / Kuih Kapit or Love Letters

Kuah Bangkit / Kuih Bangkit

Kuih Bunga /Kuih Bunga

Ribbon Biscuits - Ribbon Cookies

About Penang in myPenang.my

2009-11-04T17:16:00.000+08:00

Check out this new website (still new) on Penang .. a collection of local knowledge on Penang, such as, history of Penang, where to go, where to eat.....

Where to eat Char Koay Teow / Char Kway Teow

-- 82, Lorong Selamat and Other coffee shop along Lorong Selamat, George Town
-- Ah Leng Char Koay Teow, Jalan Datuk Keramat, opposite former Federal Theater , George Town
Ping Hooi coffee shop, Lebuh Carnavon and Lebuh Melayu junction, George Town
BB restaurant, opposite Hawker centre, (Sunshine Square area), Persiaran Mayangpasir 2, Bayan Baru
....more at http://www.mypenang.my/

Month of September and October 2009

2009-09-17T11:00:00.000+08:00

The Month of September is a month of celebrations and festivals in Penang

3rd September - Hungry Gost Festival

The festival, which started on Aug 20 and ends this Friday, is celebrated by Chinese the world over. In Malaysia, the Chinese, notably those from the Hokkien community, celebrate this festival in a big way. The 14th day of the seventh lunar month (which this year fell on Sept 2) is especially important as it is widely believed that the gates of hell are opened and the dead are allowed to roam the earth on this day......read more at the star : Hell-bent on pleasing the dead

(more about other Chinese Festivals and Celebrations)

20-21 September - Hari Raya Adilfitri

This is the first day of the month following Ramadan (a month of fasting and abstinence for Muslims). The celebration begins after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan when Muslims break their daily fast. If the crescent appears, the next day is declared Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

17 October - Deepavali

Deepavali (or Diwali) is the Festival of Lights which celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu calendar (usually October or November). Hindus adorn their homes with dozens of lights or oil lamps, called vikku, to signify the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It is celebrated as the day the evil Narakasura was slain by Lord Krishna.

more about Religious Observations in Malaysia HERE

Make coexistence our guiding light

2009-09-01T12:41:00.000+08:00

Make coexistence our guiding light - Tuesday September 1, 2009; The Star

THE controversy over relocation of a temple in Shah Alam shows how racial tolerance may have deteriorated since colonial days and how far apart Malaysians have become.

Those who are ever-so-fiercely territorial about their religious space should learn from our forefathers and take a walk around Jalan Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Cannon and Lebuh Armenian area in the heart of George Town.

Jalan Kapitan Keling, which is often referred to by tourists as “Street of Harmony”, is a very good example of religious tolerance and harmony.

Here we have three 19th century places of worship located within 200m of each other – the Masjid Kapitan Keling, the Goddess of Mercy Temple and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Malaysia. Along Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Cannon we have the Acheen Street Mosque, flanked by the Yap Kongsi temple and the Khoo Kongsi.

To the people of George Town these places are their pride and their show of religious tolerance is to be greatly admired and applauded.

The coexistence of these religious places of worship, and acceptance and tolerance of the generations of people who have worshipped there since the 19th century, should be the guiding light to Malaysians today.

MY MALAYSIA, George Town.

Heritage Hotels in Penang

2009-08-27T10:22:00.000+08:00

There are many hotels in George Town offering affordable accommodations. Some are modern high-rise while others offer visitors a unique traditional or old Penang experience.

Search and copare rates of George Town hotels - Hotels in George Town
Hutton Lodge Experience unique colonial-style living in a restored guesthouse located in the heart of the George Town. At 17, Jalan Hutton, just off Penang Road, it is ideally located within walking distance of George Town's many tourist attractions. Check rates at Budget Hostel and Budget Accommodation page
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, 3* This Chinese house with Straits Settlement designs dates back to the 1880s and is a winner of the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award in 2000 for conservation. >> Compare rates for Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion here
Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O), 5* Fondly known as E&O, this grand hotel has a seafront location in the city. The brainchild of the Armenian Sarkies brothers, who were also associated with the Singapore Raffles Hotel, this historic hotel with a colonial flavour dates back to 1885. - Free search and rates comparison HERE

Penang Hill.

2009-08-18T10:41:00.000+08:00

Penang Hill is one of the oldest highland resort in Malaysia. At about 830 meters above sea-level, this is the highest point on the island. This first hill station was established in 1800s. Most visitors can hike up or travel by a funicular railway cars which started in 1922.

You can hike up along tracks that start at the ‘Moongate’. There is also a jeep trek near the Botanical Garden.

Heritage boon for state

2009-07-28T12:16:00.000+08:00

Tuesday July 28, 2009 - The Star Publications

Heritage boon for state
MORE tourists are visiting Penang after the listing of George Town as a World Heritage Site in July last year, said state Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang.
He said 6.3 million tourists visited the state last year compared with 5.2 million in 2007.
“The increase in tourist arrivals is encouraging. We hope the figure will touch 10 million tourists annually during the Visit Penang Year 2010-2012,” he said when launching the Art, Craft and Food Fair (ACFF) at Dewan Sri Pinang on Saturday..... more HERE

Learn about:

Where to eat Penang Chee Cheong Fun

2009-06-23T19:55:00.000+08:00

Chee Cheong Fun - Broad flat rice noodles served with a sweet sauce

Kedai Kopi Genting, Island Glades, Lorong Delima 6, off Jalan Yap Choy Yee, morning till late afternoon

Stall at New Lane (Lorong Baru), near Wisma Central, from 6:30pm

Stall along Lorong Swatow

Stall at Lorong Macalister, morning

Seow Fong Lye Café in Macalister Lane, off Burmah Road.

Beating the Wonder Trail - The Star

2009-05-19T13:19:00.000+08:00

By CHRISTINA CHINPhotos by RONNIE CHIN

PENANG Island’s beautiful coastline stretching all the way from Batu Maung, Pantai Jerejak and Bayan Bayan Lepas to the clan jetties, Esplanade and Gurney Drive in George Town and Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bunga, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang can be developed to become the latest tourism attraction for Penang.
Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin, who said this shoreline was currently under-utilised, has proposed the creation of the Great Penang Trail.

.....more on Penang

Chinese Clan Houses in Penang

2009-04-08T10:04:00.000+08:00

Visitors to Penang should visit the many clan houses in George Town, such as the Khoo kongsi, Ooi Kongsi, Lim Kongsi, Cheah Kongsi, Tan Kongsi, Yap Kongsi, etc. Some of the clan houses display the histroy of the clan in Malaysia.

Penang Noodle Dishes

2009-02-11T20:54:00.000+08:00

Rich in cultural heritage, Penang, Travellers to Penang must check ut some of the heritage noodle dishes of Penang

Penang Hokkien Mee - Yellow noodles served with prawn and pork soup, garnished with egg and prawns - a specialty of the Hokkiens of Penang.

Penang Laksa - Rice noodles in spice, sour fish flake light gravy. This noodle dish popular in Penang and the northern part of West Malaysia.

Year of the Ox - 2009

2009-01-13T20:26:00.000+08:00

2009 is the year of the Ox which is also known by its formal name of Yi Chou. 己丑 . The Ox belongs to the earth element and is the second of the 12 animal signs.

In the Hsia calendar, is symbolized by two elements – with earth sitting on top of earth. The Chinese calendar year goes on 60-year cycle. 2009 is the 10-th year in the current 60-year Cycle.

2009 is Year 4706 in the Chinese calendar.

Moon Cake Biscuits for Mid Autumn Festival

2008-09-01T18:17:00.000+08:00

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon/ mooncake Festival, dates back over 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty. The Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, in the Chinese calendar (usually around mid- or late-September). This year it falls on 14 September 2008.
Mooncakes are cakes or pastry-like tarts traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Moon cake biscuits, flatter than the mooncake, are also commonly made of the same pastry crust and are are shaped into figurines or animals. These biscuits may or may not contain any fillings

Plain Mooncake Biscuits
Ingredients
Golden syrup:

1.2kg sugar
1 litre water
1 lime, squeeze out juice
1 tbsp maltose

Mooncake biscuit dough:

300g superfine flour, sifted
200g golden syrup
1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
¾ tbsp alkaline water
50g corn oil Egg glaze – (combined)
1 egg yolk
1 tsp water
Pinch of salt
A little thick soy sauce (for colour)

Method.... all in myHome Recipe ->>> Chinese Cakes and Cookies

Read about the Mid Autumn Festival at myMalaysiabooks ->> Chinese Celebrations

Latest on Penang Government and Election

2008-08-17T13:15:00.000+08:00

The talk of the town in Penang this month is the by-election in Penang (...not the world heritage listing of George Town). ....latest news:
PKR website collects over RM11,500 (The Star Publications 17 Aug 2007)
GEORGE TOWN: PKR has collected US$3,500 (RM11,550) from the party’s official Permatang Pauh by-election website for their campaign. Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin, who is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, said they were touched by the response.
Get links to new Permatang Pauh website and blogs at My Malaysia News

Traditional biscuits of Penang

2008-08-17T13:07:00.000+08:00

The most popular traditional biscuit of Penang is Tambun biscuits or Tau Sar Pneah. Many locals and foreign tourists (esp. Singaporeans) buy this biscuits and gifts to take home. The popular shops to buy are at:

1) Ghee Hiang, No 95, Lebuh Pantai ; and 216 Jalan Macalister , George Town, Penang;
website: http://www.ghee-hiang.com/home.html
2) Him Heang Sdn. Bhd., 162-A Jalan Burma, George Town, Pulau Pinang.

...more about local Penang Food here

Food Heritage Penang

2008-08-12T15:30:00.000+08:00

Local food in Penang is a potpourri of flavours and selection - not to be missed. It is the history of migration and cultural assimilation has resulted in the many diverse cuisines and cooking style we see in Penang today. Travellers to George Town (World Heritage site) should not miss out on the opportunity to savour the variety of food here. Here's some of What To Eat in Penang:

Noodle dishes - Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Teow, Chee Cheong Fun, Curry Mee, Mee Rebus, Jawa Mee, Penang Laksa, Sar Hor Fun, etc.

Rice Dishes - Nasi Kandar, Nyonya Cuisine, Nasi Tomato, etc.

Nyonya Kueh - kueh koci, pulut panggang, pulut inti, kueh kodok, mee koo etc

Great desserts - Ais Kacang, Cendol, Bubur Cha Cha (photo), etc.

Check out some of these recipies HERE or ay myFood domain

GEORGE TOWN, Penang in UNESCO’s World Heritage List

2008-07-08T13:43:00.000+08:00

Eight new sites, from the Straits of Malacca, to Papua New Guinea and San Marino, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List - Monday, July 7, 2008
The World Heritage Committee meeting in Quebec City has added eight new cultural sites to UNESCO’s World Heritage List on the morning of the 7 of July. With these inscriptions, Papua New Guinea and San Marino enter the World Heritage List for the first time.
The new sites (in Malaysia) inscribed are:
Melaka and George Town, historic cities of the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia) have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. With its government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications, Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century. The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

(source: from: http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/450/)

Malaysian Artists for Unity

2008-06-07T14:21:00.000+08:00

Guan Eng sworn in as CM

2008-03-13T20:34:00.001+08:00

PENANG: DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng took his oath as Penang’s fourth Chief Minister. The swearing-in-ceremony was held before Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at his official residence Seri Mutiara here at 10.08am yesterday.
The black suit affair was attended by the 29 new assemblymen from DAP, PKR and PAS.
Guan Eng’s predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon also witnessed the ceremony.
Also present were PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Guan Eng’s father and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang as well as DAP and PKR Members of Parliament.
..................source the Star Online (Wednesday March 12, 2008)

More on Penang and Malaysia 2008 election results at www.mymalaysiabooks.com

Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods

2007-10-15T19:32:00.000+08:00

The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods is a 9-days long Taoist celebration that fall on the 9th month of the Lunar Calendar (currently Oct2007 is the celebration). It is celebrated mainly by devotees of the Jiu Wang Yeh sect. The 9 deities are believed to dwell in the stars and heaven.

In Malaysia, especially in Penang, you will find a hive of activities at many Chinese Temples.

The festival starts with the 9 deities being received by temples and devotees. During this festival, the deities are entertained with traditional opera. Roads leading to these temples are sometimes closed. Devotees observe a strict 9-days vegetarian diet. Stalls selling vegetarian food are lined with yellow coloured banner. The festival ends on the ninth day where the Gods (represented by mediums) escorted to the sea or river.
....more photos on Chinese celebrations at www.mymalaysiabooks.com

Ramadan

2007-09-19T11:28:00.000+08:00

Ramadan began on the 13th of September 2007, a month of fasting for Muslims. The best time to enjoy the cultural food heritage of Malaysia in Penang is during the month of September and October. Food stalls are everywhere for you to sample Malaysian food at Ramadan.

2007-07-08T21:04:00.000+08:00

What's in Penang this July
World Music Festival 2007 – Penang (20 to 22 July 2007) - World-renowned musicians from Malaysia as well overseas will converge in harmonic fusion in Penang this July. .....more at Penang, Malaysia at myMalaysiabooks

What's happening in June 2007

2007-05-26T02:16:00.000+08:00

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival
8 June 2007- 10 June 2007.

Venue: Penang, Malaysia

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 16 June 2007 - 2 September 2007 Amazing discount and special offers during Malaysia's biggest sales carnival!.

...what to buy

Prewar houses in George Town

2006-10-13T11:11:00.000+08:00

Pre-war houses/ buildings / shophouses - buildings built before the second world war. Refers to mainly buildings built in the 19th century and early 20th century. Many of these houses in the heart of George Town are use for commercial purposes (called shophouses)
.....more photos at heritage sites at mymalaysiabooks

Other heritage sites of Malaysia

2006-09-01T19:15:00.000+08:00

Check out other heritages in Malaysia ........ here

Past and present

2006-04-13T15:54:00.000+08:00

Approaching George Town at the cape, one sees SwettenhamPier with the backdrop of the city and the hills of Penang. Imagine this dramatic backdrop of the early days when there were hardly any buildings.

Nyonya or Peranakan Cuisine

2006-02-13T17:25:00.000+08:00

Penang's food heritage
Nonya Cuisine is a blend of Chinese and Malay cooking styles, that originates from the Peranakans or Baba & Nyonya (Nonya) of Malaysia and Singapore. Nonya food from Penang, Melaka (Malacca) and Singapore differ somewhat in tastes due to other influences. Penang - influenced by Thai cooking, Melaka by the European and Malay styles.
Check out these local recipes here.

(Note: Baba and Nyonya: early Chinese migrants who came to the Malay peninsular from the 19th century & assimilated many cultural practices of the Malays into their Chinese culture - details in myPenang travel guide).

Cultural Festivals and Celebrations

2006-01-03T10:12:00.000+08:00

Learn more about the cultural heritage of Malaysia at myMalaysiabooks

>> Cultural festivities in Malaysia
>> Learn the Malay language at our English-Malay language page
>> What's on the Malaysia 2006 calendar

Heritage food of Penang

2005-12-04T14:44:00.000+08:00

Penang is always the choice destination for a food adventure.
The heritage food of Penang is a result of the history of migration and assimilation of cultures.
You will find a wide array of delicious food - from street snacks at roadside stalls to specialty cuisines.
>> Penang hawker (street) food
>> Nyonya cuisine (Peranakan or Nonya food)
>> Traditional Malaysian recipes

Penang heritage sites

2005-10-25T20:45:00.000+08:00

myMalaysiabooks brings you some of Penang's heritage sites and links to other heritage information at myheritage .....

Map of George Town

2005-08-02T16:27:00.000+08:00

If you are looking for a map of George Town, a free shuttle bus map is available at mymalayiabooks at myMalaysia Maps.
More about penang here....

Heritage buildings in Penang

2005-07-29T15:07:00.000+08:00

Penang has the largest cluster of pre-war buildings in South-East Asia. Her illustrious history of Asian migration and colonial influences has left behind some unique architecture which is still seen in George Town.
Check out some of the Heritage sites of Penang at mymalaysiabooks – myHeritage
Have you got some comments on some of Penang heritage sites? Please share with us your views on them.

Chinese Clan Houses / Kongsi Houses – Kongsi houses were built by the Chinese who migrated to Malaya during the 19th and 20th century. If you explore the streets of George Town, you will find many beautiful clan houses, such as the Khoo Kongsi (photo), Yap Kongsi, Cheah Kongsi, Tan Kongsi and Lim Kongsi. Learn about what clan houses mean at mymalaysiabooks. Have you visited them?

Fort Conwallis – this is said to be the landing site of Capitan Francis Light (of the East India Company) in 1786, when he took over the island. The fort is located at the tip of the cape in George Town. Originally a wooden stockade, it was rebuilt in 1804 by convict prisoners.

Pre-war houses – these houses were built in many towns in Malaysia during the 19th and early 20th century, used as commercial premises as well residences. George Town has the largest cluster of pre-war houses in South-East Asia. What do you think of theses houses in Penang?

myPenang

2005-07-29T15:04:00.000+08:00

About Penang, Malaysia
The state of Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, comprises an island (Penang island) and a stretch of land on the west coast on the Malaysian Peninsular (Seberang Perai). Penang island is often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient and is a melting pot of many cultures. The illustrious history of the region spills into its streets and is reflected in the architecture and lifestyles of Penang.
George Town the administrative centre is a cosmopolitan city with a mix of old and new. Move around the city to see the many cultural and heritage sites - Chinese clan houses, colonial buildings, old temples, mosques and the many pre-war houses.
The best of Penang is her street food (Penang hawker food), from rice dishes to noodles and snacks. Typical local hawker food are: hokkien mee, laksa, char kueh teow, lobak or otak-otak, etc. Sample her rich variety of cuisines - Malay, Chinese or Indian, and don't leave Penang without tasting the unique local Nyonya Cuisine (Nonya / Peranakan Cuisine).
Penang also offer you diverse shopping - from open-air markets to shopping complexes. There are also ample parks and beautiful beaches on Penang island.
Travel to and around Penang like a local and get to know more about Penang from the travel guide myPenang. To know more about Malaysia go to www.mymalaysiabooks.com. The site shares with you with tips on how to travel to Malaysia and move around with ease.

Share with us and the world about Penang. What do you find interesting and what could be better.
As Malaysians, we welcome you and would like you to enjoy your stay always!