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Acheen Street Mosque, Lebuh Acheh
It is also known as Masjid Melayu. built on land donated
by Syed Sheriff Tengku Hussain Aidid who came from Acheh
in Sumatera. The 1820 mosque features a small window
halfway up the minaret which is said to have originally
been a hole mAde by a cannonball fired during the 1867
triAd riots.
Balik
Pulau
The hills of Balik Pulau abound with clove and nutmeg
trees bears fruit in
November to January and July. Do savour the durian, a
seasonal luscious fruit which is the king of fruits. Bao
Sheng Durian Plantation, a place where one can savour the
king of fruits in the natural atmosphere of the
woodlands. Various durian textures and flavours ranging
from smooth and fragrant to husky and bitter-sweet.
Batu Maung Fishing Village
A small fishing village at the south-eastern tip of the
island. Owes its fame to a beach-front shrine dedicated
to Admiral Cheng Ho, the famous Chinese Admiral who
featured prominently in the history of the Malacca
sultanate. The huge footprint in the vicinity of the
shrine is said to be that of the Admiral.
Botanical Gardens, Jalan Kebun Bunga
Offers peace and tranquility amidst green surroundings,
tropical plants and vibrant colours of Penang flora. This
30-ha garden also features a waterfall. Created in 1884
by the British, it was meant to be a tribute to Charles
Curtis, its first superintendent who collected botanical
specimens from the surrounding hills — specimens
which have since become significant samples in the
world's major herbariums. The garden is well-known for
its bold Rhesus monkeys. The garden is also a favourite
spot for jogging and picnics.
Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden
and Reptile House
Located along Persiaran Bukit Jambul close to Hotel
Equatorial;a leisurely 5-minute drive away from the
Penang International Airport.
Butterfly Farm, Teluk Bahang
Open to public on March 29, 1986 is the first tropical
butterfly farm in the world. It spans 0.8ha. and houses
4,000 live butterflies of 120 different species. The
place is also an insect museum and scorpion pit. The farm
is a home to tropical insects, anthropods, tarantulas and
spiders, water dragon, jungle lizards, frogs, giant
millipedes. Lush landscaped gardens, a lily pond,
artificial waterfalls, a rock garden, tunnel and a
bubbling mud pool are among other attractions here.
Within the farm are a garden enclosure, breeding area,
laboratory, souvenir shops and information centre.
Cheah
Kongsi, Armenian Street
A splendid double-storey Chinese Temple with an open
balcony and sweeping roof, decorated with British
lionheAds, standing on the edge of a small but well-kept
lawn. Straight aheAd is the association office building,
with a charming heritage interior.
Clock Tower, Pesara King Edward, Light
Street
Towering
60 feet high, the clock tower was presented to Penang by
local
millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the
Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
China Town
China Town on the island stretches from Weld Quay to
Lebuh Stewart, Lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh
King. Pre-war and heritage buildings line the streets.
Clanhouses, shophouses and temples are abundant which
reflect the rich heritage of early Chinese immigrant
settlers who came here in 1800s.
City Hall,
EsplanAde
Built in 1880s, this stately colonial building is a fine
example of British pallAdian architecture featuring
magnificent Corinthian columns and huge windows. The
Council Chamber, where the Municipal Councilors regularly
convene,is located on the ground floor. The small
monument on the EsplanAde is the Cenotaph, a memorial to
the victims of World War I.
Court Buildings
The court buildings today house the High Courts. Logan's
Monument is located in the
grounds.The dedication proclaims Logan, who died in 1869,
as ''an erudite and skillful
lawyer, an eminent scientific enthologist'' who hAd
''founded literature for the
settlements''.
Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Lorong
Burma
A pair of elephants guard the entrance to this Burmese
temple. Within the pagoda grounds are a Bodhi tree and a
wishing pond. This is the site of many festivities during
the water festival in April.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen's
Penang Base, Lebuh Armenian
The base was a shophouse located at no 120 Lebuh
Armenian. First owner was a Straits Chinese named Cheah
Joo Seang, a trustee of the Cheah Kongsi. The shophouse
has kept its historic interior with carved screens and
air wells. From 1909—1911, it was the base of Dr Sun
Yat Sen, leAder of the historic Chinese Revolution, and
the heAdquarters of the Southeast Asian branch of the
Tung Meng Hooi. The local Chinese of that time supported
Dr Sun Yat Sen in the great movement against the Manchu
government and the foreign imperialists in China. In
1911, China became the first republic in Asia and Dr Sun
Yat Sen became its first provisional president.
Forestry
Museum, Teluk Bahang
Located within 100-ha Forest Recreation Park, the museum
was built using various species of wood and other forest
produce and houses a collection of forest produce from
all over the country. The park features foot paths, and
flowing streams and is home to countless species of
flowering plants, ferns, insects, birds, butterflies,
snakes and lizards.
Fort Cornwallis, Lebuh Light
The fort is built on the site of Francis Light's historic
landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockAde, it was
replaced by a concrete structure built by convict labour
in 1804. Today, it houses an open air amphitheatre, a
history gallery,a handicraft and souvenir centre. The
famous Dutch cannon presented to the Sultan of Johor by
the Dutch found its way to Penang after being looted by
the Portugese. "Seri Rembau," the main cannon
which dates back to 1613 is believed to have mystical
powers to grant infertile women to conceive if flowers
and prayers are offered.
Goddess of Mercy temple, Jalan Kapitan
Keling
One of the oldest chinese temples in Penang. "Kuan
Yin Teng" or Goddess of Mercy temple was built in
1800 by early immigrant from China. Decorated with
intricately crafted dragons and stone sculptured lions
believed to be its guardians. Temple is flocked by
pilgrims and followers all year round especially during
the three anniversaries of Kuan Yin which are the 19th
day of the second, sixth and ninth lunar month. Chinese
opera or puppet theatre is performed in the granite-paved
forecourt on the Goddess's feast days.
Little
India
Area bordered by Chulia Street, Jalan Masjid Kapitan
Keling, Bishop Street, and Beach Street. Many South
Indian stores and Indian Muslim shops sell food, sarees,
garlands, trinkets, sculptures or Indian music.
Kampung Seronok, Bayan Lepas
Name originated from a suggestion by an English engineer,
D.W.Grehan who hAd shared in the joy and merrymaking of
the kampung folk in the days shortly before the Japanese
surrender. Unique because the village is open to visitors
who are free to observe and participate in the various
cultural activities, trAditional games, and rural
economic pursuits of the people, which showcases the
intrinsic values of trAditional village life.
Kapitan
Keling Mosque
Believed to occupy the site of the first mosque in the
island, and is the largest historic mosque in town
founded before 1800. Named after an Indian Muslim
merchant, the ''Kapitan Keling'' (heAdman) Caudeer
Mohudeen built it in early 19th century. It features an
ocher yellow facAde and dome-shaped minaret reflecting
Moorish Islamic influence.
Originally a rectangular building with verandahs and a
hipped roof, the mosque has been expanded several times.
British architects commissioned by the Muslim and Hindu
Endowments Board gave the mosque its British Moghul
Revival appearance in 1916.
Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam
One of the finest Buddhist temples in South-east
Asia. Stands majestically on a hill in Air Itam, this
temple built in tiers culminates the beautifully crafted
''Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas''. It took more than 20
years to build which features gardens, a turtle pond,
shrines and beautiful sculptures. There are many souvenir
shops leAding up to the temple which offers good buys.
And as for food lovers,famous hawker food are lined up
near the Air Itam market.
Khoo Kongsi, Lebuh Cannon
A gloriously ornate late Ch'ng dynasty temple built
around 1905 by forefathers of the Khoo family who
emigrated from South China. The Khoo Kongsi is a clan
association of the Leong San Tong (Dragon Mountain hall)
clan, whose forefathers came from Sin Kang clan village
in Hokkien province. Built as a clan-house for people
with the same surname. Burnt down in 1894 and some
believed it was because of its resemblance to the
Emperor's palace.
A reduced version was later built in
1902 which features a magnificent hall embellished with
intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams fo finest
wood bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China.
There are displays of excellent paintings and sculptures
by experts from China.
On the crescent of the roof are
fantastic carvings of dragons, phoenixes, animals and
scenes from Chinese legends which seem to glow in the
tropical sunlight.
The Khoos were among the the wealthy
Straits Chinese trAders of 17th century Malacca and early
Penang. In the 19th century, the clan complex resembled a
miniature clan village, with its own self-government as
well as educational, financial, welfare and social
organisations. The clan temple was built when the Khoo
clan was at the height of wealth and eminence in Penang
society.
Komtar,
Penang RoAd
Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) is a prominent Penang
landmark, which houses all the government departments in
the state, commercial offices, department stores, shops
and restaurants, theatres, a geodesic dome which serves
as a multi-purpose hall and a helicopter pAd at the top.
The 55th floor of the 65-storey complex offers a
panoramic view of the city and on clear days, also of
Gunung Jerai in Kedah.
Nagore Shrine, Lebuh King
Constructed in early 1880s, a memorial to Caliph Syed
Shahul Hamid. Faithful devotees may be seen visiting the
shrine to seek favours on Thursdays.
Nattukhotai Temple, Jalan Air Terjun
The temple is dedicated to the deity Bala Subramaniam and
features prominently during the annual Thaipusam festival
when thousands of devotees throng its premises for the
various rites and ceremonies.
Penang
Bridge
Reputed to be the longest in Asia and third longest in
the world, it took three and a half years to complete.
Stretching 13.5 km from Seberang Prai on the mainland to
Gelugor on the island, this architectural wonder was
officially opened in September 1988, offering beautiful
view of the open sea, ships and the sprawling coastline.
Pinang
Cultural Centre
Operates 3 cultural tours daily (except Fridays) from
9.30am—5pm. Tour lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. In each
guided tour, visitors get to see a demonstration of
trAditional welcoming ceremony, Malay martial arts,
trAditional games, handicraft making, a longhouse, an
exhibition on heritage, and a 45 minute cultural show
featuring cultural dances from all over Malaysia.
P.
Ramlee's House
Situated along Jalan P.Ramlee (formerly Caunterhall
RoAd), this newly restored wooden house commemorates the
late P. Ramlee, Malaysia's foremost entertainer. Built
originally in 1926 by his father and uncle, the house hAd
previously undergone succesive repairs before being taken
over by the National Archives as an extension of its
P.Ramlee Memorial project in Kuala Lumpur. The displays
inside and outside the house features the main living
areas and also the life history of the late singer,
actor, composer, and director. Various artifacts include
his personal memorabilia related to his life in Penang,
and items belonging to his family.
Penang Bird Park, Seberang Jaya
Spans 5 acres and houses a fine collection of
some 800 birds from all over the world. Beautifully
landscaped and features a walk-in aviary, pond with ducks
and swans abound with water lillies, Japanese carps and
ornamental plants. Oficially opened by the Prime Minister
on Nov 26 1988. Also has a vast collection of orchids,
hibiscus, and palm trees. The park includes a children
playground and little 'pondok' shelters.
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)
Malaysia's first hill station. 830meters (2730ft) above
sea level. Visitors can ascend to the top by either
hiking up or by the funicular railway which has been
operational since 1922. Cool, refreshing climate,
fantastic view at the summit. From the hilltop you can
view the picturesque bungalows, a beautiful flower garden
and a bird park. For holiday goers, there are bungalows
for rent and a hotel for those who stay more than one
day. A tea kiosk located at the hilltop offers snacks and
refreshments. Tracking up the hilltop takes 4 hours. The
jungle trail begins at the ''moongate'' at Jalan Air
Terjun, about 300m from the Botanic Gardens entrance.
Rooftop Water Theme park
Located at One-stop Midlands Park in the heart of Pulau
Tikus, Adventure Island offers fantastic wet, splashing
fun time with slides and wave pool. This incredible
Anti-Twister and Torpedo Slide are for the brave and
bold. Twisting and turning like a tornAdo, the
anti-twister sends one into a spinning frenzy while the
tornAdo hurls one into the main pool.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Lebuh Queen
Oldest Hindu temple in town dates back to 1833. It has a
magnificently sculptured entrance which features
fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses at the main
entrance and on the facAde. Housed within its ornately
decorated interior is the priceless statue of "Lord
Subramaniam" who was embellished in gold, silver,
diamonds, and emeralds. The statue figures is a prominent
display during the annual Thaipusam festival when it is
borne on a silver chariot through the city streets to the
temple at Jalan Waterfall.
State Assembly
Buildings
Situated along lebuh light, this handsome ensemble of
buildings with Greek porticos dates back to the mid 19th
century and was formerly served as Police Courts.
State
Mosque, Jalan
Masjid Negri
Features elegant modern architecture which took four
years to complete. The mosque can accommodate 5,000
worshippers for congregational prayers which is packed on
Fridays.
State Art Gallery,
Dewan Sri Pinang
Displays works of local artists and is the venue for
special exhibitions.
State
Museum, Lebuh
Farquahar
The museum only occupies half a building, as the eastern
half was destroyed in World War II bombing. The statue of
Francis Light which stands in front of the Museum was
modelled after a portrait of his son, William Light,
founder of Adelaide.
St. George's Church, Lebuh Farquahar
Built by convicts in 1818; one of the oldest landmarks in
the city. The entrance to this stately Anglican Church
was named after the patron Saint of England. It features
a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light. The
edifice was designed by Captain Robert Smith, a military
engineer whose oil paintings of early Penang are
displayed in the Museum. This is the oldest Anglican
church in the country, modelled after a large church in
MAdras.
Syed Alatas
Mansion, Lebuh Armenian
The mansion was recently restored in a government-funded
pilot demonstration project. Before restoration, the
bungalow was occupied by Indian Chettiar scrap dealers
and was used as a collection yard. Syed Mohd Alatas was a
wealthy Achehnese merchant of Arab descent who trAded
between Penang and Acheh. After the Dutch laid seige on
Acheh in the early 1870s, he was instrumental in
smuggling arms to the Achehnese resistance. Syed Alatas
resided here with his first wife, a Malay of royal
descent. His second wife was a daughter of Khoo Tiang
Poh, a leAding Straits Chinese pepper merchant, shipping
tycoon and a leAder of the Khoo clan.
Snake
Temple
Dedicated to deity Chor Soo Kong, the temple is located
3.2km from Penang International Airport. A sanctuary for
pit-vipers said to be the servants to the deity. These
poisonous snakes seen coiled round the pillars, beams and
potted plants within the temple are believed to be
rendered harmless by the smoke of the burning incense.
Universiti
Sains Malaysia's (USM) Museum
and Art Gallery, Minden
The museum houses a collection of artifacts on Malay and
Nyonya cultures, textiles, prints, a trAditional
jewellery, and daggers(keris). One section is devoted to
the performing arts. The art gallery has a fine
collection of paintings.
Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, Lorong Burma
Buddhist temple of Thai architecture houses a 33 meter
gold-plated reclining Buddha. It was said to be one of
the longest in the world and behind the statue house were
urns containing ashes of devotees. Outside the temple are
brightly painted Naga serpents along the walkway to the
temple.
Yap Kongsi Temple, Lebuh Armenian
Situated near Tua Pek Kong Temple which was dedicated to
the Chinese God Of Prosperity. The temple was formerly
the base of the Straits Chinese secret society called the
Tua Pek Kong Society.
Youth
Park,
Persiaran Quarry
Skating ring, playground for children, small pool,
archery, football field, foot reflexology walkway. A
great place for recreation and family outings.
Source from http://penang.thestar.com.my |