Penang Books

I have been very busy for the last three weeks that I hardly have time left to write new posts here. However, I wrote several new pages on the heritage city web site and the Pickles and Spices site to promote new things.

For the heritage city web site, I did three book reviews. Books about Penang that I found really worthy to be read by a larger audience. Two of them were the results of Koh Tze Yin, who has also a publishing house.

The other is a book by Johny Chee, who incidentally also published his own book.

The three books are:
1. Penang Passion (a cook book complete with tales of Penang food) by Koh Tze Yin.
2. Nostalgic Penang Journal (a hardcover coffee table book which is perfect for a gift or your own private collection) also by Koh Tze Yin.
3. A Tapestry of Baba and Nyonya Poetry by Johny Chee.

The books are available for sale online.

Go and check them out.

Penang Passsion
Nostalgic Penang Journal
A Tapestry of Baba and Nyonya Poetry

Penang International Dragon Boat Race May 09

This event was much smaller than the one held last August. Nevertheless, the spirit of the participants was infectious. Teluk Bahang Dam once again played host. Against the spectacular scenery, paddlers huffed and puffed to push their boats to the finishing line. As usual, there are some winners and some losers. That is sportmanship for you.

I enjoyed watching the teams prepping up for their turn to compete. The spirit of teamwork and camaraderie was abundant. Dragon boat racing is a total team effort. Even the seemingly easy job of the drum beater had the purpose.

It is heartening to know also, Teluk Bahang dam only allows this sport to be held here. It is because dragon boat racing does not give much impact to the environment. After all, the water of the dam will go to our household pipe. This catchment area is also home to many fish and the forest surrounding the dam has many animals including the majestic eagles. We spotted a few huge ones yesterday patrolling their domain.

Read the full report
Read last year's full report

Youth Park in Penang

I just love Youth Park. It is one of my favorite places in Penang. It is cool, green, clean and beautiful. It is safe for children to run around and splash in the pools. It is great for youths to go and create a lot of noise as much as they want. The best thing is, it is free for all.



There are jogging path, football pitch and jungle trekking trail and manicured gardens, among others.

There is also an indoor gym and an outdoor one. A huge selection of playground toys too for children.

It is on the way to the Botanical garden, just after the Indian Waterfall temple. Oh yes, this is where I recorded the Silambam demonstration on video a few weeks back.

Let's go to Youth Park
See Silambam Demo

Chinese Dragon Boat in Penang

This competition is here again at Teluk Bahang Dam on 23-24 May 2009. The event that I attended last year was a blast. It was exciting and full of energy. Penang does have what it takes to hold an international sports event of that standard.



Everything was properly organized, there was enough space, enough public toilets, enough food and drinks. Transportation was also provided using RapidPenang bus, right up to the dam.

It was my first time visiting the compound of the dam. It was spectacular. You can bet I will not miss to attend the Chinese dragon boat racing this weekend.

Chinese Dragon Boat Racing in Penang
International Events in Penang

Tell us your Penang Stories

Every visitor who comes to Penang mostly will return home with memorable thoughts about their holiday. Or, the events that they came to attend.

Penang Heritage City web site would like you to submit your stories. Old or new. Happy or sad.

Childhood memories, or rave about the particular food stall that makes you drool whenever you think about it.

Here is the first submission. You may leave your comment or create your own stories. Pictures are welcome too. The more the merrier.

Thaipusam in Penang

Share us your stories about Penang

Penang Events

Walking tour from Stewart Lane to Muntri Street

I had several hours to kill yesterday. My daughter forgot her lunch box. So I went to the city center early and grabbed my camera too. After delivering the much appreciated food to her, I left and explored George Town, yet again, on foot.

Every time I walk the street, I enjoy it very much. Despite the beating afternoon heat, it has always been pleasant for me. I took many pictures of the shophouses, some are nicely refurbished, some are still in their original conditions but still decent looking. Also, I encountered some blocks which were in deplorable state with trees growing right into them.


I used Stewart Lane, starting from the Kuan Yin temple, and followed the lane, even between two blocks of shops which seemed to be haphazardly built, the alley being dubbed Boat Alley. It was a very dirty alley. Later, I chanced upon the old headquarters of the PHT. The touristy signboard was still there. The whole block seemed to be very quiet.

When I reached Muntri Street, I shot lots and lots of photos. I seldom come to this part of the city but here, I found a lot of hidden treasures. I took over a hundred photos at Muntri Street. Fantastic shop houses, and also houses, clan temples and association houses, even an old private Chinese school.

I ended my solitary tour when I reached Penang Road. Here the atmosphere took a busier tone. I crossed over to reach Transfer Road and came across another derelict row of shop houses. This time the whole block seemed to be invaded by the wild fig trees.

I wondered who the owners of these shophouses were. Would they continue to fall in ruins? Or would someone with enough funding will come and rescue them? Only time will tell.

Read about PHT.
Shop houses in Penang

Living Heritage Award

Our heritage can come in many forms, the tangible ones like the buildings and the traditional clothes or intangible ones like humans practicing dying arts. In order to honor outstanding individuals who are dedicated promoting their dying art, Penang Heritage Trust and HSBC bank create a special fund to award these people.

Read on about some of the recipients of this award here.