Ah, Penang. Most of the time, we are so focused on getting from one destination to another (mostly from one char kuey teow place to our favourite nasi kandar spot) that we forget to take a moment to enjoy the magnificent sights of this wonderful city.
Did you know? Georgetown, Penang’s capital city, was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7th July 2008. The award was presented for Penang’s well-preserved colonial architecture and rich diverse cultural scenes.
If you’re looking for unique ways to explore the city, in addition to visiting the usual family-favourites, try taking a heritage walk through Penang, using the following suggested routes! Route A covers the colonial buildings scene and Route B covers the cultural side of the city. Both routes are approximately 2km each. I have included a brief history on some of the points of interest and to get the little ones involved, there are trivia questions on some of the spots. You can pick one route or combine both.
Tip: Try to cover these routes in the morning and keep a look out for delicious food and the famous street art as you walk along!
Route A – Colonial Architecture Scene
Click on the map to be directed to Google Map.Places of interest on this route:
(A) India House,Gat Lebuh Gereja
A double-storey building that was used for business during the British occupancy, which houses local businesses today. The inspiration for its design was derived from Indian art deco-style and construction was completed in 1941.
Trivia Time! Ask the Kids:
Q: What animal can be seen on this building?
A: You can spot the head of an elephant!
(B) Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Lebuh Light
Built by a local millionaire to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. The tower is 60 feet tall (and there is a good reason for it!).
Trivia Time! Ask the Kids:
Q: The tower is 60 feet tall. Why?
A: It represents 1 foot for each year of the Queen’s reign.
(C) Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah
This is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and was built by the British East India Company during the 18th century. The fort’s purpose was to protect Penang and Kedah from attacks by pirates. There is a lighthouse with white steel framework at the fort’s exterior, which was used to signal incoming mail ships.
You can explore the inside of the fort to have a closer look at its remains, which date back 200 years. There is also a bronze statue of Sir Francis Light inside the fort. Do note that an entrance fee required to enter the fort.
Trivia Time! Ask the Kids:
Q: The fort was named after the Lieutenant General who presided during the construction. What was his name?
A: Cornwallis.
(D) Hollanderkannoe- Seri Rambai, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah
Just a few steps ahead from the lighthouse and you will see a row of cannons built for warfare. During the fort’s operation however, these cannons were never engaged in combat and were mostly used for administrative work.
Trivia Time! Ask the Kids:
Q: How many canons can you see?
A: Four.
(E) Esplanade SeaWall Heritage Walk/The Cenotaph War Memorial, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah
The lower terrace of the recently built walkway was designed to showcase a section of the heritage seawall, dating back to 1807. It’s a lovely stretch to take in the sea views and the lovely breeze.
At the end of this walk, you will see a war memorial monument erected to honour the soldiers and sailors that lost their lives during World War I at that very area. There is also a smaller monument, built by the Penang Veterans Association, to honour the local men who lost their lives during World War II.
(F) Penang City Hall/Town Hall, Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Completed in 1903, the Penang City Hall was one of the first buildings to be completely fitted with electric fans and lights. It was used as office space and the Town Hall was used for social gatherings of the European elites. This an excellent photo-spot, with the magnificent building as a background.
(G) Logan Memorial
Built in memory of a lawyer by the name of James Richardson Logan, who fought for the justice of “little men” i.e. locals who were not treated equally in society.
Trivia Time! Ask the Kids:
Q: Where was James Richardson Logan born?
A: Berwickshire, Scotland.
(H) Francis Light Memorial
Captain Francis Light was a British explorer and was known to be the founder of the British settlement in Penang. Built in the late 1840s, this memorial consists of a monument with a marble plaque to honour the late captain, who was subsequently buried at The Old Protestant Cemetery in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Here’s a fun fact for you – his son (William Light) was one of the founding fathers of Adelaide, Australia. Interestingly, Adelaide is known as Georgetown’s sister city!
Trivia Time! Ask the Kids:
Q: Where was Captain Francis Light born?
A: Suffolk, England.
(I) St George’s Anglican Church, Lebuh Farquhar
This church was built in the 19th century and is the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia.
(J) Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Church Street
A museum dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of Penang’s Peranakan community. Formerly the home of Penang’s richest man in the 19th century, it houses thousands of Peranakan artefacts and gives a glimpse into their lifestyle. An entrance fee is required to enter the property.
Route B – Cultural Scene
Click on the map to be directed to Google Map.
Places of interest on this route:
(B) Goddess Of Mercy Temple, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
This is the oldest Taoist temple in Penang, dating back to 1728. It was build in honour of Muzu (the sea goddess) and after a renovation in 1800, the statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin) was placed in the temple. According to urban legend, the water from the temple’s hidden well has medicinal properties.
(C) Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Queen Street
The oldest Hindu temple in Penang, dating back to 1801. Originally a small shrine built by Indian settlers working in the port, this was later renovated and expanded as a temple in 1833. The Golden Chariot procession during the Thaipusam festival starts from this temple.
(D) Masjid Kapitan Keling
A mosque built by Indian Muslim settlers, dating back to the 19th century.
(E) Armenian Street, Lebuh Armenian
One of the narrowest streets within Georgetown, this is now a bustling street with various shops selling arts and crafts and street food. It’s also home to the famous ‘Little Children on a Bicycle’ art installation, along with other famous street art.
(F) Khoo Kongsi, Cannon Square
The largest Hokkien clan house in Malaysia. The architecture of this building is magnificent and elaborate and its surrounding complex resembles a miniature clan village. You can take a tour inside by paying an entrance fee.
(G) Central Fire Station
This fire station was built in 1908, with the first dedicated firefighter squadron. Prior to this, policemen had to double as firefighters. There is a display of the brief history of the previous uniforms and instruments, used more than 100 years ago.
(H) Chew Jetty
One of the many waterfront settlements owned by the Chinese clans, this Jetty is the largest among them. This community has existed over the past 100 years, with its members living in wooden slit houses. Walk along the houses and trying reaching the end for a lovely view of the Penang Bridge.
Happy travels, #makchicmumsquad!
By Kalaivanie Joedy
Kalai is a stay-at-home mum to a preteen girl. Originally from KL, she relocated to Penang 18 years ago and has fallen in love with the city. When she is not busy running her own business and driving her daughter around, she and her family explore the island for great food locations, outdoor activities and anything that sounds fun.
