I recently visited Penang, an Island state of Malaysia off the coast in the north west and connected by several bridges to the mainland peninsular.
“Penang is one of Asia’s most liveable city for expats,” declares a colleague soon after I arrived, and after only a short visit, I had to agree.
With 171 years of British colonisation since 1786, there’s grand old British mansions lining the western seashore of the island below the dramatic hills. And there’s Georgetown, in the centre – an eclectic mix of European, Chinese and Indian architecture.
Penang has a population of 45% Chinese, 43% Malay, 10% Indian and the rest a multicultural mix. This wonderful blend of cultures, makes for a mix of delicious food as well as intriguing architecture. The Indian food is particularly superb in Little India, Georgetown, and one evening four of us ate rather too much for less than A$12.
I was visiting during a national election and the streets were swamped with flags, especially promoting the ruling party. This made the streets even more colourful with their street markets, food stalls, and Bollywood CD shops.
One of the best places to start when walking the streets is to visit the Penang Heritage Trust building at 26 Church St (www.pht.org.my) and pick up one of their excellent maps or organise a guided tour.
Make sure to visit Dr Sun Yet Sen’s Penang base from 1909-11, a humble shop where the famous Chinese revolutionary held court. One of the curators will eagerly lead you through the house and give you way more information that you need, but the photos are fascinating.
Then when you’re tired of walking, stop for Chinese tea or some wonderful Malaysian food, perhaps down near the working waterfront.
(1950)