Pulau Pinang | Penang Tourism & Travel Guide | Georgetown UNESCO World Heritage City | Penang Hotel Resort | Penang Food Paradise

By ALAN TEH LEAM SENG

THERE is so much to see and do in George Town. After all, the capital of Penang has reputedly, one of the largest collections of 19th Century buildings in Southeast Asia.

But there is an overwhelming sense of “where-do-I-start”, especially for those new to the city or on a tight schedule.

Mindful of this dilemma, Traders Hotel has come up with a well thought-out Heritage Discovery Trail which highlights the very best of old-world Penang.

The tour lets visitors soak in the pulse of the many inner-city communities, places of worship, guilds, wet markets, bazaars, traditional trades, retail shops and authentic roadside hawkers while relaxing as they are chauffeured around in a traditional mode of transportation — the trishaw.

The four-hour trishaw ride starts from the hotel lobby at 9am and covers a total of 11 places. The journey from one spot to the other takes less than 10 minutes.

1st stop: Han Jiang Ancestral Temple (travel time 12 mins)

The beginnings of the Ancestral Temple are in 1855. Since its inception, it has been thrice restored. The third restoration effort took nearly two years at a cost of RM1.5 million and was given due recognition by Unesco, which awarded the temple the Asia-Pacific Award in 2006. The temple layout comprises the courtyard, the middle and the rear halls. Each section and feature of the temple has a purpose and story which are meticulously documented with “storyboards” that hang on just about every wall.

2nd stop: Sri Mariamman Temple (travel time five mins)

This ornately decorated place of worship in Queen Street is considered to be one of the most opulent and oldest temples in Penang. Built in 1883, the temple is named after the goddess Mariamman. Among the priceless possessions here is a statue of Lord Subramaniam that’s richly decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. During the Thaipusam festival, the statue is taken on a chariot procession by Hindu devotees.

3rd stop: Khoo Kongsi (travel time five mins)

Khoo Kongsi is the association building of the Leong San Tong (Dragon Mountain Hall) clan, whose forefathers came from the Sin Kang clan village in the Fujien province of China. The Khoos were among the wealthy Straits Chinese traders of 17th Century Malacca and early Penang. The temple was built in 1906 when the Khoo clan was at the height of its wealth and eminence among Penang’s elite society.

4th stop: Cheah Kongsi (travel time five mins)

This ancient clan house is located in a large compound accessible via a narrow entrance. Entering through the gateway, you will be surprised to find a splendid little double-storey Chinese temple complete with an open balcony, sweeping roof and prominently decorated with British-style lion heads.

5th stop: Kapitan Keling Mosque (travel time seven mins)

A beautifully designed monumental structure in Jalan Kapitan Keling, the mosque is easily recognisable by its copper domes. It is the largest historic mosque in George Town, founded around 1800. It features a series of imposing domes, turrets and minarets. The exterior is white while the interior has white marble floors and a high ceiling. Interior aisles are formed by a series of horseshoe arches, crowned with King Edward’s plaques. The facade of the building and its interior are decorated with geometric designs.

6th stop: Goddess Of Mercy (Guan Yin) Temple (travel time five mins)

Just a stone’s throw away from Kapitan Keling Mosque, this is believed to be the oldest temple in Penang. It was built in the 1800s by early Chinese settlers. The temple is also dedicated to Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of sea voyagers. As such, it was their first stopover the moment they set foot on the island, to offer thanks and gratitude for a safe voyage. The high roof of the main hall is supported by dragon-entwined green stone pillars while Guan Yin, located in an inner chamber, is depicted as a serenely composed woman with 18 arms.

7th stop: Penang State Museum (travel time five mins)

The Penang State Museum in Lebuh Farquhar, was built in 1821. It used to house the Penang Free School. Today, it is a must-visit for travellers interested in getting an insight into Penang’s rich history. It showcases a wealth of old photographs, maps, charts, historical relics and paintings of early Penang.

8th stop: The Court Buildings (travel time four mins)

The Court Buildings is home to the High Courts today. Logan’s Monument is located within the grounds. It bears a dedication to James Richardson Logan, proclaiming him as “an erudite and skilful lawyer, an eminent scientific ethnologist” who “founded literature for these settlements”. Logan rose to prominence when he successfully defended an Indian sireh (betel leaves) planter’s appeal against the mighty East India Company. Together with his brother, Abraham, Logan used the Penang Gazette, which he owned, to successfully agitate for self rule for the Straits Settlements in 1867.

9th stop: Penang Town Hall (travel time three mins)

The Penang Town Hall is situated in front of the Esplanade. The foundation stone was laid in 1879, with the main building completed four years later.

10th stop: The City Hall (travel time one min)

The majestic City Hall is the jewel in the Municipal Council’s crown. The Council Chamber, where Municipal councillors regularly convene, is located on the ground floor.

11th stop: Fort Cornwallis (travel time seven mins)

This massive bastion stands at the very tip of the cape of George Town. The ramparts overlook the harbour in the North Channel where visitors can clearly see port activities along the eastern waterfront. The statue of Francis Light on the fort grounds was relocated from the Penang State Museum. The statue was modelled after a portrait of his son, William Light, founder of Adelaide.

From here, it only takes the trishaw man less than half an hour to whisk guests back to the Traders Hotel, located adjacent to the iconic Komtar.

Traders Hotel Penang

The 17-storey luxury hotel with 443 rooms and suites stands proudly above a sea of century-old red-tiled roofs that characterise the heritage enclave of George Town.

Its F&B outlet, The Islander, offers local and Baba Nyonya fare as well as a wide range of international flavours.

General manager Gilbert Jung says the hotel’s strategic location offers guests a chance to fully appreciate the rich magnificence of the city’s Heritage Zone.

“With this Heritage Discovery Trail, we hope our guests will indulge and enjoy the culture, heritage and captivating beauty of yesteryear Penang. This is the opportunity to explore the city’s living heritage where the past, with all its charm and excitement, still thrives for all to savour.”

Guests who have more time on their hands can also visit the hotel’s sister properties — Golden Sands Resort and Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa — in Batu Ferringhi.

Just hop on the free shuttle bus service and you will be enjoying the sun, sea and sand in less than half an hour.

You can also dine at any of the seaside resorts’ many fine restaurants without the hassle of bringing cash as everything can be charged to your room in Traders Hotel.

For details, call 04-2622 622, fax to 04-2626 526, email thp@shangri-la.com or visit www.tradershotels.com. [Article link]

Posted by admin on November 12, 2011 under World Heritage.