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| Visiting Penang |
| Chinatown |
Chinese |
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The back packer haven, Lebuh Chulia poto gallery >>>
Little India photo gallery >>>
Beach Street photo gallery >>>
Inland from the former administration centre of the British lies the twisting
streets of the old city, dotted with temples, mosques and traditional
businesses. The large Chinatown from Lebuh Pantai to Jalan Penang is centred on
Lebuh Chulia, still the lively heart of Georgetown, but pockets of Indian and
Malay areas remain within and around it.
Georgetown is a delight to wander around at any time of day. Set off in any
direction and you're certain to find plenty of interest, whether it's the
beautiful old Chinese shophouses, an early-morning vegetable market, a temple
ceremony, the crowded shops or a late pasar malam (night market).
Jalan Penang and Jalan
Campbell are the main shopping streets with modem air-conditioned
shops, but it's along the more old fashioned streets like Lebuh Chulia or Rope
Walk (Jalan Pintal Tali) that you'll find the unusual bargains - like a 'Beware
of the Dog' sign that adds the warning in Malay ('Awas - Ada Anjing') and in
Chinese characters. At the Lebuh Farquhar end of Jalan Penang there is a string
of handicraft and antique shops.
Trishaws are the ideal way of getting around Georgetown, particularly at night
when trishaw travel takes on an almost magical quality.
All the usual Chinese events are likely to be taking place at any time: a
funeral procession with what looks like a run-down Dixieland jazz band leading
the mourners, colourful parades at festival times and ancient grandmas pushing
out their stalls to set up for a day's business. All around you'll hear those
distinctively Chinese noises: the clatter of mahjong tiles from inside houses,
the trilling of caged songbirds and everywhere loud arguments and conversations.
Nor can you miss Georgetown's other inhabitants. Tamils from the south of India
cool boiled milk by nonchalantly hurling it through the air from one cup to
another. Money changing is almost exclusively an Indian enterprise, and stocky
Sikhs with antique-looking guns can be seen guarding many banks and jewellery
shops. Little India, with its spice and sari shops, Indian temples and
restaurants, is centred on the Sri Mariamman Temple on Lebuh Queen, between
Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pasar.
Altogether, Georgetown is a place where there's always something of interest to
see. For an excellent view over this whole sprawling scene, there's a viewing
gallery on the 59th floor of the Komtar centre. Admission costs RM5, although
this can be credited towards any of the (overpriced) souvenirs available in the
huge shop on the same floor. Buy tickets from the counter of the Penang Tourist
Guides Association on the 3rd floor.
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| Location: Georgetown

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