Culture

Penang

Penang is a rich site for cultural heritage, as recognised by the world body of UNESCO. These historical and cultural buildings detailed here are some of the important elements that make up its world heritage listing. Most of them are concentrated in Georgetown. Visitors and tourists to Penang will appreciate the cultural contributions and structures that make Penang the colourful destination it is today.

Penang State Art Gallery

The Penang State Art Gallery is located with the Penang State Museum which is situated in Lebuh Farquhar. It is considered one of the best art galleries in the country, with a permanent collection of 235 priceless paintings by local artists and a contemporary collection that showcases modern works of art. Themed exhibits are held from time to time in the Sri Pinang Hall, where the paintings are located.

Hainanese Mariner's Lodge (Penang Heritage Trust)

The Hainanese Mariner's Lodge is a colonial shophouse that was once a lodging place and club house of Hainanese migrants in Penang. Hainan sailors often came to stay here during their many travels to and from from China. The Hainanese were one of the main Chinese ethnic groups that came to Penang in search of fortune.

They were renowned for their culinary skills and ability to sail the winds of the sea effortlessly. Today, this blue building now houses the Penang Heritage Trust Office, and stands as a monument to visitors of the Hainanese community in Penang. The Penang Heritage Trust is itself a body that serves to preserve and promote the delicate cultures of Penang.

Chinatown

Centered in Campbell Street, but covering some surrounding areas of Georgetown, Chinatown is a living heritage of the first Chinese settlers in Penang. Popular as a shopping district, various generations of Chinese descended from the first that arrived here continue to ply their ancient trades, such as joss stick making and signboard engraving in old colonial shophouses. A trip here will provide a rich journey of oriental culture for visitors.

Little India

Neighbouring Chinatown but in a much smaller area encompassing Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Queen and Jalan Pasar, Little India is another popular shopping district for all things Indian. Traditional Indian businesses that deal with silk, sarees, cotton and tin carriers still go on strong here, providing a colourful experience for tourists and visitors. The large number of money changers here provide a convenient place for exchanging currency while taking in the sights and sounds of Little Indian. This district is quite lively, with the noise of Indian and Hindi music often blasting in the air. If you like trying out food, then Little Indian has much to offer in terms of spicy cuisine and curries.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a homage to the Straits Chinese community of Penang. This special group of people were created in the early centuries by a gradual blending of Chinese and Malay cultures, mostly by the intermarriage of Chinese settlers and local Malays. The Peranakan people, as they are called, are also known as the Baba Nyonya or Straits Chinese. This Mansion which doubles up as a museum, displays over 1,000 artifacts and relics related to the history, customs and traditions of Baba Nyonya heritage. The mansion itself is an authentic design that incorporates British and Chinese architecture, a sight not to be missed by visitors.

Millionaire Row

Located in Northam Road (Now known as Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah), the millionaire's row is a series of colonial heritage mansions built along a 1 mile stretch of road. It was a dwelling zone for the rich European upper class of society in the early century, but over time, their numbers were joined and supplanted by rich Chinese traders and businessmen, who built their own luxurious homes. Today, only a few of the original mansions remain, occupied by the descendants of their builders, but a few are dilapidated and abandoned. Visitors can drive by and admire the architecture of these colonial buildings and appreciate the history behind them.

P. Ramlee's House

P. Ramlee was the most famous Malay actor of his generation in Malaysia, and would be to Malaysians what Elvis Presley is to American culture. This artiste produced a wide range of movies and songs through the 50s that are still popular in modern entertainment today. Although he passed away in 1973, his house in Jalan P. Ramlee, named after him, still stands to educate visitors and tourists about his legacy. The house, which is a cultural museum, exhibits personal items and memorabilia belonging to the actor, along with items that portray his history and lifestyle such as photographs and movie recordings. Located within the house is a 300-seater performing arts theatre and complex. Open almost daily, admission is free.

Batu Maung Fishing Village

The Batu Maung Fishing Village is a little known cultural icon of Penang. Little has changed in this peaceful fishing community and looks almost the same as it did decades ago. Visitors to Batu Maung can observe and admire the lifestyles of the fishermen and experience the fishing industry first hand. The village's main attraction is a temple that pays homage to Admiral Cheng Ho, a famous mariner from China who was an important part of Malaysian history, but known locally as 'Sam Poh'. Here, there is a 33 foot imprint that many say came from Cheng Ho himself when he stepped foot on Penang, while others attribute it to the Chinese monkey god.