Once known as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, Pulau Jerejak has been transformed into a haven for holiday-goers. BACK in the 1960s to the early part of 90s, if someone told you “if you break the law, you will be sent to Pulau Jerejak”, that was considered a dire warning or a threat. These days, though, [...]

To get to know a place well, there’s no better way than to stroll along the streets. EWE PAIK LEONG picks six streets that presents the many facets of George Town, Penang. THE multi-faceted streets of George Town are as varied in atmosphere as the ingredients of Penang rojak. Here are six popular streets that [...]

Prawns, breadfruit, deer and an old pirate’s grave. These are just a few of the things that make a trip to Pulau Aman worthwhile for EWE PAIK LEONG. FROM a distance, one could see colorful boats moored at the jetty, gently bobbing up and down. Scattered huts dot the land between the hills and the [...]

Lebuh Pasar is the heart of George Town’s Little India. It intersects Lebuh Penang (aka Penang Street). A distinct festive air hangs in these two streets as Bollywood music blares from VCD stores and five-foot ways are choked with mannequins draped in sarees and piles of cook-ware made of clay and aluminum. Hawkers do a [...]

Think hawker food, think Persiaran Gurney! Persiaran Gurney is also referred to as Gurney Drive. Most Penangites called Gurney Drive a millionaire’s row seafront promenade due to the fact that it’s a 2km seafront promenade lined with cafes, million dollar condominiums, 5 stars hotels and high class restaurants. For a detail description of Persiaran Gurney, [...]

Ku Din Ku Meh, the former Raja of Satun in the 19th Century, would turn in his grave if he could see the hustle and bustle that’s Penang Road now. His mansion, which is now a boutique hotel, is located in the upper part of the road. Home to several other hotels, this stretch of [...]

The newly-opened Hard Rock Hotel in Penang is a living museum of rock memorabilia. WHEN I told a friend, who plays in a band, that I was off to Penang for a two-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel, the dude quipped: “Bring along an empty guitar case.” “Why?” I asked. “So that you can carry [...]

The pasembur is a popular cuisine or maybe street food among the locals in Penang. The pasembur is actually a salad of vegetables and it is made up of ingredients such as yam bean, cucumber, blanched bean sprouts, and different kinds of fritters, all doused with peanut gravy. The origin of the pasembur is unknown [...]

Craving for fried noodle? Then try the mee goreng (fried noodle) at Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng which is considered one of the best in Penang. This stall has been around for over 80 years and the business has been passed down over several generations. The stall is operated by Mahboob Zakaria and his family. Mahboob [...]

The Penang Botanic Garden is located in Georgetown in Penang, near Tanjung Tokong and close to Gurney Drive. It’s a famous place not only in Penang but throughout the country. The Botanic Garden is ideal for recreation, relaxation, peace and tranquility. You can hear the sound of waterfalls gushing from their source in the hills [...]

Looking for the best roti canai (Indian Pancake) in Penang to savor? Head out to Sheikh Usman Gerai Roti Canai at Argyll Road which serves the best roti-telur (egg pancake) and beef curry combination. Although the curry is a bit spicy, it tastes excellent when it goes with the roti-telur. The secret of this tasty [...]

Another famous nasi kandar restaurant in Penang is called Line Clear located in Penang Street. This stall has been around for over 45 years and serves the best nasi kandar in town. If you are heading there for lunch or dinner, you better reach there earlier or else you will need to line up in [...]

Penang is one of Malaysia’s most famous resort destinations. The state consists of Penang Island and a strip of the mainland known as Seberang Perai. Georgetown, its capital, is a fascinating metropolitan city with historical buildings and cultural landmarks. Penang is characterized by lovely beach resorts, old-world charm and colorful cultures. It is an island [...]

The Penang Hill is located on the island of Penang. Here you can ride on the funicular railway, explore enchanting nature trails, walk among 30-meter high trees, and glory in the gorgeous views of the island. Situated about 800 meters above sea level on the northern part of Penang island, Malaysia’s oldest hill resort has [...]

Few people know there is a very famous chicken rice stall at Chulia Street. I got to know about it when my colleague recommends it to me. The stall lies along Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia) in Georgetown. The stall is located in a shop lot painted in green whereby its upper floor is a motel. [...]