IN THE EARLY 19th century Governor George Leith observed: “There is not, probably, any part of the world where, in so small a space, so many different people are assembled together, or so great a variety of languages spoken”.
In the beginning, George Town was not only a planned city but also a multi-cultural one. Sir Francis Light, its founder, delegated areas for the communities that had accompanied him: the Eurasians, the Indian Muslims, the Malays and the Chinese. Global conditions and the English “open-door” trade policy then created the port, but its cosmopolitan population made it not only successful but also a colorful one.
This polyglot of peoples has produced a stunning variety of architecture that includes Southeast Asia’s largest collection of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings with its best examples of Anglo-Indian, Chinese and Indian Muslim architecture. Take Armenian and Cannon Street junction.
Here is Dr Sun Yat Sen’s Penang base from where he planned the overthrow of the Ching Dynasty and the restored Syed Alatas Mansion, home of a rich Arab-Achehnese trader. In neighbouring Acheen Street, is the splendid mosque of the same name, Penang’s oldest. This old town area also hosts many clan associations, or kongsi, the most famous being the Khoo Kongsi in adjacent Cannon Square, which is Southeast Asia’s grandest.
As the 19th century drew on George Town and expanded with Penang’s growing fortunes, handsome administration buildings symbolized civic pride, and Chinese tycoons vied to build the most extravagant villas. Walk narrow and hidden streets only known by locals to view baroque Strait Chinese shop houses that have won high recognition from UNESCO.
Of course, besides the many reasons of visiting the culturally-rich and historic island of Penang, one of the biggest would be the food! This specially carved all in one day excursion will also immerse travelers into Penang’s exotic fusion of traditional food and give your taste buds a new perspective.
Tour Itinerary
* 9.00am – Pick up at hotel in Ipoh. Introduction, trip briefings and safety procedures.
* 10.30am – Arrive Penang island. First stop – Old town’s Cannon Street. The name of Cannon Street (Tua Cheng Hang) originated from a legend that says in order to suppress the riots, the colonial government fired cannons at the territory and created a big hole on the street; so people called the street Big Cannon Hole (Tua Cheng Khang).
Later, as the hole was levelled up, it was renamed Cannon Street (Tua Cheng Hang). A round window, reputed to be a hole made by cannonball cross-fired during the 1867 triad riot, greets visitors climbing halfway up Lebuh Acheh Mosque’s octagonal minaret. Go on foot to soak Penang’s bygone splendour and let our history-savvy guide take you back in time.
Visit Yap Kongsi and Khoo Kongsi temples, temples used as clan clubhouses in 19th century. The Yaps, Khoos, together with Cheahs, Lims and Tan Kongsi, were known as the Five Big Clans that formed the backbone of Strait Chinese community in early Penang. With the respective clan temples as the nuclei, these clans demarcated their territories with their own terrace houses on three or four sides of the perimeters.
This adjoining, closely-knit and defensive model settlement, like a clan village in the colonial city, is a rare form of congregation practised among migrant communities. Walk into a time tunnel that speaks volume of Penang’s vibrant past as a spice trade port. Also hop over to Little India nearby to enjoy a hearty meal of street food and spiced “masala” milk tea, a must-have in the enclave.
* 2.00pm – Take a breathtaking ride along Batu Ferringhi hillside road to view Penang’s best beaches and shoreline accolades. Sample the local beach belt scene and enjoy some quiet moments by the sea.
* 3.00pm – See Malaysia’s most colourful and weirdest insects in a butterfly farm located at Teluk Bahang hamlet. It is the first tropical butterfly farm ever set up in the world, was founded in 1986.
At the last count, the farm is sanctuary to an average flying population of 4,000 Malaysian butterflies from 120 different species, including some very rare and famous ones, like the Indian Leaf (Kallima paralekta), the endangered Yellow Birdwing (Troides helena) and the Rajah Brooke's Birdwing, arguably Malaysia's most well-known insect.
* 5.00pm – A trip to Penang would not be complete without a culinary adventure in Gurney Drive, the most visited food hub in Malaysia. Gurney Drive is a stretch of road that fronts the sea, with a wall keeping the waves at bay. The place offers a heady and exotic mix of delicious cuisine to choose from.
Street food offered here can be broken down roughly into several varieties, with each being attributable to Penang's multi-cultural character: Nyonya, Chinese, vegetarian, Indian, Malay, Hakka-styled Western, seafood and desserts.
Hybrids are also known to exist, and some famous examples are Malay style chicken rice and char koay teow, and Chinese rojak, laksa and popiah. Let our local guide give you a culinary safari that’d surely see you ditch the calorie count. Indulge! Savour!
* 7.00pm – Ride back to Ipoh.
Travelers can expect a day of some easy-going walks and a private journey that enables one to see and cover more places in 1 day. The excursion is suitable for the young and old as needs for safety and steadfast guidance are kept firmly in mind. Couples, families and friends traveling together will have a good balance between activity and relaxation.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- One lunch and one dinner during excursion.
- Private English-speaking history and food savvy guide.
- Private transport to all destinations & activities.
- All entrance fees.
Please note that all trips are private-type and require a minimum of 2 people to operate; surcharge applicable for 1 person trip. Discounts are available for self-drive, groups, retirees, students, families and nature clubs.
All packages are ex-Ipoh, a town 200km north capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) and 150km south Penang. To reach Ipoh from KL, hop on the daytime hourly bus services available at KL Puduraya bus station. The ride takes 2 hrs and cost USD4.20 one way, air con.
Recommended bus services are Transnasional, Plusliner or Sri Maju. Hotels are cheap in Ipoh as the town is non-touristy. YMCA offers basic room for USD11.80, budget hotel USD24 air-con room, 3 star hotel USD47 room and 4 star hotel USD100 room.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Malaysia
Cultural Journey
Walking Tours
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