Old town 2: Pulau Pinang aka Penang

Penang is the 2nd city in Malaysia (besides Malacca) to have been conferred as 1 of the World Heritage Sites in 2008. Just like Malacca, its is an old yet cosy town with an abundance of shophouses, that a skyscraper is an uncommon sight. Thus, the Komtar (which used to be the tallest building in Malaysia before the Twin Towers toppled its throne) sticks out of George Town like an eye sore.



In fact, you see much traces of a bygone era in George Town than in Malacca. With little signs of any life in them, these countless vacant yet dilapidated shophouses could only leave you- the passerby, to your own imagination on what/who could possibly be the previous occupant of this shophouse. Some are however, more apparent in who occupies them...







For the notable landmarks, a brief write up on their history can be obtained via the Penang Heritage Trail maps available from most hotels. Armed with a map in hand, we marched down the 2 Heritage Trails to head back in time, to as far back as the 17th century..... Needless to say, some places can evoke a sense of spookiness in ya (check out the dates)!!



The major disappointment that we had, was the lack of street hawker food that Penang was famously renowned for... Luckily we found comfort in "George Town Coffee"!! For its fragrant locally brewed and grown coffee (beans) and commercially tasty delicacies.





Overall, its was a good trip albeit the 10hrs coach ride up and another 10 back. But my personal preference is still Malacca! (judging by the amount of damage it had done on me)

His Day!