Exploring George Town, Penang: A blend of heritage, street art and modern charm

Walking down the streets of George Town, Penang’s capital metropolis, is sure to take you again in time. With the heavy classic really feel, it does appear as if time has stopped nonetheless in some elements and actually harks again to a unique period, notably for one from yet one more commonwealth nation. Rows of heritage buildings that also retain the flavour of the colonial period stand proud towards modern buildings which are mushrooming within the core zone of town acclaimed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first thought that strikes you whenever you step out of Penang airport in Malaysia is the practically sound-free setting. The roads are teeming with automobiles like some other metropolis. Yet a paradox unfolds as there isn’t a honking or any of the same old deafening noises of automobiles, defying the bustling site visitors scene that the eyes understand. Unnecessary honking is frowned upon and usually thought-about disrespectful among the many residents, I used to be advised.

Nyonya dishes and mocktail from George Town
| Photo Credit:
Ok. Lakshmi

Striking Peranakan structure

With its distinctive architectural and cultural panorama that has imbibed numerous types, notably the hanging Peranakan structure, George Town boasts of an interesting palette of cultural, historic and architectural range that’s unfold all around the metropolis. You can not assist however marvel on the array of well-preserved architectural wonders that mirror town’s multicultural id.

Vibrant murals breathe life into weathered partitions and usually used outdated shophouses and buildings dotted throughout town as massive canvas, including color to the streets of George Town. While nearly each street that has beautiful street art and iconic shophouses with lovely facades will captivate travellers, the charming Armenian Street is the miniature model of town and has gained reputation as an Instagrammable hub. It encapsulates the interactive artworks unleashed on the partitions, quaint cafes and memento outlets in George Town.

Nestled within the coronary heart of town, the newly launched Ascott Limited’s Lyf Georgetown Penang is a social way of life resort in Georgetown that’s very best for experience-led co- residing and connects the vacationers to town’s points of interest.

A guided tour across the resort reveals the thoughtfully designed areas that provide versatile use for travellers as personal nooks and stay-work-play social areas. From the elevators, rooms to social areas, each element of the resort’s inside tells a narrative of town’s heritage and various flavours. There are rooms the place visitors can savour a view of Andaman sea.

Street art at Armenian Street
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Guests have been handled to the normal lion dance and nitrogen-infused chilly brew espresso as Penang’s Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the opening of the resort. “Penang is a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Lyf Georgetown captures George Town’s identity as a city where tradition meets modernity. The hospitality industry works closely with the local community to highlight Penang’s heritage and local flavours,” says Mr.Yeow.

Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager, Ascott Malaysia, explains the growing international choice amongst younger travellers for community-driven journey.

“Today’s travellers demand more than just a place to stay. They want spaces that inspire creativity, foster connectivity and immerse in local culture. We are looking to redefine how people travel- shift focus from accommodation to authentic experiences and one that of social living. We are trying to stay unique from the other brands,” says Mr.Mecja. Meticulously set in a chief spot, the resort’s location blends comfort with charm of historical past and vibrance. “We have created different spaces where guests who step out to cook, warm food may connect with friends over food,” says Mr.Mecja who provides {that a} combine of completely different age teams are being focused in Malaysia and overseas.

“India is one of our key targets too for Penang tourism. We have direct flights from cities like Chennai. We have presence in 25 cities worldwide. Next hot on our radar is India,” says Mr. Mecja, exuding confidence.

Multipurpose historic shophouses

On the subsequent day of the keep, we observe Lyf representatives to discover some of town’s hidden gems. We cease by Carnarvon Street that has a lineup of multipurpose historic shophouses in myriad types and meant to play a number of roles as a store, restaurant and residing house. Kang Pei Shern, founder of Better than Blouses, a home-grown vogue model that turns conventional batik and Peranakan patterns into stylish items, together with artist Thomas Powell has arrange studio in her family-owned pre-war shophouse.

View of shophouses
| Photo Credit:
Ok. Lakshmi

As we transfer in batches with cautious steps for a studio tour, conscious of the century outdated construction’s fragility, Ms.Shern provides fascinating fragments of info on shophouses. These two or three storied rowhouses are slender in width however very deep. They have been in-built such a approach to cut back window tax levied based mostly on the quantity of home windows throughout British colonial period, she recollects.

Later within the day, we’re whisked away into designer and chef Richard Rivalee’s Nyonya Cuisine restaurant tucked amongst a row of heritage shophouses and oozing old-world charm with hand-painted mosaic tiles, classic followers and stained glass home windows. The restaurant serves genuine Nyonya dishes, together with fragrant five-spice hen loh bak, lemongrass hen, jiu hu char (shredded cuttlefish with greens) and a vibrant decisions of rice-turmeric rice, butterfly blue pea rice and Nasi Ulam (jasmine rice).

True to their character of Penang desserts identified for gentle sweetness and delectable combine of flavours, Richard’s signature sago pudding coated with grated coconut and gula melaka (palm sugar) dip and Bubur cha cha (a blend of candy potato, taro and yam chunks in coconut milk) usually are not cloying and to not be missed.

George Town’s night time life is as vibrant and supply a range of surprises be it alcoholic gelatos and drinks at Drunken Gelato or Biso cocktail bar that excels in crafting distinctive flavours with unconventional ingredients-coriander, beetroots, carrots and bell peppers into their cocktails.

A journey to George Town, Penang shouldn’t be full with out tasting genuine Penang white espresso, Tambun biscuits, pandan flavoured snacks and a go to to Chowrasta market.

(This author was in George Town, Penang on the invitation of Ascott Limited’s Lyf Georgetown).