TEXT: HOI MUN YEE / IMAGES: 123RFHERITAGE WALKS AND
SHOPPING
When people think about heritage and
Penang, the name and image of Armenian
Street usually pops up. Similarly located in the
centre of Penang Island’s heritage zone, Little
India perhaps falls under the radar for non-
Penangites. Fret not, the blaring of music from
Bollywood productions will lead you to this
enclave for the island’s Indian community.
Penang’s own little slice of India used
to be known as Little Madras (Chennai) by
the British colonists. The area bears a strong
resemblance to the market streets of Mumbai,
Delhi, and Chennai. While you explore, why
not try on some of the exquisite handwoven
sarees? Whether you’re looking for a standard
everyday saree or one costing thousands you
can boast to family and friends, it’s safe to say
there’s a store for that.
When the Bollywood music starts fading
to the sound of sizzling hot plates, you know
it’s time for a meal. From banana leaf rice, to
naan, to briyani and vegetarian, Little India
is home to some of the best Indian joints
around. Your gastronomic adventures do not
end with that last grain of rice, you haven’t
top right
Design Village Premium
Outlet is a big attraction for
shoppersbottom left
Penang Avatar Secret
Gardenleft
Athirasam, an Indian snackhad your dessert yet! There are places offering
sweet Indian delights such as kesari and
ladoo. The meal is not complete until you lick
that last spot of ghee off your plate.
Bordered by Penang Road, Chowrasta
Road, Kuala Kangsar Road and Tamil Street,
Chowrasta Bazaar keeps things local. The
market is a watering hole for locals and has
been operating since the late 1800s. This is
the spot to buy the tastiest Penangite tidbits
and snacks like pickled nutmeg and tau sar
pneah (green bean pastry.) Staying true to
the Malaysian market spirit, you can also find
cheap clothes, bags, medicated oils, and all
sorts of daily goods here. The wet market
section is a popular source of fresh produce
for locals, offering a variety of seafood and
vegetables. Even for non-shoppers, this is a
fascinating spot to observe how Penangites go
about their daily lives.MODERN ATTRACTIONS
While Penang is a highly historical state filled
with heritage, it isn’t one that stands still. It has
evolved many times over the years to capture
tourists of different ages and generations.
Multiple new destinations have sprung up in
the last few years alone, including the beautiful
Penang Avatar Secret Garden.
Opened in 2017, the Penang Avatar
Secret Garden has quickly become one of
the state’s more popular attractions. Featuring
a stunning LED light show at a landscaped
park reminiscence of James Cameron’s 2009blockbuster “Avatar.” The emergence of this
park has also brought life to some of the
surrounding attractions. The once quiet beach
beyond the exhibition is receiving more
visitors who stroll around before the light
show starts around sunset. Thai Pak Koong
Temple, a fascinating place in itself right next
to the park is also receving more attention.
Bring the kids to the light show, the adults
may discover something new as well.
To cater to millenials’ eco-consciousness
and their desire for affordable branded goods.
Bandar Cassia’s Design Village Premium
Outlet was opened in 2016 on a 24-acre
natural tropical garden. Although there is no
proof that it was opened solely for millenials,
it certainly does the trick. It is currently
Malaysia’s biggest outlet mall, spanning
400,000 square feet and featuring over 100
shops, including much coveted brands like
Coach, Kate Spade, and Superdry. Northerners
no longer have to travel south to shop at
outlet malls.EXPECT MORE FROM PENANG
Penang is a highly customisable destination for
travellers both domestic and international. Look
deep enough and you’ll see there is more than
Penang Laksa, trishaws, and quirky murals. It is
simply not a place you go once and think you
have taken in everything. Three separate trips
to George Town may feel like three trips to
different places, go beyond the capital, there is
a whole new world out there.