A few pics of Penang.

[Vanhelsing]

I've always liked Georgetown, Penang.

 

[Chiron]

First of all, these are nice shots - thanks! Your pictures really give a good sense of being there.

What's interesting is my wife and I were just sitting here planning a trip from Houston-Bali-Penang-KL-Houston. Found a really good deal on EvaAir, and she's pondering whether it's a go, or not...

 

[Vanhelsing]

Chiron, I'm not sure if you've been here before or not, but I find it such a nice little place to wander around. The mash of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai culture and cuisine (lots of great food at next to nothing prices) accompanied with the decaying decadence of 19th century architecture, the museums and galleries, as well as the little nooks and crannies of lanes where you stumble upon olde worlde shops makes for an enjoyable stay.

 

[Chiron]

Chiron, I'm not sure if you've been here before or not, but I find it such a nice little place to wander around. The mash of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai culture and cuisine (lots of great food at next to nothing prices) accompanied with the decaying decadence of 19th century architecture, the museums and galleries, as well as the little nooks and crannies of lanes where you stumble upon olde worlde shops makes for an enjoyable stay.

I actually have not been there yet, but have been thinking about it for some time now. I first learned about Penang when two different people we know in Indonesia ended up going there for medical treatments. I was also told by a good friend in Jakarta, that if I ever ended up with a serious medical issue, to consider going to Penang for treatment and leave Indonesian healthcare for lesser issues. It started there, and wanted find out how one would stay there, what to eat, and how to get around. It wasn't long until I realized this was very interesting melting pot of cultures, food, etc. (as you've described). Our proposed trip there is to have fun and explore, but maybe check out the healthcare situation along the way - just for future reference. I always learn something new on these kinds trips.

 

[El_Goretto]

Nice pics. The saturated colors, textures and colorful characters give them a Cuba like vibe.

 

[Vanhelsing]

Nice pics. The saturated colors, textures and colorful characters give them a Cuba like vibe.

I actually called this set of pics I posted on another website The Little Cuba of The East, funnily enough.

 

[Minuteman]

Looks like a sh!tty place.

 

[jstar]

Not really sh!tty but amazingly touristic. Not a place you go to off the beaten path. Museums and art shops catered to the Bule tourist, and double pricing is common.

And if you want to see decaying decadence [sic] of colonial architecture, you can also go to Kota in Jakarta. The old Batavia part of Jakarta is even more authentic. The mansions and shop houses are nice but very comparable to Geylang in Singapore.

I agree with what someone said in another thread though; Malaysians have a very strict approach but only for their own religious denomination. Unlike in INDONESIA, where there is some kind of “what is not allowed for me and in my religion is not allowed for anyone” thinking, the Malaysians let you be as foreigner or kafir. So beer in warungs and pujasera is easy to find.

 

[R Cameron]

I agree with what someone said in another thread though; Malaysians have a very strict approach but only for their own religious denomination. Unlike in INDONESIA, where there is some kind of “what is not allowed for me and in my religion is not allowed for anyone” thinking, the Malaysians let you be as foreigner or kafir. So beer in warungs and pujasera is easy to find.

That's an interesting observation, and accurate to my experience as well. It's especially noticeable when you land at the KL airport and see the signs in the duty-free section saying it is illegal for Muslims to buy alcohol. Indonesia doesn't have a law that strict, but at the same time they are happy to sell boatloads of liquor to non-Muslims.

 

[Balifrog]

Did several visa trip there when working in BKK in the 90's.

And was on my short list as retirement destination, but from I read on the net the place has become expensive (rental) and requirements for retirement visa a bit high as well.
But I remember it as a nice place. Well, 23 years ago.....

 

[lifelongexpat]

So beer in warungs and pujasera is easy to find.

Alcohol is very easy to come across in Malaysia. Convenience stores sell it, most supermarket chains sell beer, wine and hard liquor. Not to mention the plethora of bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes that readily serve it.

 

[waarmstrong]

I enjoy vicarious travel through your excellent photos. For actual visits to examples of aging colonialism, alas, Batavia is more in keeping with my pelit demeanor.