Penang, Malaysia - Little India in George Town

Little India is an Indian neighbourhood in Penang, tucked away in a little enclave of George Town near the waterfront. The neighborhood is situated along Jalan Pasar (Market Street), a 10-15 minutes walk from the Penang Esplanade. It is the heart of the island's Indian community and just about everything here is Indian including the shopkeepers.

Little India here began in the 19th century as an enclave for immigrants from India, explaining its strong Indian flavour. You can't stop noticing shops selling Indian items including spices, colourful saris, fragrant garlands, jewellery and VCDs from Bollywood. For a taste of India, there are the restaurants and food stalls serving tasty curry dishes and snacks.  

Spice shop in Little India

Indian shop selling garlands

Indian textiles

Shop selling dried foodstuff

Street stall selling Indian snacks

Penang, Malaysia - Colonial Buildings in George Town

The area around the Esplanade is home to several architectural buildings constructed during the British colonial era. Many of the buildings here are similar in architecture with the colonial buildings seen along Singapore's Riverside. It's not surprising, since Penang and Singapore were once part and under the administration of the British's Straits Settlement.

Landmark buildings include Penang City Hall (1903) with its Edwardian Baroque architecture. The Penang State Assembly (1874) and Courthouse (1903) encompasses Classical Greek and Palladian architecture. The E&O Hotel (1885) has elements of Moorish designs while the Standard Chartered building (1930) includes Palladian, Classical and Art Deco architecture.

Old City Hall (1903)

The Courthouse (1903)

Penang State Assembly Building (1874) by Gryffindor

E&O Hotels (1885)

Standard Chartered Building (1930)

Penang, Malaysia - Fort Cornwallis in George Town

Penang's Fort Cornwallis is a star-shaped fort located at Light Street (Lebuh Light) in George Town. The first fort was built in 1794 from the trunks of palm trees, and in 1810 replaced by a fort constructed from bricks and stone that is seen today. The only buildings left standing today are the outer walls and inside is a chapel and a gunpowder room. Several canons surround the fort and the oldest and largest cannon dates back to 1603. Though built to defend against invaders, no battles were ever fought.

Entrance into Fort Cornwallis

Old cannon at Fort Cornwallis

More cannons by Gryffindor

Pedicabs beside the old fort 

Penang, Malaysia - The Esplanade in George Town

Penang's Esplanade is located along George Town's waterfront, stretching 400 metres  (1,312 feet) along Jalan (Road) Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah. Forget about dipping into the sea here because the water is muddy and the retaining wall prevents people from going down to the shore. There are no shady trees along the Esplanade and it's too hot for a stroll during the midday sun.

Then why mention about the Esplanade? It's a popular spot with the locals starting late afternoon and into the evening, when it gets cooler. By then there are the strollers, joggers and people just enjoying the sea breeze. Historically this is the place where Captain Francis Light first landed on the island in 1786, and where many of Penang's well-preserved colonial buildings can be seen. 

The Esplanade in George Town

Along the Esplanade

Fishing by the Esplanade

The Esplanade Park by Gryffindor

Penang, Malaysia - Penang's Capital of George Town

George Town was founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light and named after the 18th century British King George III. Situated on the northeastern corner of Penang Island, George Town is the capital of the island and state of Penang. It's a fascinating city, home to many well preserved colonial buildings and old shophouses built from the 19th century to the 1930s.

The main street is Penang Road with its most noticeable landmark being the 65-floor KOMTAR Tower, the tallest building on the island. Nothing impressive about the building, but makes a good landmark if you're lost in George Town. The city has an old world atmosphere, in some areas you'd think you were in the 1960s and others in the early 20th century.

The 65-floor KOMTAR Tower in George Town by Shoestring

George Town's city centre along Penang Road

Walking along Penang Road

Another street view of George Town

Back street in George Town