Penang N5 25 E100 21
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Penang Penang, the second biggest city in Malaysia is one of the main “Strait Settlements” along with Malacca and Singapore, which used to dominate trade in this region. To say this is a multicultural city is an under-statement, there are Malays, Chinese from various parts of China, Indians, Indonesians, Australians, Europeans and every combination of the above. It is a harmonious mix where everyone tolerates each other’s beliefs and customs with a cuisine to match this diversity.
Attractive colonial buildings from the time of British administration.
The Indian quarter
Indian temple
Flower sellers
Buddhist temple   Chinese
Assembly House and Temple to the Ancestors and the Guardians of the Gates
We especially like the Buddhist temples which have a pleasing mixture of intricate designs, architecture and amusing carvings, like this Buddha on the roof with his belly in the shape of a plate.
This was part of a much larger frieze depicting stylised warriors
and beasts.
The whole town is just full of sights, sounds and smells to delight. For instance this antique bicycle cum clock repair man working as his wife and child look on.
None the less this is a thoroughly modern industrial town with traffic jams to match. The Chinese are currently building this bridge to the mainland which, when complete, will be 24 miles long. The current link is a mere 17 miles!
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