Penang - My Everlasting Love

Love Orchids?

2008-12-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Various species of orchids can be found at the floral festival....... all these are a masterpiece of its own!

Floral Fest 2008

2008-12-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

Beautiful floral exhibition that held in the Botanic Gardens will last for a week till this coming Sunday. More pictures to come.

Metamorphic

2008-11-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

Metamorphic is the title of the annual fashion show for the Students of Equator Academy of Art.
Students celebrating the success of the show...

Nice Sarongs & Shoes

2008-11-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

Manage to capture these beautiful sarongs and beaded shoes.

"Yallah" Hafla

2008-11-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

The Hafla titled "Yallah" was held at the Tanjong Bunga Hotel on the 1st of November 2008..... Nath Keo from Canada has being invited to performed! Wonderful performance!

Get Ready....

2008-11-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Performers of the Cane Belly dance get ready to go.....

Back Alley

2008-11-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

This is a small Back alley in between two buildings. It is the so-called back lane as well. I am surprised that it is decorated with plants and also a small little taoist temple with red roof. It is the temple for (Dato Kong/ Na Tuk Kong.) His worshippers is to belief that this Malay-chinese/ Malay-muslim medium are not to be ignored or disturbed, as it has powerful influence over their daily lifes.

Malayan Tobacco Company

2008-11-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken in 1962, when the president of the Pan-Malayan Coffee shops' Association, Mr. Lim Jew Siang and his representatives visited the Malayan Tobacco Company. Mr. D. Brisden was then the chairman of the Malayan Tobacco Company. What interest me in this photo was that I did not know there was a so-called Coffee shops' Association and I wonder whether this association still exists today? Also the people portray in this picture has all the same kind of hairstyle, which are typically chinese! Cute.

Money Plant?

2008-11-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well, This particular plant here is named money plant... I do not know why but it's true. With the recession hitting everyone, this plant becomes a hit as well. It is believe that how fast this plant grows will reflect on your personal financial status. I wonder......

Scenic View

2008-11-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

This picture is taken at Gurney drive, one of the beautiful beaches in Penang island. Sadly that it may change in time to come as there will be developments of a new high way/road passing through.

Local Band

2008-11-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

Manage to capture our local band here playing and singing... they sing very good songs in Malay and English. It was awesome! I'll update here once I know their band name! I forgot who they are?!? Anyone knows who they are do let me know!

Climbing hard!

2008-11-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's trying it's best to come out of it! Well, she likes it anyway.... in and out of the tub!

I'm Back again!

2008-10-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry people as I was quite busy and away for holiday to the land of Harry Potter and Enjoying French Kiss...... so I'm back now with loads of pictures! Hurray!

Here is a picture of some fireworks that I shot during Deepavali! Happy Deepavali!

Full Moon

2008-09-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's the Mid-Autumn festival....... so far so good.... no rain last night, so we can truly enjoy the night; watching the moon and eating mooncakes! Yum! Oh this year we had Omochi instead.

Really old photos

2008-09-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Saw this photo and it suddenly gives me a nostalgic feeling. This photo does not show any sign of happiness although it is a wedding photograph. Those days all the marriages were pre-arrange by family members.

Surviving

2008-09-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Found this cute little thing striving for survival in a big piece of rock! Awesome!

Yet some people are wasting life just like that... sigh*

Feels like Monet

2008-09-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

When I took this picture I did not realise that it does looked like a Monet. Well that's my kind of impressionism.

Star Wars...

2008-09-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well to capture the attention of children, these two dress up in costumes and wears masks. I do not know about entertaining children, but I know the weather is damn hot and I bet they are sweating like mad in those costumes! I salute them!

Blue Sky

2008-09-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Been having some emergency and feeling gloomy. The blue sky on one fine day throws some sunshine to the land which has been having downpours since begining of September.

Quite Corner

2008-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

I think I will come back to this quite corner again one day. Love the peacefulness and beutiful nature. This was taken at the cafe corner of The Tropical Spice garden, nature lovers will definately love this place. Visit this link to know more about it. http://www.tropicalspicegarden.com/index.htm

Reptiles...

2008-09-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been spotting lots of reptiles, like the Monitor Lizard, Snakes and all. It's a pity I do not have a camera with me at that time. But I manage to shoot this cute froggy along the way. It's raining season!

Green for the eyes...

2008-09-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

Am tired of shooting city views so here's some tropical jungle views for you all.

Spider Lily?

2008-09-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I do not know the name of this flower but I call it spider lily. I went to The Spice garden with some friends, in Penang. I found this flower interesting.

Bee Man

2008-09-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Saw this Man doing his stunt with the bees.... he's pouring bees all over him... I wonder why?

Ikebana

2008-09-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well been away to KL for about a week........... missing in action. So I'm back now with more pictures for you to enjoy. This is a Ikebana exhibition that I went to in Penang 'G' Hotel. I love this piece beacause of its vibrant colours and the combination of textures and shapes.

Resting

2008-08-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

My quite resting place...

Flowers

2008-08-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

These are real flowers and not the ones that is made of paper or silk for decoration. IWell, I am still wondering what's the name of this flower. I just took this photo out of curiosity.

Clay Figurines

2008-08-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

These hand made clay figurines are so vibrant in colours that they appeal to the young and old. I spotted the figurine maker at the Little Penang Street Market that held at every last Sunday of the month, sort of like a flea market.

Beaded Shoes anyone?

2008-08-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hand beaded shoes are the favourite pass time for all nyonyas. They hand beaded each designs with their favourite motifs and colours and had it made into a shoe / sandals by a shoemaker. And you must know that those tiny beads are from Japan! They say it last longer and tinier and the colours will not fade! Interesting.

Sulam @ Embroidery

2008-08-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

I love these intricate embroidery... so fine and delicate. Of course, this is solely hand made with the old domestic sewing machine whereby you get to pedal your way through. These intricate embroidery are mostly seen in Kebaya. The traditional costumes for the Nyonya, peranakan culture.

Chingay!

2008-08-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

The term Chingay itself originated in Penang, Malaysia, which is a phonetic equivalent of the Chinese words "妆艺", which means "a decorated miniature stage" or float. Chingay is quite a rare scene in Penang these days, only when there's a festival or Pesta (The Penang Annual Holiday Fair), then you will see them parading with spectacular balancing act.

Penang Chingay Association has been in Penang for over a hundred years now. In the past, Chingay procession was held in celebration with the birthdays of the Chinese deities or the procession of the Goddess of Mercy ( Guanyin ), its purpose was to worship and enjoy with the deity. Chingay is about balancing the flag pole (bamboo pole) and the flag are the main materials for Chingay. The length of the flag pole ranges from 25 ft to 32 ft, the length of the flag is around 25 ft, the total weight of these materials is around 60 pounds. Awesome!

Ikebana

2008-08-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

I know this Ikebana is originally from Japan. I went to the exhibition organised by the Japanese Women Society in Penang and they have Beautiful Japanese Ikebana flower show. I am throughly impress by the use of colours, textures and harmony feeling I felt during the show.

Hong Kong Bar?

2008-08-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well this Hong Kong Bar was once a famous hang out place for all those from Australia and New Zealand. As the owner has kept all the old photos of the Anzac team when they were stationed in Penang long ago. People from far and near come by here and leave their mark on the wall of fame. Well, badges and pictures are all over the place too. Years ago, fire caught this building and it was renovated again, but some of the things has been lost due to fire. It's a pity!

High Chair

2008-08-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

I was looking for some furniture, and I search high and low for it still I couldn't found what I wanted. This piece is close to what I want but far too expensive for my pocket. Unique design to me but I guess in Italy or France this is common?

The Mosque

2008-08-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Our Magnificent Mosque in town. It's called the Masjid Kapitan Kling. Our Prime Minister also visted this old mosque and say his prayers here.

Wonderful Textures

2008-08-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Love the textures of the plants... buy some and decorate the house would be a nice idea!

The Sikhs

2008-08-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

A Very colourful and upbeat moment. The drum beats are really lively and one of its kind!

The Babas & Nyonyas

2008-08-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

I have been featuring some Peranakan's buildings and stuff but not the people. So, here's a glimpse of what the original Babas and Nyonyas look like when they are wearing the traditional costumes. Well most of these petite ladies are still wearing those clothes day in and out like some Japanese wearing Kimonos. They will be wearing the "Kebaya" and "Sarong". From head to toe, attention to the details of embroideries and beads (manik); very fascinating.

Actors

2008-08-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, you don't see this often... well now is the Hungry Ghost's month. So you may find lots of streets setting up shows like the Chinese Opera along the streets to celebrate the Hungry Ghost festival.

The Fan Dance Performances

2008-08-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

An open theatre for the Han Chiang High School to perform this spectacular Fan Dance Performances. It is really a chinese contemporary dance performance by the school children.

Contrast

2008-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

I managed to take this picture while visiting a mosque with a whole group of people of different races including Malay, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and some tourists from Europe too. This little chinese boy is running around the mosque exploring his way through...

Symmetry

2008-08-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Quite a symmetry photo, I think...

Flower blessings

2008-08-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

These vibrant colours flowers are for sale. Normally the flower seller with sell it for about RM1 for about 5 flowers depends on the sizes. These are flowers are used for bathing the buddha, or for prayers and cleansing the soul too.

Hi, Take me Home...

2008-08-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

While I was walking around town to visit some place, I saw this little puppy from a neighbouring house. It followed me and suddenly I have this urge of bringing it home with me. It's so cute!

Prayers

2008-08-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

This was taken in Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. The priest is giving blessings to the prayers in the temple.

Flower seller

2008-07-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't called him a florist but a flower seller although he did manage to weave the flower garland altogether by himself. He did it quite fast though.

Chinese Opera in Hokkien Dialect

2008-07-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

I manage to took some of these photos during the public performance in front of the Goddess of Mercy Temple. Love the Vibrant colours and make-up. Most of the props and headgears come from Hong Kong, but all the actors and actress are local.

The Magnificent Silver Chariot.

2008-07-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

In conjuction with all the celebrations, the Indians/ Hindus has exhibited this magnificent Silver Chariot along Penang Street. Most of the Penangites will have no clue of its importance among the Indians community. This particular Silver Chariot will parade once every year during "Thaipusam" festival. This lighted display of the Silver Chariot has not been done all this while; this is the first time that it is displayed to all the Penangites and tourists. Indeed, it a rare occasion.

This Silver Chariot is owned by the Registered trustees of Nattukkottai Nagarathar Temples, Penang. It was shipped to Penang on the Jan 1894. It was made in Karalkudi, South India. It is also almost about two storey high. Very impressive huh!

The Celebration!

2008-07-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is the opening cerebration from the Teochew Association at Chulia Street. These kids are from Han Chiang High School. They were quite professional in their performances of the Chinese drums. Here are the Indians and Sikhs celebrating the Unesco listing by performing the Nadaswaram, Peacock dance, Horse dance, Urumi Melam Kolattam and Sikh Bhangra.

The Celebration Harmony Walk

2008-07-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Well often we hear all sorts of people gathering around for a protest or so.... but here we see this Harmony walk by all the different races in Malaysia. We have the Malays, Chinese and Indians whereby we all visited Churches, Hindu Temples, Chinese Temples and Mosques; regardless of individual beliefs. Here we are at the Harmony walk to say thanks and prayers to the individual gods that we have been listed.

New wing

2008-07-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

This is the new wing of the Penang international airport. The airport has this aqua marine concept. Everywhere you will see underwater fishes images in the interior. Well I do not know how this relate to the airport though. This area is where you check in to board a plane out of Penang island.

We are UNESCO listed!

2008-07-23T03:20:00.000-07:00

Been having lotsa problems with my laptop.... so am back again.

This is a brochure for the upcoming George Town World Heritage Site Celebrations. It is going to happen in this coming weekend. Will show some good shots to you all. Meanwhile, the programmes are celebrations from all over the town area. There will be prayers, ceremonies, concerts, open house, performances, dances, operas, cultural processions and fireworks.

So see you there!

Cloud Nine

2008-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Unpredictable weather.... rain and shine from day till night. Mostly cloudy... and humid, here shows a coconut tree, dancing with the wind and singing its own true love to Penang.

Design question

2008-07-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Before this building was kind of ugly because of the colour of its roof. Now it has been changed into a brown coloured one, more sensible; which is better than before. It used to be Emerald Green in colour! By the way, this is the place we called the immigration department whereby we get to renew our passport... :)

Some Being Preserved

2008-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have manage to capture a glimpse of this building. It has been renovated to the original state of course, they had to used their own coporate colour. No matter how this building still looks stunning. This is actually the side view of it. Landscaping is on the way, I can't wait to see the final outcome!

Night view

2008-07-12T00:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of the heritage sites in the UNESCO list. It is the Khoo Clan Kongsi Temple. Only during special occasions then the Temple will be lighted during the night. Well, here I manage to snap this shot and give a glimpse of what it looks like during the night.

The Phone Booth

2008-07-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

Found these grey phone booths.... these are the only grey ones that we have in Penang.... all the rest are the usual blue ones. The latest colour for the phone booths are red in colour. Will highlight it next time round!

The Clock Tower

2008-07-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is one of the Penang famous Clock Tower. It is one of the monuments that is well preserved within the Heritage site. Well it was kinda raining while I took this shot here. As you can notice that the clock is still working perfectly well. Occasionally, the bell will ring when there's a festival going on, otherwise the bell won't ring.

Opening Doors

2008-07-09T02:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry all, my laptop has been giving me problems.... took me ahile to repair it! Phew... I'm Back!

I have A very GOOD News to announce here... after all the hassle "GEORGETOWN, PENANG" has finally being selected as ONE of the World New Heritage Site by the UNESCO. It happened so fast and I am so excited about it! The announcement was made on the 7 July 2008, Monday evening, when the Paris-based World Heritage Council met in Quebec, Canada. This is a Great news for us as Penangites! I am so Proud of it.... soon I'll show more photos of those tiny secret lanes and streets in Penang.

Here's a picture of the Old Wooden Door which will definately open to the world outside from here! Congrats to all Penangites! Cheers!

Old Calendar Girls

2008-06-30T03:52:00.000-07:00

If you notice the old picture of a lady posing which is hanging on the right side of the wall; it is actually an original "Old Calendar Girls" poster. The originals are hard to come by these days. It has become a well sought after collectors item. Found these at the Elderweiss cafe in Armenian Street.

Fete de la Music

2008-06-29T17:23:00.001-07:00

This is the Music Festival organised by the Alliance Francais in Penang.

They had the opportunity to stage it on this heritage "Khoo Kongsi" theatre stage;

which is no doubt very unique!

Penang Turf Club

2008-06-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess all turf clubs look almost the same.... I really have no idea, anyways here it shows the people gathering around to see the horses and putting their bet on it! Phew... maybe I'll win some too..... :)

Roast Pork

2008-06-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Roast pork is one of the local food over here where you can simply buy it from the morning market or direct from the hawker stalls who sell plain rice and pork or chicken rice.

Something about fridge magnets

2008-06-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

Well I do not know about other people's refrigerator.... mine's like a wall full of take-aways restaurants, for emergency only... hah! Show me how's your's looks like..... :)

The Palazzo

2008-06-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

Well this is a new condominium which is quite costly; but what I am interested is the facade of this building. It is one of its kind in Penang and it strongly suggest the influences from Taiwan. I have seen some apartment / condominium which looks similar somewhere in Taipei. i wonder who the architect is though.

Hey pal!

2008-06-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hey pal! I just wanna say hi. :)

Flower in a glass

2008-06-23T04:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I simply highlighted these flowers as I want to note down that; we seldom see this kind of flowers bloom in Malaysia... It's so damn hot here and these flowers only grow in colder countries. I dine is this restaurant and they had cut flowers like these all over the restaurant, no wonder the food there are bit more expensive too. Hmmm.... but I still love those flowers, but I do not know their name...

Wall of clocks

2008-06-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

Tick Tock, Tick Tock, a wall full of clocks!

Spiral Moment

2008-06-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Love this spiral staircase, although it does has this unique tiny steps that goes round and round up vertically. I did not walk up though, as my stilettos may stuck in between the stairs!

The counting machine

2008-06-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Seen this one before? Like I say, it's a counting machine. It's a calculator! Bet you have not guess it right. Well, I spot it inside the Museum Cafe named "The Sire". Dine there today with my family for my third wedding aniversary. Awesome!

The Traditional Kitchen

2008-06-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

I bet you don't really get to see this anymore in the new renovated houses. This type of older version of kitchen is not as popular as before as it needs lots of time and manpower to handle it. For example the usage of charcoal is not widely use these days.

Sign on wall

2008-06-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

Interesting sign on the wal, looks like embossing?

Tropical jungle...

2008-06-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

As you can see here, there's indeed a mini tropical jungle created by nature at this building. It is high in the air like one of the babylonian's "Hanging garden". Birds love this new found paradise within the city. ;)

Around town

2008-06-13T03:28:00.000-07:00

Been heading to town to do some chores, I find these windows interesting so I took a picture of it. :) The sign post above the gate post is interesting too. The roof top of this particular building has two mini little roosters, I don't know why they are up there though.

Side Lanes

2008-06-12T03:23:00.000-07:00

This side lane has lots of backpackers around and this yellow coffee shop around the corner just serve the right purpose for backpackers to have meals. Here you can see the Penang's Trishaw parking in front of the coffee shop. PIN SENG hotel is name after Penang which is the Cantonese Chinese pronunciation.

Durian!

2008-06-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Wish you could smell it....... so yummy! My favourite local fruit, Durian!

Pretty Details

2008-06-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

This is the side view of a roof. This building is not a temple but it is a clan temple though. The Chinese honour and remembers their ancestors and fore-fathers here. Found the details near side wall of the roof, and I like the colours and motifs too. It's a pity that I can't show you the details of it though... no zoom lens :(

The Sign

2008-06-09T02:40:00.000-07:00

I find this sign above the door interesting as it says," Phoenix Dancing". I wonder what it means?

Basket for sale?

2008-06-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

All these old bamboo/rattan carrier baskets are not for sale, in fact it is a display of a variaties of baskets where people use when they shop for things in the wet market. As in the old days plastics bags has not even been introduced. The silver carrier are of common use during those days too.

Hot Day!

2008-06-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting hotter these days due to global warming. As you can see here, there are lots of food courts and cafes and outdoor mini bars has these kind of huge fans with sprinkling water to cool down the area. Well, so far it's better than air conditioner which only makes the world become hotter!

The Pigeon Sanctuary

2008-06-05T03:11:00.000-07:00

She has been living here for a long while now, I have observed that she has a partner living together with her and has become their sanctuary.

Oh! My Little Fairy.

2008-06-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

The little fairy is residing in her cage... day dreaming. I created this miniature assemble to reminds me of the day dreaming moments in my life. Those moments are precious to me as we seldom have much time to day dreams these days.

The Abandon Castle

2008-06-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Found this old mansion along "Sultan Azlan Shah Road".

It was really magnificent, curently it is being renovated to the original state.

Bubbling effect...

2008-06-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

Took this illusion of bubbles which showed the 3-D effect on the photo itself :)

Overhead bridge

2008-06-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

This overhead bridge enables the boys school children

link to the other side to the girls school, cool eh?

Carlsberg?

2008-05-31T01:33:00.001-07:00

This is my favourite local Nutmeg juice!

Atap roofing

2008-05-30T03:26:00.000-07:00

Still wonder what's atap roof?

Is it Raining?

2008-05-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well you wonder when I was taking this picture is it raining heavily?

Painted Tiles

2008-05-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Painted tiles are hard to get these days!

Coconut Sorbet

2008-05-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Delicious Coconut Sorbet!

Antique Chair

2008-05-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

An impressive Mother-of-Pearl inlay antique chair with Marble. Guess it's made in the 19th century. These kinds of chairs are still own by a lot of Penangites and place it in their house. Normally they will not sell but will pass it on from generation t o generation; unless if one of the generation are broke then they might sell off to potential buyers.

Old Mansion?

2008-05-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

This beautiful mansion has turned into a comercial building, it's compound is a carpark and its backyard has turned into a giant tall building (coloured purple). It's an eye sore in Penang!

Although new development is needed but has it got to be that bad?

Relaxing ambience

2008-05-23T03:06:00.000-07:00

Found this romantic and relaxing place down town, see those atap roof,kinda cool and we seldom see these in town anymore. Here they serve Malay and Western cuisine. Open at lunch and dinner. Located along Jalan Burma, it's called JempuTree Restaurant. There's a tree house too where you can eat and relax. :)

The Unisex Salon

2008-05-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well you hardly find this kind of unisex salon anymore, most are replaced by modern hair salon in the complex or shops around the neighbourhood. This kind of Salons used t o be very popular in the old days as many people travel to town to done up their hair.

Sheeps?

2008-05-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

For your own interpretration ......

The door

2008-05-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

Look at these door knobs, it has the "Feng Shui map"

or Bagua elements on it in which has eight corners.

Protecting Little Lily

2008-05-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Found these in front of a restaurant. The owner is trying too hard to protect the water lily. It reminds me of parents trying hard to protect their children from being harm and also independence. Later they tend to become like "bubble babies".

Happy Wesak Day!

2008-05-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Went for the prayers at the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) along Burma Road, during the evening so it is not too hot! Tomorrow night there will be a parade! All buddhist gather to pray and get their blessings on Wesak day. Buddhists claim that buddha will help relieve their bad karma, after bathing the little buddha with holy water.

From my Balcony

2008-05-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Just back from Taiping town.... another old town in Perak, Malaysia.

As this blog is about Penang DP, I post this view of the "KOMTAR",

in short for Komplex Tunku Abdul Rahman from my balcony,

which is taken during 9pm in the night.

Peek-a-boo

2008-05-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

Peeping through the door use to be a norm for the ladies inside the house when there's a visitor visiting the house. As women were not allowed to explose themsleves.

The Pinang Peranakan Museum is located at 29 church Street.