What A Quirky Penang Vacation Getaway!

Recently just came back from a vacation at Penang in Malaysia, i have to admit i had one of the best holidays of my life! Whoever have been there were universally excited by their visit. Georgetown, this is hands down the number one place to visit in Penang. Most buildings are weathered down and some abandoned, giving off that charming rustic feel that photographers and culture buffs adore. It a one of a kind city made up of shophouses and in 2008 it was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Singapore doesn't even have one because those titles aren't easy to get! There are so much of history in this area, that you'll see temples and colonial heritage buildings still standing that played historical roles in the city's past. I simply took some time to observe daily life in the town’s narrow backstreets.

George Town Festival (GTF) 2014 will take place in August and during this month-long celebration of the anniversary of inscription of Penang’s capital as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Penangites’ culture and traditions are echoed in dances, street and theatrical performances, art exhibits and many more. However, one must know that revelry of each ethnic community in Penang is almost whole-year-round. The island’s sunny-weather also dictates no biases on when to plan a trip to George Town.

Well-known George Town street names like Armenian Street, China Street, Campbell Street and Beach Street are boldly emblazoned all over the otherwise white vehicle, or a ‘white-colored bullet’  currently parked outside a nice cafe named Mugshot Cafe but what particularly stands out, is the bold blue George Town Festival (GTF) 2014 logo on its front and back. The owner of the white vehicle happens to be a co-owner of the aforementioned cafe too.

A food truck, named the Duchess sells delicious chicken and beef burgers with a tie-in with GTF 2014 to promote the annual culture, arts and heritage festival coming up this August. 

The uniqueness of the food truck, which is non-motorised and needs to be transported using a tow-truck, has drawn quite a lot of attention. 

After GTF 2014, the Duchess will no longer be parked in front of the café but be relocated to a new spot. It will be one of a few other new stalls at the back of the café where plans are underway for alfresco dining. The Duchess is now serving up burgers in front of Mugshot between noon and midnight daily.

Penang’s exotic architecture, intense colors, fascinating cultural mix and lively vibe was a good distraction from a never slowdown Singapore's city lifestyle. Picturesque Penang is cloaked in intrigue and mystery which appealed to my insatiable curiosity.  I brushed myself off and set out to explore Penang’s bustling streets where there’s lots to see and discover. Penang is a great pedestrian town.

Penang is a really charming place which embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world beauty at the same time. Please continue to stay close to my photography blog for more updates soon! Oh yes, there will also be other blog posts on my Hong Kong trip earlier this year which has yet to be completed, for your browsing too! :-)