Pearl of the Orient - Balik Pulau

Balik Pulau (literally meaning back of the island) is a town in Penang, Malaysia. It takes about a 75min bus ride to get there from Georgetown. Durians and other kinds of fruits are planted there. The area was affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.  – Wikipedia

A typical home in the fishing village at Balik Pulau.

The town centre of Balik Palau with its landmark tower from 100 years ago.

A farmhouse in Balik Pulau. Here, fruit of all sorts are grown and harvested by two brothers.

Pearl of the Orient - Buildings

The architecture of Penang reflects the 171 years of British presence on the island, coalescing with local,Chinese, Indian, Islamic and other elements to create a unique and distinctive brand of architecture. Along withMalacca, Penang is an architectural gem of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

– Wikipedia

A very quiet street on a Sunday afternoon. The one and only Indian mini mart at Lebuh Malayu is the only shop that is open.  Just when i have finished the sketch around 4pm, it closes.

Makan Ban Leong Ean at Armenean Street.  For a moment, a warm gentle breeze blew, and leaves began falling off from the surrounding trees and I thought to myself "Autumn in Penang"!

The white-washed George Town World Heritage Inc at Carnarvon Street. Most of the buildings in the vicinity were built before modern conveniences like air-conditioning, and since white colour reflects the sun and keeps the buildings cool, they were painted white.

Pearl of the Orient - People

Rev Chi Chern does a calligraphy demonstration during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Mr Teoh's son cleans the altar just before the Chinese New Year.

Local students wait for public transportation on a warm day at Lebuh Chulia's bus stop.

An elderly uncle takes a puff at Ban Leong Ean Kopitiam.

Pearl of the Orient - Food

Pearl of the Orient - Food

One thing I love about Georgetown is the variety of food.  Street vendors litter the roads with their mobile carts serving some of the best local delights from noodles to dessert to fruit juice. Not only does the food taste so good, the cost puts every traveller's mind at ease. Here are some of my favourite haunts.

Penang Laksa at Kimberly Street

Wonton Noodle at Chulia Street

Fresh fruit seller Chulia Street

Pearl of the Orient

This next series of my travel sketches were done in Penang, Malaysia. Only an hour away from my hometown, Singapore, it's a great place to get away.  What I love most about Penang is its heritage.  Especially how painstakingly Georgetown preserves its buildings down to the very last detail is immensely intriguing.  ENJOY!

Two-storey shop houses at Beach Street during the Pre-Chinese New Year celebrations.

Kedai Basical Shop

Upon finishing this sketch, the owner appeared out of nowhere and bought the piece of art.

Cambell Street Market

The old market with the fairly modern Komtar Tower in the background.