SOUND TRACKS PENANG LOCAL GUIDE
PUBLISHER Alan Miller EDITORIAL MANAGER Frances Welch ART DIRECTOR Ben Mollica INTERNS Daniela Barhanna & Morgan Robertson MARKETING Wes Martin, Molly Kodros, Megan McCredie ADVERTISING West Coast Maria Sauer maria@WeAreCOLLiDE.com
East Coast Monique Gilbert monique@wearecollide.com COLLiDE is a Cannes Lions award winning North American boutique marketing agency weaving brands into the cultural fabric in meaningful ways. weareCOLLiDE.com CultureCOLLiDE.com
HARD ROCK GUIDE TO PENANG is published by COLLiDE AGENCY INC, 5514 Wilshire Blvd, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA. HARD ROCK GUIDE TO PENANG is not responsible for anything, including the return or loss of submissions, or for any damage or other injury to unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Any submission of a manuscript or artwork should include a self addressed envelope or package of appropriate size, bearing adequate return postage. 2
©2019 COLLiDE AGENCY INC. all rights reserved
CONTENTS WELCOME TO PENANG PART 1: LOCAL GUIDE 06. Meet Your Guides 07. Food 08. Drink 09. Venues 10. Landmarks 11. Outdoors
PART 2: EXPLORE THE HOTEL 13. A Snapshot of Your Stay 14. 5 Hotel Corners to Explore 16. Live from Penang 18. VIP Treatment: Live Like A Rock Star 22. The Stuff of Legends: Memorabilia Tour
3
4
shenzhen
WELCOME TO
Penang Situated on the west coast of Malaysia and consisting of both Penang Island (Pulau Pinang) and the mainland facing the island (Seberang Perai), the “Pearl of the Orient” has one of the most colorful cultural mixes in the region. With Malay, Chinese, Indian and British influences that extend to everything from architecture to food, Penang is one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations. The pristine beaches and gorgeous scenery don’t hurt either. With an abundance of natural beauty to explore, Penang is perfect for both the relaxed getaway and far-flung adventure. Did we mention the food? The state is a foodie’s paradise, providing hungry visitors with a delicious mish mash of Asian cuisine. So who better to guide you than the musicians and artists that know this place best? As you scroll through these pages, discover where to eat, drink and explore through the eyes of a local. Welcome to Penang.
5
MEET YOUR
Chelsea Ng Chelsia Ng is a singer and actress from Penang in Malaysia. She made her debut in the entertainment industry in the English-language sitcom “Kopitiam,” and she has since made appearances in various films and TV shows in Malaysia. In 2013 she released her debut album Here With You, and it was repackaged and re-released in 2014.
Jazzhats
A musical quartet formed in Penang Malaysia in 2009, the JazzHats in comprised of Frankie Chai on Bass, Ken Eoh on Piano / Keyboards, Amy on Drums and Lili on Percussion. Fronting the group with his soulful voice is singer Ray Rozells. Each member of the group has been in the industry for years, in different bands, all over Penang before coming together as a group. The band’s sound has been described as “LA smooth rhythm & blues jazz style,” and they have been featured in a number of shows around the island.
Sada Borneo Sada Borneo is a Malaysian band formed in Penang in 2013 and consists of six members, all from different parts of Malaysia. The group aspired to create a new sound for Malaysian music by fusing traditional, modern, ethnic and natural elements. The name “Sada Borneo” means “The sound of Borneo.” The band gained popularity after representing Malaysia in AXN’s Asia’s Got Talent in 2015, being to only Malaysian group to make it to the semifinals.
6
Chelsea Ng recommends
CHIN’S
“Don’t forget to order the lobster noodles. They also have an excellent vegetarian menu upon request. Great food, excellent service and a killer view.”
Sada Borneo recommends
RESTOREN NIPAH
“They have the ‘suspended meal’ concept. You can have a meal and also help feed people who are less fortunate. We would order Ayam Pecal, Nasi Burung Puyuh, Green Curry Sambal, and iced coffee (highly recommended).”
Jazzhats “[I recommend] any local restaurants as they still maintain the original cooking style as well as the taste.”
7
Chelsea Ng recommends
NARROW MARROW
“Love the vibe there. Try the Toddy cocktails there and the homemade cakes.”
Sada Borneo recommends
CHINA HOUSE
“They have a very relaxing ambience and amazing live band performances. For drinks we would order cold beers, mojito or orange juice (because some of us dont drink alcohol). However, our favorite is the various options of cakes to choose from and they come in generous portions.”
Jazzhats
recommends
HARD ROCK HOTEL
“Hard Rock Hotel Penang as they are very professional in all sorts of drink.”
8
Chelsea Ng recommends
RAIN GARDEN CAFE
“On Thursday evenings, The Endangered Species performs at Rain Garden Cafe in Pulau Tikus. They, as their name suggests, are members of an endangered species indeed. Uncle Casey, the lead singer of the band is the oldest member and is in his 80s. Love them! Another great place to go is The Penang House Of Music in Komtar.”
Sada Borneo recommends
HIN BUS DEPOT
“A lot of artistic events (music, fine arts, pop-up markets) almost every week.”
Jazzhats
recommends
HARD ROCK HOTEL
“Hard Rock Hotel lobby as it has the best entertainment”
9
Chelsea Ng recommends
KELAWEI ROAD
“[I recommend] the trees along Kelawei & Western Road. These giants never fail to remind me about the things I love about home.”
Sada Borneo recommends
PENANG STATE MUSEUM
“Penang State Museum is full of Penang’s histories. Also the Protestant Cemetery (jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) because a lot of famous historical figures from the 19th and 20th were buried there such as Francis Light and Thomas Leonowens. The cemetery is very peaceful and calming eventhough it is located in the city.”
Jazzhats
recommends
PULAU BETONG
“Pulau Betong in Balik Pulau as it has one of the most beautiful scenery of beach and hills.”
10
Chelsea Ng recommends
PENANG BOTANICAL GARDENS
“The Penang Botanical Gardens because I love trees.”
Sada Borneo recommends
PADANG KOTA LAMA
“Good outdoor space to hangout with friends as the area is beautiful and also facing the sea. The areas are surrounded by various eating places to choose from.”
Jazzhats
recommends
YOUTH PARK
“Youth Park as it is well maintained and good to reenergise your body and soul.”
11
EXPLORE THE HOTEL A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR STAY 5 HOTEL CORNERS TO EXPLORE LIVE FROM PENANG VIP TREATMENT: LIVE LIKE A ROCK STAR THE STUFF OF LEGENDS: A MEMORABILIA TOUR
12
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR STAY 250 Guest Rooms 17 Suites 4 Restaurants 2,400sqm Free-Form Pool 6 Meeting Spaces Rock Royalty® Level Rock Om® Body Rock® Fitness Center Rock Shop® Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club™ Teens Club 13
H OT E L CO R NERS TO
EXPLORE 1
H A RD ROC K CA FE
2
TH E S H AC K
3
BO DY RO CK
4
RO C K S PA
5
ROXIT Y K I D ’ S CLU B
Located at the Ground Floor of the hotel, the Hard Rock Cafe Penang is the place to jam any time of the day in Penang. The cafe features a live band stage and a Rock Shop which offers Hard Rock’s latest and limited edition merchandise. Enjoy everyday Rockin’ Hours from 05.00pm till 08.00pm and daily band performance from 10.30pm till 2.
Enjoy a cocktail while half submerged in the pool. The swim-up bar serves a variety of international and local beverages in a unique setting. If you are staying in the Lagoon Deluxe Room, be surprised as our servers bring food and drinks to your private deck from the pool.
Remember to pack your gym gear on your visit to Hard Rock Hotel Penang. No excuses. With an extensive range of equipment and stunning poolside views, you will love rocking hard and exercising harder! Open 7.00 am to 9.00 pm, daily.
Enjoy a range of services such as massages, body scrubs, body wraps, facials, manicure & pedicure and hair removal with a full host of amenities. Signature treatments include Hard Rock Massage, Hot Rock Massage and Rhythm and Motion treatments. Rock Spa Operating Hours: 9.00am – 9.00pm, daily
Roxity Kids Club gives little ones a chance to hang with the coolest crew around, the Roxtars. These colorful characters bring an undeniably awesome mix of personality and pep to our world. From Skiddley the lead singer with a sax to Styler the punk princess with a killer fashion sense, they invite you to let your own originality shine.
1
2
3
4
5
L I V E FR O M
PENANG Hard Rock is synonymous with music, good fun and entertainment and Hard Rock Hotel Penang offers a plethora of options. For live music hit up the Lobby Lounge which hosts live acts Friday-Sunday or check out the Hard Rock Cafe, with music every night of the week. Fun Fact: Famous past performers include Mizz Nina, The Wailers, DJ Leng Yein, Zainal Abidin, Ella. Dia Frampton and Faizal Tahir.
Other activities include the Ultimate Foam Party every first Saturday of the month at the poolside. Or if you’re feeling charitable, partake in the Rock to Rock Run or the Rock-A-Duck. Rock to Rock Run was established to raise awareness and funds. The annual charitable run has benefited 6 non-profit organizations in the past and will continue to sustain its motto to “Take Time to Be Kind.” Dress up and have fun running for a cause along the scenic coast located in Batu Ferringhi. For Rock-A-Duck, Hard Rock Hotel Penang decided to raise funds for a good cause. A total of 20,000 limited edition rubber ducks were produced — 10,000 sold to donors while the other 10,000 were released into the swimming pool at Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Each rubber duck was sold with 3 grand prizes. During the event, Chief Minister of Penang, the honorary Mr Lim Guan Eng selected three rubber ducks from the swimming pool and announced the lucky winners. 17
THE V IP TRE ATME NT
18
ROCK
L IVE LIKE A
STAR
19
R O CK R OYA LTY
With a large swimming pool and facilities that cater to families, there is nowhere more luxurious than Hard Rock Hotel Penang to spend your holiday. With a contemporary feel, all rooms are well-designed and equipped with Wi-Fi connections, BOSE Sound Sytems, Handy Phone and 50-inch LED screen TVs. All rooms and suites are tastefully furnished with CD music system, DVD player, international satellite TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, minibar and IDD telephone as well as a hairdryer, in-room safe, iron and ironing board. Inter-connecting rooms are also available.
20
SPOT L I G H T: WH AT TO EAT CHAR KOAY TEOW A Penang favorite, Char Koay Teow translates to “stir-fried ricecake strips.” While the popular noodle dish is served throughout Malaysia, the Penang version tops all others.
PENANG LAKSA Sweet, sour and spicy, Penang Assam Laksa–commonly referred to as “laksa” by Penangites–is a dish you don’t want to miss. It consists of noodles in a spicy fish broth topped with various shredded vegetables.
STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE MOCKTAIL This signaure Hard Rock Cafe drink combines fresh strawberries and basil muddled together with made-from-scratch lemonade.
PRINCE COCKTAIL A refreshing beverage, the Prince Cocktail is a combination of Absolut Vodka, pineapple juice muddled with peaches and basil leaves topped with Ginger Ale. 21
TH E ST UF F O F L EG E N DS
A MEMORABILIA TOUR 1
10,0 0 0 M A NI ACS G U I TAR
2
A LIC IA K E YS D R E SS
3
ELTO N J OH N SU I T
4
LA DY G AG A OU TFI T
5
RO BBIE W I L L I A M S SU I T
Though a talented and successful band in their own right, 10,000 Maniacs is mostly known as the band that launched Natalie Merchant’s career. This Diamond guitar was signed by all members of the group.
Full name is Alicia Augello Cook, born in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan on 25th January 1981. She started playing piano at the age of 7 and majored choir by the age of 14. She has had 22 songs in the Billboard Hot 100. Mega-talented singer/songwriter Alicia Keys wore this fringed dress onstage.
Sir Elton John wore this whimsical suit when he appeared on Disney’s ‘Total Minnie’ television program on 25th March 1988.
One of the defining artists of the 20th Century, Lady Gaga is unmatched in her ability to be provocative and challenging while maintaining a mass audience appeal. Thats an incredibly impressive accomplishment in the fickle world of pop music. Her completely over-the-top style has made her an icon of both music and fashion. She wore this Ming Ma outfit during a BBC interview in 2013.
Bristish pop superstar Robbie Williams wore this gray suit on stage.
1
2
3
4
5
6
PAT BE N ATA R G U I TA R This classic B.C. Rich Bich guitar was signed by longtime Pat Benatar guitarist, Neil Giraldo. With massive hits like “You Better Run”, “Heartbreaker”, and “Love is a Battlefield”, Pat Benatar was one the biggest stars of the 1980s. Neil also has the unique distinction of being the first guitarist ever shown on MTV.
7
S LIP K NOT M ASK & J U MPS UI T
8
RA M MST E I N SU I T
9
T. REX J U M P S U I T
10
Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Iowa that was founded in Septmeber 1995. Other than being known for their odd song and style, this band was actually formed in a petrol station! Frontman, Corey Taylor, of extreme metal icons, Slipknot, wore this mask and jumpsuit on stage.
Frontman, Till Lindemann, of German industrial metal pioneers, Rammstein, wore this reflective suit on stage while performing at the Rosenball Charity event in Vietnam in 2002.
This satin jumpsuit belonged to one of the greatest rock stars of all time - T. Rex frontman Marc Bolan. In addition to his name, it has “Easy Action” embroidered down one leg. Marc can be seen wearing it in the 1972 film ‘Born to Boogie.’ A concert film with a few comic vignettes, ‘Born to Boogie’ was directed by none other than than Ringo Starr.
C H RIST I NA AG U I L E RA D R E SS Pop Icon Christina Aguilera is one the the most naturally gifted vocalists for the last 50 years. Her multioctave soprano voice has driven a string of hits and she’s widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the world. Christina wore this dress when she appeared on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ on September 13th 2013.
6
7
8
9
10