Home & Away with Robert Walshe
Holiday Hotspot – Penang Malaysia
A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. Incorporated with Singapore and Malacca, Penang was the seat of the Straits Settlements, an extension of the British Raj, which in 1867 became a crown colony. Colonial Penang thrived. Trade in pepper, spices, Indian piece goods, betel nuts, tin, opium and rice was bountiful. While Singapore later came to prominence, owing to its better position and ability to service
Clovehall Residence Penang Malaysia.
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steamships, Penang remained one of the most important ports; most notably for China, India, Siam, Sumatra, Java and Britain. Like most Malaysian cities George Town is a patch quilt, multicultural hotspot comprising mainly of Malays, ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indians. The city seems quite relaxed, as restaurants, small shops, and mall shops don’t fully open until around noon. If you’re waking up early, be sure to look for Chinese Dim Sum stalls as they are only available in the morning. Today, the town
is known for its well-preserved colonial core, considered one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia, with original shop houses dating from the 19th century to the 1930s still surviving, together with their trades of old.Street markets and hawkers continue to be a part of daily life, and the atmosphere is often likened to that of Singapore back in the 1960s and 1970s. Penang has one of the biggest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the whole island’s Northeastern coast. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its scrumptious cuisines. Kebaya restaurant at the gorgeous Seven Terraces Hotel offers diners a true taste of Award winning cusine at Peranakan food withKebaya Penang Malaysia. out having to go too far out of town. It has developed an excellent reputation for refined Baba-Nyonya food (with the kitchen placing strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients in its cooking), as well as its delightful décor and impeccable service. www.7terraces.com Clove Hall is a small boutique hotel in the centre of Georgetown.
Historic Georgetown Penang Malaysia
For years it is considered one of the most beautiful places to stay on the island, and it has been rewarded with the Trip advisor Traveler’s Choice award several times. The beautiful Edwardian AngloMalay bungalow was thoroughly renovated before it became a hotel and everything was restored to its original state. There is a lovely colonial atmosphere about it. The house is immaculately decorated with beautiful tiled floors, dark wood antique furnishings and interesting artworks adorning the walls. There are six rooms in total, each with a grand colonial design each room named after a well known spice. Breakfast is also excellent. The day before you can indicate your preferences. There is a real home from home feel here, with owners Jim and Jo Lim on hand to recommend the best local restau-
rants or book you a taxi into town. www.clovehall.com Air Asia or Malaysian Airlines offer connections to Penang via Kuala Lumpur. www. airasia.com. Turkish airlines offer super connections from Dublin via Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. On long-haul flights, first, business & economy class passenger’s feast on authentic Turkish and international dishes and the “in flight” experience leaves other carriers trailing far behind. The CIPR business lounge for passengers connecting at Istanbul to KL will leave you breathless and for me is the finest of its kind in the world. For best fares visit www.turkishairlines.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland. He is also Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com