Jalan Pantai

Colonial bungalows and memories of a shorefront

Extending northward from Rope Walk is the narrow and isolated Jalan Pantai (which in Malay means ‘Beach Road’) where the shoreline once was before being reclaimed. A number of colonial bungalows and quarters still exist here till today, although their appearances reflect the loss of their former glory.

At the beginning of the 1900s a section of the road was called Sikh Lines as this was where the Straits Trading Company set up living quarters for its Sikh workers and their families.

The Japanese imperial army later set up a major police outpost at the Taman Pantai park on the northern side of the road during its occupation in the Second World War.

The park is due for an extensive upgrade in 2016 through a collaboration between Think City and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP).

Other public spots nearby include parks like Taman Jawa at Kampung Jawa off Jalan Bagan Luar and Taman Tugu Demokrasi along Jalan Permatang Pauh (120m from Hotel Aroma).

Also close by is the New Town Public Market on Jalan Bagan Baru 1, which is a wet and dry market accompanied by hawker fare and restaurant cuisine including Dim Sum.