Triumph of modern British engineering in a remote corner of Seberang Perai
For almost an entire century folks at a rural northeastern quarter of Seberang Perai called Pinang Tunggal were familiar with a solid black-coloured wrought iron bridge that hulked over the Muda River.
A forlorn and fascinating remnant of Penang’s age-old border intrigue
Who would have thought that one of the oldest and most significant relics of Penang’s ancient border politics would lie quietly, undisturbed in the open, at a far-flung and unknown corner of the state for more than a hundred years?
An epic edifice where gods descend on Earth
This is the most famous place of worship in Raja Uda, and indeed in the whole of Seberang Perai. The intricately designed Tow Boo Kong Temple sited on the northern end of Jalan Raja Uda was built in honour of the Nine Emperor Gods.
Unleashing creative energies in the urban realm
Jalan Raja Uda may be better known for its food, festivals, temples and streetscapes, but of late a series of fresh creative expressions of art have burst into the scene, adding another novel layer of fascination to the area.
The surprising and little-known urban coastal public park of Butterworth
Penangites are very familiar with popular beachside recreational sites for the public in several urban areas on the island. They know of Gurney Drive, the Esplanade, Karpal Singh Drive and Queensbay. Few people, however, are aware of Pantai Robina on the mainland.
A marvellous blend of aesthetics and mythology from ancient China
Flaunting vibrant and scintillating traditional architecture, this new major religious landmark constructed in 2015 is also remarkable in that it features two main divine maternal deities – the Guan Yin Ting (Goddess Kuan Yin) and the Dou Mu Gong (Goddess Tou Mu Kung).
A historic Buddhist sanctuary gifted by the Siamese of Butterworth
Located in Sungai Puyu, north of the Raja Uda area, this tranquil and idyllic Siamese temple is nestled amid a lush and peaceful setting, away from the bustle of Butterworth town.
It was built prior to the Second World War by the Siamese community that once thrived here. Today it is among a handful of other Siamese religious temples and monasteries in the state of Penang, including others in Penanti and Bukit Mertajam on the mainland, and at Burma Road on the island. These were the places where there were important Siamese settlements that have now either dwindled or disappeared.
Potpourri of delicacies, pub grubs and more, all in one single thoroughfare
While Penang island is better known as a food paradise among tourists and local Malaysians alike, the exciting and spectacular gastronomic fare along the 3.5km stretch of Jalan Raja Uda has been a secret hitherto known and appreciated only by Butterworth folks. The diversity of mostly Chinese and western choices available here makes it among the most alluring food destinations in the northern region. These include an array of vegetarian cuisine due to the presents of prominent Toaist and Buddhist temples in the area.
A humble and enduring Catholic icon of Malaysia
Passing by Jalan New Ferry, one cannot help but be struck by the charming sight of a humble wooden church building which has existed here since the parish’s inception in 1935. The first Rev Father J.B. Souhait, priest of the Church of the Assumption in George Town, oversaw its construction to provide spiritual support for Catholics and educational facilities for all on the mainland.