Malaysia — George Town; Hitting Armenian Street and Chew Jetty


Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

When I left you last week, I was about to show you Armenian Street (Gat Lebuh Armenian), George Town, on Penang Island, Malaysia. Today we’re going to continue that tour, then stroll out onto Chew Jetty, the largest and most famous of George Town’s clan jetties. But before we discuss Chew Jetty, let’s concentrate for no on what makes Armenian Street worth a visit. For one thing, Armenian Street lies deep within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. For another, Armenian Street greets you with lots of quaint shops, lively restaurants, and some really cool architectural details:

Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

Seemingly everyone gets in on the act by decorating their places of business:

Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

The gentle curve of the street helps frame shots nicely:

Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

Don’t forget to look up as well for vibrant color and whimsical fun:

Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

But perhaps the most famous sights on Armenian Street is the street art. And the most famous example of this street art is a 2012 piece by Lithuanian born, London trained artist Ernest Zacharevic, and his work here is titled Little Children on a Bicycle.

Little Children on a Bicycle at GPS coordinates 5.414694N, 100.338238E

Continuing east southeast on Armenian Street eventually leads you to the largest and most famous of George Town’s famed Chinese Clan Jetties — the Chew Jetty. Chew Jetty was founded as a small fishing village by the Chew family, who still reside there, but it has grown to become a collection of small shops, homes, and other businesses that have their own charm. The Chew family even have their own Chew Jetty Temple:

Chew Jetty Temple, Chew Jetty, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

But remember, Chew Jetty started out as a fishing village and it still retains some of that originating flavor:

(ba-dum… ba-dum… ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum) “Sh… sh… sh… SHARK!”

As you walk along the jetty, take a look across the water to the Lim Jetty and the Malayan Railway Clock Tower (Wisma Kastam) beyond:

Lim Jetty and Malayan Railway Building and Clock Tower

When you get out to the end of the Chew Jetty, face southwest for a view of the colorful Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple:

Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple “Floating Temple”

On Wednesday I’ll show you another George Town sight — Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a.k.a., George Town Mansion.

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Fun Photo Friday — Penang Favorites 1


Fishing Boats

Today I present the first of four Fun Photo Fridays featuring Penang Island favorites:

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Malaysia —Dhammikarama, Choo Chay Keong, and Armenian Street


Long-tailed macaque

In today’s article we’ll finish up with two photos of Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, then head over to Choo Chay Keong Temple before finishing up on Armenian Street. Along the way we’ll drive by a colorful Hindu temple with some really elaborate exterior details. So, lots to see and do, starting with those two photos of Dhammikarama Burmese Temple:. And whereas you saw the grounds on Monday, today I’ll treat you to pictures of the 27-foot/8.2-meter gilded standing Buddha as well as the altar containing a statue of Buddha in a teaching posture:

27-foot/8.2-meter gilded standing Buddha
Buddha altar, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

After our tour group gathered and reboarded our bus, we headed toward Choo Chay Keong Temple, but not before passing yet another Hindu temple for some quick shots taken from the bus:

Hindu Temple, Penang
Hindu Temple, Penang

It was only about a ten-minute drive from Dhammikarama to Choo Chay Keong, which is located at the corner of Cannon and Armenian in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It’s small, but it’s worth a stop. That’s especially true as you’re now seconds away from the world-famous murals of Armenian Street.

Choo Chay Keong Temple

Also known as Yap Kongsi Temple, this structure was built in 1924, and it was built as an ancestral clan house. The “Yap” and “Kongsi”names derive from the Lum Yeong Tong Yap Kongsi clans. Now for a quick look inside:

Choo Chay Keong Temple
Choo Chay Keong Temple

Now let’s head out onto Armenian Street. I’ll be showing you some really neat sights, including murals, next week. Until then, here’s a little something to whet your appetite:

Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia
Armenian Street, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia

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