Where to stay : The Permai Residence

The Permai Residence is located in Tanjung Bungah , the north coast of Penang Island. We are right smack in between George Town Heritage Zone and Batu Ferringhi. Residents of Tanjung Bungah move at a “designed” determined pace (meaning not slow but purposely leisured ),  we like our morning routines, our designated market days, our…

Island Gripes : Our Love / Hate relationship with tourists

We love hosting, we LOVE that people Love our island. But just some comments and actions may rub us the wrong way. Don’t get me wrong, we know we are not perfect, I have a long long list of how arrogant us locals can be to each other, but this,  this your list.  Hopefully these…

Suara Asean marks the start of George town festival 2017 

Penang Local has been busy reviewing events from the opening weekend of George town festival.  The sensational Suara asean last night marked the start of the annual month long George town festival.  It’s a show that gives tribute to South East Asian voices and celebrates our traditions and culture.  The line up includes: The Penang…

George town, Penang celebrates its heritage 

Fancy bumping into this Chinese god in Penang. This weekend George town celebrates it’s heritage with Street activities and story telling. George town, Penang is a Unesco world heritage site. Today celebrates it’s 9th anniversary since its listing.  George town is a multi cultural and multi ethnic city thanx to it’s historical importance as a…

Shopping: Batik ,a tribute to Mother Nature

There are many many stories and debates on the origin of Batik. In Malaysia most will lay claim that it originated from our direct ancestors, the Indonesians. It is a tedious, disciplined process of making designs on fabric. The artist will use wax to “block” dye from penetrating the cloth, leaving blank areas in the…

Street Markets : Stubbornly, Jalan Kuala Kangsar , in photos

Jalan Kuala Kangsar is part of the 4 crossroads surrounding the infamous, newly renovated Chowrasta Market , read in depth about the transition from yester-years and present here, by Penang Monthly magazine. There has been an underlying growl on change in this part of town. Street markets play a big role in our heritage, it…

Beach Town Ferringhi, eating on the coastal road.

Batu Ferringhi is towards the northern tip of the island. Its pretty vibrant on holidays, plan to leave your vehicles parked all weekend long. Better yet, don’t bring your car on to the island. If walking with kids around this beach town, watch out for traffic on narrow streets. Be weary when you’re walking on…

Restaurant Review: At Chok Dee Thai 

This here, is where we go , at least once a month, when we’re all in town. There are  usually 6 of us, sometimes 8 , if we can manage to sync our calendars. At Chok Dee Thai Restaurant  , its a family affair (friends who have become family). A handful of round tables scatter the dining room,…