"7 Days in Penang."

"7 Days in Penang," a captivating photo series capturing the essence of Penang, Malaysia. In the aftermath of the global pandemic, I embarked on a 6-hour journey up north to this vibrant cultural melting pot. Penang, renowned for its diverse people, rich traditions, delectable cuisine, unique architecture, and lively lifestyle, provided the perfect canvas for my lens. I devoted nearly 90% of my day to meticulously documenting unfiltered expressions from dawn until dusk, leaving no moment undocumented.

This photo series captures the essence of Penang through a myriad of little characters and faces, each telling its own unique story. From the vibrant streets to the hidden corners, these images invite viewers to explore the narratives and personalities embedded in the diverse tapestry of this city. Each photo unfolds a story, painting a vivid picture of the rich cultural and human experiences found in and around Penang...


7:37am at Lee Jetty, George Town.
7:41am Overlooking the Hean Boo Thean Temple.
"Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple."

"The Tri-Cycle."
"Closing soon."
"That's Crazy."
"That's Crazy."
"The Driver's seat."
"The Driver's seat."
"Monday Afternoon Nap.."
"Hot Day."

8:01am at Lee Jetty, George Town.

"Back to Work.."
"Back to Work.."
"Back to Work.."
"Back to Work.."
"Back to Work.."
"Back to Work.."
"Death Stare.."
"A Rainy Tuesday Morning.."
"Jailed Grandma.."
"Stay Home.."
"The Collector."

Penang Prawn Mee is typically served in a bowl, with the noodles immersed in the flavorful hot and spicy broth. The dish is a gastronomic delight, offering a symphony of flavours that showcase the culinary prowess of Penang's vibrant food scene.

Penang Char Kuey Teow is a delectable Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish that has become a staple in the vibrant street food scene of Penang. Known for its aromatic flavours and delightful textures, this dish is a must-try for food enthusiasts.

The dish is traditionally cooked over high heat in a large wok to achieve the coveted "wok hei" or breath of the wok. This technique imparts a smoky and slightly charred flavour to the noodles, elevating the overall taste.

6:38pm at Presgrave Street Hawker Centre, George Town.

Penang Lobak refers to a popular street food dish originating from Penang, Malaysia. Also known as Ngoh Hiang or Loh Bak, it is a flavorful and savoury snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The dish typically consists of a mixture of minced meat, usually pork or a combination of pork and prawns, seasoned with various spices and herbs. This seasoned meat mixture is then wrapped in bean curd sheets and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

9:19pm at Apom Stall, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town.

Penang Crispy Apom is a delectable street food originating from Penang, Malaysia. These thin, lacy pancakes are made from a batter that typically includes rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Cooked to perfection on a hot griddle, the apom develops a crispy outer layer while maintaining a soft and chewy centre, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and texture. Often enjoyed plain or with toppings such as bananas or grated coconut

8:24pm at Chulia Street Hawker Food, George Town.

Penang Lok-lok is a popular street food dish in Malaysia that involves skewering a variety of raw ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and noodles, onto sticks. These skewers are then cooked in a communal pot of boiling broth or hot water at the dining table. The interactive and communal nature of Penang Loklok, along with the diverse dipping sauces, makes it a flavorful and social street food experience.

Penang Wanton Mee is a popular Malaysian dish originating from Malaysia, known for its combination of thin, yellow egg noodles, succulent wontons (dumplings), Char Siu (barbecue pork), blanched Choy Sum (Chinese mustard greens), and a savoury soy-based sauce.

"Wonton."


"Traditional vintage local stores.."
"11:06pm at George Town.."
"Good Morning George Town."
"This was our walk.."


"Talk to me.."

"The Delivery.."

"The journey to Butterworth, Penang."
2:17pm at Sung Dynasty Wood Carving, Lebuh Carnarvon.
"The Money Cut."

3pm at George Town, Penang.
"Give Help.."
"5:54pm at Air Itam, Penang.."
Air Itam is a suburb located on the island of Penang, Malaysia, and is renowned for being the home of the Kek Lok Si Temple (In the background), one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

"Blue Hour Komtar."

Penang, an island located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is separated from the mainland by the Penang Strait. The island is connected to the mainland by the Penang Bridge. In the heart of George Town, the capital of Penang, stands Komtar (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak), an iconic skyscraper and the tallest building in the city. ( Shot was taken at the viewing deck of Penang Hill ).

"Candy Floss Hour.."
8:17pm at Love Lane, George Town.
"Hope & Despair.."


"9:02pm.."


"Every Last Bite.."

"As the hour passed.."

"Penang Bridge."

The Penang Bridge
is an iconic landmark and a key transportation link in Penang, Malaysia. Stretching over the Penang Strait, it connects the island of Penang to the mainland. This engineering marvel is known for its impressive length, scenic views, and significant role in facilitating transportation and commerce in the region. The bridge has become a symbol of Penang's development and connectivity.

"Blue Hour.."
 "7:00am Rush Hour.."
"The Fishermen Quay.."
Penang's Fishermen Quay is a vibrant and bustling waterfront area that serves as a central hub for the local fishing community. Nestled along the coastline, it is characterized by colourful boats, lively markets, and the distinct aroma of freshly caught seafood.
"Mean Muggin'."
"Fresh Catch."
"Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant ( 1952-2022 )."


It's a poignant moment to witness the closure of a legendary eatery after 70 years of service through my lens. This place has become more than just a restaurant; it's a living testament to the memories and traditions shared by the locals, having been a beloved spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch or even just a cup of tea. My documentation of its final moments serves as a valuable record, capturing the essence of a culinary and cultural heritage that has been a part of the community for decades. As this chapter closes, my photos become a cherished archive, preserving the nostalgia and significance of this iconic eatery for generations to come.
"The Final Morsel.."
"The Mechanic."
"Toh Soon Kopitiam."
Toh Soon Café, often referred to as Toh Soon Coffee, is a famous traditional coffee shop located in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Established in 1936, this heritage coffee shop is renowned for its aromatic Hainanese coffee, toasted bread with kaya (a traditional jam made from eggs, sugar, and coconut milk), and other classic Malaysian breakfast items. The shop's nostalgic ambience and dedication to preserving traditional flavours make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Penang kopitiam (coffee shop) experience.
"The Chest-nutter.."
"Laying Low.."

"The Long Walk Back Home.."

"Munch."

"Life goes on.."

"The Roti Man..@4.17pm"
"Penang Roti Man" likely refers to a mobile vendor or street hawker in Penang who specializes in selling roti. Roti is also known as bread, carrying a diverse selection of packaged bread, crackers, chips, and assorted fried snacks on a bike is a common sight in many places, particularly in vibrant street food cultures like Penang.



"Goddess Of Mercy Temple."

The Goddess of Mercy Temple, also known as Kuan Yin Teng, is one of the oldest and most significant Chinese temples in Penang, Malaysia. This sacred site holds significance as a place of worship and cultural heritage, drawing individuals from various races, ethnicities and backgrounds to partake in spiritual practices and experience the cultural ambience it offers.


"Little Prayer"
"Little Prayer"
"Black & White."
"Black & White."
"The Stranger."
"4:58pm..."
"All Eyes on Me."




"Komtar's Star."
"Komtar's Star."
"Komtar's Star."
"Old Lovers."


"Hungry Ghost Festival."
The Hungry Ghost Festival in Penang is a significant and culturally rich event that takes place annually. Also known as the "Yu Lan Jie" or "Ghost Month," it is observed during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which typically falls in August.
7:51pm at Kimberley Street Night Market.
"Now you see me."  &.  "Now you don't."
Another Penang Loh Bak Stall at Kimberley Street Night Market..
8:35pm at Komtar Bus Station.
The KOMTAR Bus Station is a major transportation hub located in the heart of George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
"8:35pm."
6:17am at Aik Hoe Dim Sum Restaurant.
7:04am at Lim Jetty Temple, George Town.
"10:07am at Dove Jetty."

"The Main Character (i)."

"Catch of the Day?"



"The life we live.."





11:43am at Chowrasta Market.
Chowrasta Market stands as a testament to Penang's rich cultural and historical heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life, commerce, and flavours that define this vibrant city.
"Business as Usual..?"
"Head in the Cloud.."




12:23pm at Tai Tong Dim Sum Restaurant.
"The Lantern-Man."


"Secret Recipe."



"The Main Character (ii)."
9:52am at Sin Guat Keong Kopitiam.
"The Main Character (iii)."

"I'm on my way.."
"If only..."

"What Next?"


7:25pm at Balik Pulau, Penang.
Balik Pulau is a town located on the southwest part of Penang Island, Balik Pulau provides a contrast to the bustling urban areas of Penang, offering a more relaxed and traditional experience. It's a destination for those seeking a taste of local culture, culinary delights, and the charm of rural life on the island.
"Into the Unknown.."




THE END

"As we conclude this photo series through the heart of Penang, each photograph encapsulates not just moments frozen in time but a narrative that transcends the frame. These images are more than pixels; they're the echoes of stories told by the vibrant characters, the whispers of history embedded in the architecture, and the untold emotions captured at every glance. As we bid farewell to this series, may these glimpses of Penang linger in your thoughts, a timeless reminder of a place where every corner holds a tale, every face narrates a history, and every moment invites you to feel the pulse of a city that thrives on its cultural richness. Until the next frame, may your journey be as colourful and captivating as the streets of Penang."

All rights reserved: @hharryhho®

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