George Town Traders & Living Culture Tour

Itinerary

Discover the history and cultural variety of Penang through this tour of the traditional trades. The first stop is the Chowrasta Market (‘Chowrasta” is a Tamil word meaning 4 junctions), where Indian merchants once sold their wares. Here, one will still see a Spring Roll Skin (similar to a paper-thin crepe) maker plying a trades which has spanned over 3 generations. Other traditional food vendors along the walk include a Yu Char Kuih (fried flour stick), hand-made noodles, local vegetable sellers, fish-mongers and many more local products. Proceed to Campbell Street followed by a walk to Kapitan Kling Mosque. This mosque, built in 1804 by Indian Muslims, is located on Buckingham Street. Along the way you will see Tim Sum Restaurants, sundry shops, goldsmiths and many more shops that make up the commerce of Penang. Crossing into Chulia Street, visit the Teowchew ancestral Temple where the culture and beliefs of the Chinese are expressed through the craftsmenship of the early Chinese migrants. The next stop is the Sri Maha Mariamman Indian temple built in 1833. Set in the midst of Little India, this is where you get to see the Spices shops operated by the Indian Muslims, Teh Tarik stalls where people will have their breakfast, Barbers, Indian Goldsmiths, Samosa (is a kind of pastry with fillings inside and deep fried) stalls, Indian Florists, Songkok Makers and many more. Nearby is the oldest Chinese Temple; the Kuan Yin Temple built in 1800 by the Cantonese and Hokkien people and a visit to a traditional Joss Stick (incense) maker. The last stop will be at St George Church, the oldest Anglican Church built in 1816, which also has the memorial of Francis Light.

Note: There will be a break for Tea Tarik and some light India snacks at one of the eating outlets plus a short trishaw ride.

This tour was featured in Jet Star Airway’s top immersive experiences in Asia.