My family went to Penang to reward ourselves after 2 years of stressful care-giving duties to my late father. I also took the opportunity to find out if Penang is a good retirement place for me.
We visited a fair bit of attractions, some left deep impression while majority were just ok for me. Historical architecture left behind by the British colony are everywhere in Penang. Many colonial-era houses are being utilized by the companies like banks and insurance companies to help conserve and maintain these buildings.
Two attractions left an impression on me: Peranakan Mansion (娘惹文化馆) and Khoo Kongsi (邱公司). The Peranakan Mansion features rich Peranakan style in their décor and architecture, especially their opulent lifestyle where I was treated to an eye feast of tons of gold and diamond jewellery. Pernakan style is a mixture of east (Chinese) meets west (English) décor. I have taken several pictures showcasing their furniture and the jewellery. We were also taken to visit their ancestral altar, which in the past, is only reserved for family members.
We visited a fair bit of attractions, some left deep impression while majority were just ok for me. Historical architecture left behind by the British colony are everywhere in Penang. Many colonial-era houses are being utilized by the companies like banks and insurance companies to help conserve and maintain these buildings.
Two attractions left an impression on me: Peranakan Mansion (娘惹文化馆) and Khoo Kongsi (邱公司). The Peranakan Mansion features rich Peranakan style in their décor and architecture, especially their opulent lifestyle where I was treated to an eye feast of tons of gold and diamond jewellery. Pernakan style is a mixture of east (Chinese) meets west (English) décor. I have taken several pictures showcasing their furniture and the jewellery. We were also taken to visit their ancestral altar, which in the past, is only reserved for family members.
Another highly recommended place is Khoo Kongsi. This small building – which they called it a clan house – was one of the locations where Anna & King was filmed. The building has a lot of intricate carvings, but what stood out to me were firstly, meanings behind the paintings which often depicts integrity, ethics and other Confucianism values. Secondly, the ancestors were all officials in the past and descendants are all either lawyers or justices of the peace. That to me is amazing!!!
When it comes to food in Penang, it is best to ask the local driver (preferably a Chinese because Penang is a Chinese-dominated state in Malaysia) to drive you to places that he visits himself. I made the mistake of following the bloggers’ recommendations on internet and it was disappointing. My sister made the decision to let the driver bring us to whatever places he ate himself and it was FABULOUS! So do that if you are planning to visit Penang.
Lastly, a massage in Penang is totally worth it and I recommend Pinang Spa House. Look for the thai masseur who is in her 40s. She is very experienced and very good with her massages.
Lastly, a massage in Penang is totally worth it and I recommend Pinang Spa House. Look for the thai masseur who is in her 40s. She is very experienced and very good with her massages.
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