Sunrise and Sunset Scenic Spots @ George Town, Penang
Penang Hill's City Panorama
I read with fascination the history of Penang Hill that a military lookout point to oversee the security of Penang was set up by the British military detachment as early as 1790. From the top of the hill, foreign military vessels entering the Straits of Malacca could be spotted at much further distance. This enabled early signals to be sent to the troops stationed at Fort Cornwallis located in George Town.
With this preconceived notion, I visit Penang Hill anticipating to see a grand panorama of the city with its port perches at the mouth of the Straits of Malacca, where incoming cargo ships can be seen at the far horizon. Infact, I am surprised and stunned by the grandiose and the clarity of the view - The cities of Goerge Town and Butterworth are vividly visible in great detail in the vast open sea of the Straits of Malacca. The skyscrapers in the cities are still lighted up in the early morning hours. They dazzle like thousands of firefly hovering over silky water, whose color has turned into indigo and sapphire, reflecting the hue of the morning sky.
The panoramic view of the cities on top of Penang Hill conjures up historical memory and cultural emotion, it also fills with imagination and vision for tomorrow.
The Skyline of Gurney Bay
From the rocky shores near Padang Kota Lama, the best angle of view to see the skyline of Gurney Bay can be found. The affluent seaside district is seen nestling in tranquility, as it immerges in the greenery of the hills and embraces the openness of the sea. The view evokes an image of "Floating City" in Tropical Paradise - it also epitomizes Gurney Bay with its extensive seaside frontage, green park environment, rich cultural heritages and diverse communities, as the newest, most attractive and desirable "City Center of Tomorrow" in George Town.
Tan Jetty at dawn I
Tan Jetty at Dawn III
Tan Jetty at Dawn IV
An air of tranquility quickly returned to Tan Jetty when the last groups of tourists have left this hot destination. The place usually resumes its quietness and peaceful nature at sunset and sunrise, exuding an atmosphere of carefree spirit and intimate coziness, making it a favorite place for contemplation and watching the times go by.
Tan Jetty has extended far into the open sea, allowing it to set free from the traffic and noise in the Clan Settlement. Its strategic location also enables it to catch the refreshing breezes coming from the sea and to command wider panoramic view of the surroundings.
However, It is the simplicity of its spatial form and composition, set in a specific geographical and cultural location, that is the determining factor for its aesthetic fascination and appeal.
Notes: Tan Jetty, a historic waterfront settlement, is one of the 6 clan jetties that makes up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Penang. It is named after the Tan Clan, who were among the earliest Chinese settlers in Penang around the 19th century.
Decaying Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf - the fishing boats
Decaying Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf - the coastline I
Decaying Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf - the coastline II
Decaying Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf - the wooden shacks
Decaying Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf - the worn jetty I
Decaying Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf - the worn jetty II
Unlike the clan settlement, Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf is unspoilted by modern tourism. This nostalgic landmark of the days gone by still holds its history with charm and authenticity. Its worn jetties and weathered shacks remains as a tribute to the lives of Penang's fisherfolk.
However, as the coastline of Jelutong continues to be redeveloped, the wharf will soon see its days numbered. It is a pity that a piece of Penang's historic past that has constituted the collective memory of the whole communities will soon be erased.
Notes: Jelutong Fishermen's Wharf consists of makeshift piers erected by the fisherfolk to moor their boats and keep their nets, tanks and other fishing equipments.
Penang Trip - Feburary 2024
JS
photography
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