Penang Time Tunnel - The History Museum

I have always wanted to see the Penang mural art since forever but my dad always said that it's too hot to be taking photo outdoor and stuff. Most of them is because when we finally finish our food adventure, it would be too late already as it is already getting dark. Since it was outdoor, we couldn't get any photo if it was dark

Anyway, this time I found an indoor mural art place. So dad did not have anymore excuses. So, I was actually looking to for the 3D trick art musuem but it was closed and we ended up at Time Tunnel Penang.  

Brief summary about the place

Penang Time Tunnel recounts the history of Penang from the earliest day to the present day and they are all arrange in chronological order. Visitor will follow a darken passage and are told about various chapters on the island history from 1592 and gradually moving towards prosperity and harmony on the present day.

According to the museum, Penang was named after betel nut palms. The name Pinlang-yu which was mention in Admiral Cheng Ho's nautical chart which was drawn in the early 15th century. When James Lancaster passed by in 1592 and sheltered in Pulau Jerejak, he recorded the island that to it as Pulau Pinaon. 

Penang Island was already holding pockets of Malay and Chinese settlements in the form of coastal and estuarine villages when Francis Light arrive in Penang. The founding of Penang as the British settlement of Prince of Wales Island was recorded by the museum. 

The museum has many exclusive document such as agreement, handwritten will and photos of Penang of the olden days. 

There I was entering the tunnel and ready to learn about the history of Penang. I only knew it briefly when I was studying history back in form 5. Here, they were much more detail.

Along the passage way of history, they even set up a few things such as the Baba Nyonya Wares and Wear, Traditional Chinawares and Utensils and also the money at that time and a few of other significant stuff. Pictures are as below.

I found the foot binding really interesting as it was actually one of our Chinese custom in the Sang Dynasty at which girl at the age of 5 had their feet bound to grow longer than 3 inches. WOW. It actually signifies good upbringing and family background. There u have it the picture of the before and after bone structure. They were to wear the pair of shoes (which was really small). Interesting isn't it ? 

The Olden days Workers Quarters

Some of our monies back at the olden days..... 

Fun facts : Writings on the coins are actually the name of the emperor at the time the coin was used. 

120 years ago (top) and current (bottom)

Penang has indeed improved a lot and is really well developed currently. Throughout the years, they had a lot of awards and recognition as well, as a tourist area and also for their food. 

Well, this place not only had the history of Penang, it also has a lot of 3D mural art as well. There were a lot of people so it got a little harder taking photos but it still didn't stop me.

Being the greedy me, how could I refuse a plate of nasi lemak?? 

This was a fail shot. It was really hard to adjust and we could not get the right angle. As there were many people waiting to take photo as well, we had to just move on :(

Yup, you are looking at it right. I am on the ceiling :DDD

It was totally worth going in there and even the entrance fee is pretty reasonable. Since I was a student, I only had to pay Rm10. Considering if there is trick art in other country, I am pretty sure it will be much more expensive. 

Its open daily from 9.15am to 7.00pm and the last admission would be at 6.00pm.

Entrance fees are :

Adult      : RM25  With My Kad : RM15
Children : RM15                            RM 7 

Student   : RM15                           RM10

The whole tour around the museum will take you about approximately 1 hour but if you are going to take perfect photos and when it is crowded, it would probably take you longer. I would say it is a place worth visiting especially you can enjoy the mural art indoors. =) 

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Penang Food Adventure

Mini getaway to Penang before my brothers start schooling again. Gotta say I am so excited because I haven't been here for awhile. Anyway, these are the top few favourite and famous shops I visited in Penang this time.

1. Air Itam Asam Laksa

                             

The old man above is the maker of this mouthwatering Asam laksa. He totally own it. I am usually not a fan of Asam Laksa but this is really good. I don't fancy spicy food but this bowl was good enough to keep me eating despite the burning feeling in my mouth. 

                             

The soup was thick and full of flavour with the shredded fish. There is lot of vegetables and they taste good all together. The price a bowl was RM4.00 which was reasonable. It was quickly served and there wasn't much waiting. Definitely should try this out. :)

Air Itam Market
Pasar Road
11500 Air Itam Penang
GPS Coordinates: N05 24.072 E100 16.6773

2. Siam Road Char Kuay Teow

                  

One of my favourite food is Char Kuay Teow. This is one of the few famous Char Kuay Teow in Penang. I personally still prefer the Lorong Selamat Char Kuay Teow. The unique thing of this store which differentiate them from others is that it uses charcoal as their main source of fire. 

This plate contain variety ingredient such as the prawns, Chinese sausage, bah Yu pok (not sure what is it called in English), si ham and also vegetables. Only for RM5.50 for large The small one is RM4.00. It was a good plate of Char Kuay Teow despite it being a bit too oily. The prawn is crunchy and everything was just well done, not over cooked.

Be warned that the waiting time for it is long. I waited almost an hour before it came but for me, it was worth it as it was a good plate. If you are also looking for good coffee, you can order it at the restaurant where the food is served. They have really good coffee. :)

Siam Road, Penang

(Located near the Anson Road & end of Siam Road)

Open from Tuesday - Sunday, 2pm - 11.00pm

GPS Coordinates : N05 24.55 E100 19.134

3. Kheng Pin Cafe 

                               

The best Lobak everrrrrr. I have been eating here for years since I was really really young. The taste has never downgrade in fact it kept on taste better. It's quite often when a store become famous, they always become less tastier but this store has never had that. 

                              

Doesn't it look good ? Have to admit my camera is not really good. But I like how he doesn't over fry it and it taste just good. Crispy and delicious. Dipping into their homemade sauce just make it perfect. Whoever goes to Penang must definitely try this out.

                                

80 Penang Road,

Georgetown, Penang

Opens from 6.30am, Closed on Monday
GPS Coordinates: N05 25.019 E100 19.486

4. Char Kuey Teow at Lorong Selamat

                                   

The Lady Boss and her daughter in action. :) When I first went there, the lady boss was really fierce but after a few times she actually smile and was in a good. Be sure to be there after 11am if you want the Char Kuey Teow cook by her because her sister is usually cooking there before 11am.  

                  

Her Char Kuey Teow taste really good, I remember waiting for 1hr 30 minutes but if you are there early probably won't be that long. Her shrimp are big and crunchy and goes with the Kuey Teow. Although it's a bit stingy on the Chinese Sausage but you can request on adding on. The ingredient that makes is nice is that it contains a pickle vegetables called 'chai po'. It as extra taste to the Kuey Teow. Overall, I find this plate full of flavour and it's my favourite char Kuey Teow so far. 

Kafe Heng Huat
Lorong Selamat,
Georgetown, Penang
Closed on Tuesday
GPS Coordinates : N05 25.16 E100 19.294

5. Hameed Pata Mee Rebus & Goreng / Mee Sotong

                                    

                                    

This is pretty far from where I stayed but decided to try something different. There was a lot people queuing for it so it should be popular. It's located near Fort Cornwallis. 

                                     

Hameed Pata Mee Rebus

                                     

Hameed Pata Mee Goreng

They have two choices, one is the mee is boiled, a bit soupy and the other one fried. However, both plate were really spicy. So those who like spicy food would probably enjoy it. I had some but because it was really spicy so I did not eat much. However, I sort of like it because when I first ate it, it was sweet and sour then only it turn spicy. I guess the sauce is sweet while it was spicy due to the sotong. My brother said it was good as he likes spicy food. The price range from RM4.00 to RM6.00 so it was quite reasonable. Definitely could give it a try.

Padang Kota Lama Court (Next to Fort Cornwallis)
Jalan Padang Kota Lama,
Georgetown, Penang
Closed on Sunday
GPS CoordinatesL N05 25.200 E100 20.539

6. Gani Famous Pasembur

                                 

Another long queue stall. This was also located near fort Cornwallis but the other food court. My brother suggested to eat Pasembur so I started googling where is good and a lot of people recommended to come here. 

Their variety of ingredient that you get to choose from. But it's better to choose what u really like and not everything because it's going to cost you a bump.

                                

                                

It does look good isn't it? It taste equally good too. It's a big plate but in about 5 minutes it was already empty. My favourite part of this dish was the nutty sauce. It was sweet and not too spicy. It goes well with the ingredient. I would suggest to pick ingredient that are actually Rojak ingredient instead of just sausages, or fishball. However, I would say it is actually expensive because that plate cost me RM26.00.

Gani Penang Famous Pasembur
Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama,
Jalan Padang Kota Lama,
Georgetown, Penang
Opened every evening
GPS Coordinates : N05 42.2892 E100 34.0517

Well, I had other food but these are the ones I liked best. However, they say different have different taste so this is my personal preferences. =D

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