The Captain and I took a road trip north at the end of December to check out boatyards for Amandla’s refit and see a bit of Malaysia.
It was Penang’s ambiance and endless visual delights that captured my heart. From the bustle of Georgetown, a Unesco World Heritage Site, to the charming fishing villages at the island’s edges, Penang has it all.
Georgetown, Penang
We found plenty of delicious, affordable food, an enchanting, diverse local population, interesting architecture and engaging street art.
The highlight among many highlights of my time in Penang was a Trishaw Tour with Awang, a welcoming, knowledgeable ‘ambassador’ of Georgetown. The cost was minimal and the experience priceless.
Awang found me wandering a bit aimlessly along Lebuh Campbell. I liked his smile and asked for a ride. He knew every nook and cranny of Georgetown and seemed to know every shopkeeper as well, greeting several as we traveled past.
He also showed me a great deal of Penang Street Art, some that I’d tried to find unsuccessfully on foot with inaccurate tourist mural maps and others that I did not know existed (gallery forthcoming). And then he started playfully posing in front of some of the murals. His charm comes through in every shot.
I wanted to share the experience with The Captain, so I kept an eye out for Awang’s Trishaw (License #1422) when we were walking the streets a few days later. We found him outside the Masjid Kapitan Keling, and hired him for another entertaining tour.
If you find yourself in Penang, keep your eye out for Awang on Trishaw #1422. I’ll be back and look forward to riding with him again.
Submitted for Cardinal Guzman’s The Changing Seasons ‘December‘ and for the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge ‘Ambiance‘.
Manja Mexi Movie January 15, 2017
Yeah! So glad to catch you in great form in the new year. 🙂 No matter how charming your guide was, that musician on break deserves a round of applause too. Happy travels!
Lisa Dorenfest January 16, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you so much for the love Manja. A very Happy New Year to you! I will make sure to share your applause with the musician the next time I am in Penang.
hilarycustancegreen January 15, 2017
Your heading came as a shock. I was just writing to a researcher about various family items about Penang, where my grandfather lived, and my father was born. My grandfather, when he retired in 1940 was advisor to the Sultan of Kelantan. His successor was killed by the Japanese. My father became a POW and worked on the Thailand-Burma railway. While my grandparents broadcast propaganda for the BBC World Service in Malay from San Francisco. However, my grandparents and father and uncles loved Malaya very deeply and the family home is full of mementos.
I have now read and am much entertained by your post!
Lisa Dorenfest January 16, 2017 — Post Author
Wow! What a story! I can see why your grandparents, father and uncles loved Malaysia. I hope to return to Penang for another visit in mid-February unless I find work in Singapore. Such a magical place.
And wanting to know more about your father’s story, I just went back to Amazon US and saw it is now available on Kindle (yay). Have ordered and can’t wait to start reading.
hilarycustancegreen January 25, 2017
Oh thank you, you are so kind! I recently checked out the kindle version. Some of the photo captions have slipped onto the page after the photo, so they appear above the next photo… As you can see I am about 10 days late on my emails!
Anabel Marsh January 15, 2017
I love your guide! Also, welcome back, your posts have been missed in the last few weeks.
Lisa Dorenfest January 16, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you for the warm welcome and shared adoration of Awang. A visit to Penang was just what I needed to find my blogging ‘voice’ again.
brittabottle January 15, 2017
Its so lovely to hear from you in the blogosphere, Lisa! I’ve been wondering how your Southeast Asian travels have been treating you. Penang looks incredible!
Lisa Dorenfest January 16, 2017 — Post Author
Great to hear from you Britta! Thank you for the warm welcome back to the blogosphere. My SE Asia travels had been rather limited to date given boat work, the holidays, my job search (to replenish the cruising kitty) and The Captain’s double hernia surgery ? It was such a treat to finally do some exploring at year end. I am looking forward to more!
brittabottle January 17, 2017
Well, I’m looking forward to watching more of your adventures unfold. I hope all is well with you and hopefully the Captain is recovering well from surgery!
Lisa Dorenfest January 19, 2017 — Post Author
Not only is The Captain feeling almost fully recovered from surgery, but we just got the results of his PET scan and they were cancer free. Adventure awaits!
Jennifer January 16, 2017
Happy to see your posts again! Your photos of Penang are beautiful!
Lisa Dorenfest January 16, 2017 — Post Author
You are very kind to say so Jennifer. Thank you for making me feel missed and loved.
Ladybuggz January 16, 2017
We’ve missed you Lisa!! Great to have you back! Love your driver, such a comedian! Beautiful place, don’t take so long between posts!! Hope you had a great new Year!! <3 T.
Lisa Dorenfest January 16, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy there Teresa! And a Happy New Year to you! Thank you for missing me and giving me such an encouraging welcome back. Sorry that I have been absent from these pages and yours. Penang offered me the right ingredients to perk my spirits up and get back out here. Thanks for sharing Penang with me virtually. It’s nice to hang out with you again.
Karen Thurman January 16, 2017
What a gorgeous selection of images! So glad you guys had a good time in Penang 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 16, 2017 — Post Author
You are very lovely to say Karen. Thanks to you and Mick for all of the time you have spent helping me to grow as a photographer. Your detailed portfolio feedback, Mick’s LightRoom training, and your endless encouragement have been invaluable. I’ve been walking the streets of Singapore today with my new assignment from you (Minimalism). My lens is set at 40 mm, I’ve been scouting good locations and considering compositions from different angles. Needless to say I have taken very few photographs so far, but my awareness is growing immensely. And tomorrow is another day.
Gallivanta January 16, 2017
Really enchanting street art! Wishing you all the best for 2017. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2017 — Post Author
Happy New Year to you Ann! Wonderful to hear from you. I am delighted that you found the street art enchanting! I really liked the interactive nature of it.
Diane Taylor January 16, 2017
Amazing street art. Awesome Awang. Love travelling with you. Also appreciated Hilary’s historical and personal connection above.
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2017 — Post Author
I so greatly appreciate your traveling virtually with me Diane! So pleased that you liked the street art and taking a trishaw ride with Awang. I am so excited to read Hilary’s book about her father’s experiences. And I have been recommending your book to a few of my friends who are working on their memoirs.
lexklein January 16, 2017
A huge welcome back! I’ve been wondering about you at various times these last few weeks, but like the self-centered Cuba traveler and two-home packer that I am, I have not been in touch. 🙂 I am thrilled to see that you are upbeat and having fun in spite of recent boat and other issues.
I LOVE that trishaw driver! He lifts my own mood from thousands of miles away … seriously, his love of life is so infectious it jumps right off my computer screen. Thanks for the best morning wake-up I could have today. I’m off to Chicago tomorrow for what I hope is the last round of packing and house-listing activities for a while.
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2017 — Post Author
It is I who am the self-centered traveler for I have been sadly out of touch. I am so looking forward to reading your recent posts about your Cuba adventures and already have location envy in anticipation! Am delighted that Awang brought a smile to your face! His spirit and the wonderful island of Penang definitely offered me the right ingredients to lift me out of my funk. That and the timely death of our unwelcome boat rat right before we left for our road trip. Crew 3 Rats 0! And today, we got the really good news today that The Captain’s PET scans are clear of cancer! Once again unexpected and welcome. Next scans are in August. Give Chicago a big hug from me. I am sure that your departure will be bittersweet (sad to close down one very long chapter of your life but exciting to start a really awesome new one).
Sanjay January 16, 2017
Great to hear from you and about your travel adventures esp. after a rather long hiatus. Btw, very nice pictures, keep them coming. A very happy new year to you and your crew!!
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2017 — Post Author
Truly a treat to receive your note Sanjay! It had me smiling widely and made me a bit homesick! Thank you so much for your lovely compliments and well wishes. I see that you are still at DB and hoping that you continue to enjoy your time there. A very happy new year to you as well!
Latitude Adjustment: Two Wanderers in Panama January 16, 2017
Another super post and love your photos!
Thanks!
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2017 — Post Author
Happy New Year John and Susan! Thank you for your lovely compliments as always. Looking forward to reading about your adventures in Cuba.
nowathome January 16, 2017
lovely to see you back!! I love the boy on a chair!!
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2017 — Post Author
Lovely to have you visit Aletta! Thank you. The Boy on the Chair is by http://www.ernestzacharevic.com/ who has left a huge imprint in Penang with his interactive street art. I will post my gallery of Penang Street art which includes many of his works as soon as The Captain and I take a break from boat refit errands ⚓️
Liesbet January 16, 2017
I’m so glad you had a little break away from the boat and that you enjoyed your overland adventure to Penang. The photo galleries are amazing and the rickshaw trips seem, indeed, priceless, partly to the personality of your driver! That boy on the chair sure is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! Looking forward to what else you came up with behind and in front of your lens!
Lisa Dorenfest January 17, 2017 — Post Author
As a fellow sailor, I think you can appreciate how much land travel can perk up one’s spirits after an extended time on-board. Especially when that travel is to a place as awesome as Penang. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement as always. I was just mentioning to Aletta above that The Boy on the Chair is by Ernest ‘Zach’ Zacharevic who has left a huge imprint in Penang with his interactive street art. I will post my gallery of Penang Street art which includes many of his works as soon as The Captain and I take a break from boat refit errands …we’ve been running around Singapore for the past few days securing new batteries, a new windless, a new VHF system, new lighting, and lots of little things at the Chandlers..and of course at the doctors where we received the awesome news that The Captain’s PET scans are cancer FREE! Yay.
Liesbet January 17, 2017
That is fantastic news, Lisa!! Now, you can both go all the way with the refit and maybe some more sightseeing. With this streak of luck, I hope it continues into a positive job search! Looking forward to your street art gallery!
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
? It’s all good!
Retirementallychallenged.com January 16, 2017
Welcome back… you have been missed. Penang looks amazing – tidy (I’m not sure if that’s the right word, but it looks like the citizens take a lot of pride in their city) and colorful. I love the street art and the way you captured scenes of everyday life. Awang is a treasure. Happy new year, my friend!
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
A very happy 2017 to you Janis! Thank you for missing me and for your very kind compliments. I think your impressions of Penang are spot on…the locals take immense pride in their very colorful city. The vibrant buzz brought me back to life. We are in Singapore now and just got the good news that The Captain’s recent PET scans were cancer free. Life is good!
Retirementallychallenged.com January 20, 2017
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lucile January 16, 2017
Hi Lisa, happy new year! It’s been a long time not visiting you. Miss you.
And what a beautiful post to catch up with you. Gorgeous photos of a very interesting place. Thanks for the tip. If I’m ever there I’ll keep his name and number and look for him.
Hope you’re well. Best wishes and hugs.
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy there Lucile! A very happy 2017 to you as well. Lovely to hear from you. You are often on my mind but I have been woefully absent on social media as of late. Looking forward to catching up. All very good here. Just got the good news that The Captain’s PET scans were cancer free. Very welcome news. We are celebrating by buying lots of boat parts. Lots of love and many hugs.
equinoxio21 January 16, 2017
A very nice post. You might want to read this story:
https://equinoxio21.wordpress.com/2016/04/18/a-night-in-penang-by-brian-martin-onraet-and-tiffany-choong/
You might like it.
Fair winds.
Brian
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy there Brian! I loved that story the first time I read it April and even more now that I have visited Penang! Thanks for your visit. Big Hug.
equinoxio21 January 18, 2017
Hug back. How long will the repairs take? Are you “resting” on land for a while?
Lisa Dorenfest January 19, 2017 — Post Author
The repairs are never ‘done’ in the boating world :-). Boat is currently in the water in a marina but it will need to be hauled out for a bit to anti-foul the bottom. Plan is to start our Indian Ocean crossing at year-end unless I find a contract role to replenish the cruising kitty that keeps us here longer.
Terri Webster Schrandt January 17, 2017
So nice to see you and did I wish you a Happy New Year yet, Lisa? Lovely photographs as usual, my friend! Love the photos of Awang–what a character and very photogenic! He really gave you the insider tour! Glad you are well and hope to see more of you! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
It was the lovely shout-out on your blog that gave me the final push I needed to post again. Thank you so much for that Terri and for your generous compliments here. Cheers!
JMacIndoe January 17, 2017
Wonderful collection of shots – looks like a great trip.
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
Penang was such a vibrant and fun place Jon. Definitely worth a visit if you are traveling SE Asia. Thanks for your compliments on the images.
Mabel Kwong January 17, 2017
What a ride Awang took you on. Absolutely love his jovial smile and really love that shot of him up to his antics beside the Bruce Lee mural and brown wall – worth framing up. These shots of him are something and something special. Very lucky you spotted him a second time round a few days later – Penang may be a small town but it is packed with people. I was there a few years ago and it was really hot but there was so much to see. But unfortunately I missed our on seeing the street art. If I do visit again, I’ll have to look up Awang.
Best wishes to you this year, Lisa. The Wobbles’ clan are glad to see you blogging again. Mr Wobbles is waving furiously right at you in this summer heat here and wishing you many wonderful adventures this year 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
?? Happy New Year to you and the entire Wobbles clan Mabel. I hope we both make it back to Penang for another visit (or two). How awesome would it be if we were there at the same time?!? We would take Georgetown by storm! And it could be really fun to photograph Mr Wobbles interacting with some of the street art. I should have my Penang Street Art gallery out soon to give you some more ideas on the potential for Mr Wobbles cameos.
We are in Singapore at the moment running boat errands and have been spending some time near Clementi getting new batteries for the boat. Thought of you while we were there. It looks like your temps will be exceeding Singapore’s again next week. Stay cool.
Mabel Kwong January 20, 2017
Hahaha. Mr Wobbles would love to interact with Georgetown’s street art. He would love to meet the trishaw driver too and be best friends with him and pose for you 🙂
Ah, Clementi (Avenue 3) is my stomping ground. Back in my school days there, I fondly remember getting peanut and chocolate pancakes there. I hope you like it and I am sure the locals are very welcoming. Mr Wobbles is sending you lots of warm vibes your way (oh dear, I hope not too much!).
Lisa Dorenfest January 22, 2017 — Post Author
Feeling the ❤ ?
Cardinal Guzman January 17, 2017
The Trishaw Tour looks like fun! Great photos from your trip Lisa. Safe travels for you and the captain!
Lisa Dorenfest January 18, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you Max. Hope you make your way Penang way during your upcoming travels!
Frankie Beane January 17, 2017
Glad to hear the good news about the Captain’s health. He looks really healthy in the picture. I am super jealous that you are seeing all this street art. Penang is less built up than I thought it would be. Awang looks like a keeper. And from what you have said he truly is. Can’t wait for the street art pictures.
Lisa Dorenfest January 19, 2017 — Post Author
I so appreciate your well wishes for The Captain. The scan results are a miracle really. He keeps beating the odds. A blessing! I’ve been running around Singapore like a mad woman this week but hope to post the Penang Street Art gallery this weekend.
Michele January 18, 2017
Penang looks like a very engaging place. Do you ever remember your days in NYC when you were working away to save the money to go on this adventure and then just say to yourself, “WOW! I am living the adventure!” When you write with such enthusiasm for a place you have been I see what must be the payback for all those times of doubt and fear about whether or not your dream was crazy or whether it was really possible and you could really make it happen. I’m glad you are living on the side of “I made it happen!”
Happy New Year!
Lisa Dorenfest January 19, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy Michele! A very happy 2017 to you! You are spot on…so much better to be living on this side of ‘I made it happen’. Even on my darkest days I think that it is better to have pursued my dream then to be sitting at my desk wishing I was pursing it. And on my brightest days, like the ones that I spent in Penang, I often think ‘pinch me, this is so awesome I must be dreaming’.
Traveller at heart January 22, 2017
Happy New Year, Lisa. It’s wonderful to hear that the Captain is cancer free.
Glad you like Penang. I was there many years ago. I feasted, a little of everything till I was bursting at the seams. My last treat was a young coconut jelly in its shell and I sat on a roadside kerb because I could not move. Was I bothered? No, I knew it would be years before I visit the Far East. Perhaps this summer if I can fit in with my schedule of feasting and visit some blogger friends.
Lisa Dorenfest January 24, 2017 — Post Author
A very happy 2017 to you Corina! Oh I do hope you make your way to the Far East this summer. Depending on what the universe has in mind for me, I will be in Singapore, Penang, or Phuket or ???. Keep me posted on your travel plans. Would love to spend time with you. And thank you for the well wishes for The Captain – it was a delightful surprise.
Traveller at heart January 24, 2017
2016 went pear shaped. I followed the recipes to the T but somehow soufflé was not my forte?.
Will keep you posted with my travel plans. Love to catch up with you in the summer.
Bespoke Traveler January 22, 2017
Love the street art you found and captured so well on this trip.
Lisa Dorenfest January 24, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your visit and kind compliment. But nature is definitely my favorite artist. Your latest post has me longing to visit Marin
restlessjo January 24, 2017
Wonderful to catch up with you again, Lisa! 🙂 🙂 I don’t really use Instagram, though I know you do sometimes. Happy to spot you in Liesbet’s comments and jump right over here 🙂 As I skip down I see that the Captain is cancer free and that’s the best news ever!
And what a great post to return with. Love that clock, and the reclining artist, but the boy on the stool maybe best of all. What a sweet guy you found as a guide. Looking forward to more, and sending hugs!
Lisa Dorenfest January 24, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy from Singapore Jo! Admittedly, I have been laying very low on the social media front since leaving Indonesia. But Penang was just what I needed to get blogging again. And the news about The Captain’s scans has kept my spirits high ever since. The best news EVER! Thank you for your very welcome hugs, compliments, retweet and friendship. I have thought of you often and missed your pages. On my way to visit now.
Sue Slaght January 25, 2017
Yaya a post from Lisa! wonderful to see all of the diverse beauty. Isn’t it fabulous when you meet a local who can show you such amazing wonders? Oh yes that’s what you did for us. Forever grateful for our day together. Many warm hugs across the miles.
Lisa Dorenfest January 25, 2017 — Post Author
? Awwww.. how lovely of you to consider me a Sydney local. I so enjoyed our time together there and look forward to seeing you and Dave again. Thank you for the warm ‘welcome back’. I have been lying a bit low on the social media front lately but Penang had the right ingredients to bring me back out here. And good news, last week’s PET scans revealed that The Captain remains cancer free. Yay!
Paula January 26, 2017
Lively street scenes bursting with life and fun. That mural is outstanding!
Lisa Dorenfest February 2, 2017 — Post Author
Penang truly was a vibrant, charming city. Can’t wait to go back. Am a bit delayed in posting my full Penang Street Art Gallery due to a welcome visit in Singapore from my father. Enjoying our time together and sharing this city with him ?
prior.. January 27, 2017
Hi Lisa- that boy on the chair looks painted on – it is, right?
and the tour guide (Awang) playing the street art piano was fun…
all of this post was- and temple doors are so colorful.
Lisa Dorenfest February 2, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy Yvette! Thank you so much for your lovely compliments. The chair is real. The street artist, Edgar Zacarias often combines props (bicycles, chairs, shopping carts, etc) with his art. This allows for more interaction with his audience (viewers sit in the chair to take a selfie with the boy). I am delighted that you were charmed by Awang ?. Sorry for my delay in responding. Have been busily showing the sights of Singapore to my father who is here visiting me (yay)
prior.. February 2, 2017
oh have fun with your father…
and enjoy your time on land….
xxooo
🙂
Eva January 31, 2017
Hi Lisa, So good to see you are still posting. Sorry for delay. Happy New Year!! Such beautiful pics, as always, they are amazing. Thank you for sharing and for coming back. LOL.
Lisa Dorenfest February 2, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy Eva! A very happy new year to you. So wonderful to see you here! It is I who should apologize for my delay in responding. Have had a welcome visit from my father in Singapore and have been running around showing him all the great sights here! Thank you so much for your visit, the warm welcome back, and your compliments on the photos. Hug ?
prior.. February 15, 2017
JUst wanted to say hello and let you know you are in my thought and prayers this week
Lisa Dorenfest February 16, 2017 — Post Author
Well aren’t you lovely to have me in your thoughts and prayers Yvette! Very welcomed. ?
Indah Susanti February 21, 2017
I have read stories of travelers were lost in finding the famous Penang Street Art – lol. Looks like things going well. Malaysia looks lively through your eyes! Have a safe travel and keep posting!
Lisa Dorenfest February 22, 2017 — Post Author
Ahoy Indah! Always a pleasure to hear from you. Have been enjoying my time in Singapore and hope to share some of the beauty that I am seeing here soon.
Faraday's Candle March 7, 2017
Happy for the Captain & the good news!
I see your photos are just amazing!!
Lisa Dorenfest March 7, 2017 — Post Author
Thank you for your generous compliments and well wishes for The Captain. We’ve just arrived back in Penang, this time under sail. Great to be back ⛵️
Amy March 24, 2017
Street arts are so fun! Great photos, Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest March 25, 2017 — Post Author
Penang has some of the coolest Street Art I’ve seen in my travels Amy – very interactive. Greatly appreciate your visit.
beautifuldiaspora February 21, 2018
So happy to find this article – George Town is one of my favorite places on the planet. But somehow I’ve never ridden a rickshaw there, you’ve just given me another reason to go back!
Lisa Dorenfest February 22, 2018 — Post Author
I hope you will ride with Awang on your next visit. He is still there. I saw him again when visiting Penang this January. In the end, we visited Penang nine times while we were in the region. It became our second home.
beautifuldiaspora February 26, 2018
Thanks yes I’ll be sure to look out for him! I’m so glad you liked Penang so much. I just found your great post that mentions Phuket Old Town, I thought I was in George Town when I first arrived there!
Lisa Dorenfest March 8, 2018 — Post Author
Old Phuket town definitely has a Georgetown feel to it! I miss both places now that we are far away in Sri Lanka.