Sightseeing

A day of sightseeing around Georgetown area on 2nd Dec with Seetal after lunch.

Destination 1: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Situated on one of Georgetown's oldest street, it was formerly the residence of Cheong Fatt Tze, a powerful Chinese trading and shipping tycoon in the late 19th century where success brought many accolades including the Vice Consul of China. After moving to Penang in 1880, he commissioned artisans and craftsmen from China to build a home befitting his social status. One of the largest heritage mansion in Malaysia, it was painstakingly restored by its present owners. With a built-up area of 3,000sqm, 38 rooms, five courtyards, seven staircases and 220 windows, its layout is based on feng-shui principles.

Note: did not enter the mansion as have to pay admission fee of RM12/person i think and that the guided tour will only start at 11am and 3pm which will last for an hour.

Destination 2: Cathedral of the Assumption

The whole view of the church.

The front view.

Cathedral of the Assumption was founded in 1786 at Church Street. It was so named because of the first group of Roman Catholic Eurasians from Kedah landed in Penang that year on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption. The church was later moved to Farquhar Street in 1857. The present building, erected by Father Manissol, openend in 1861. In 1955, the church was raised to the status of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Penang.

Destination 3: Penang State Museum

Located on Farquhar Street near Fort Cornwallis, the colonial-era building Penang State Museum was formerly the Penang Free School which was built in two separate stages, stage one in 1896, and when funds were adequate, stage two in 1906. The Penang State Museum is reputed to be one of the best state museum in Malaysia and exhibits paintings of Captain Robert Smith and the lovely engravings of William Daniell.

Other collections are former Penang Hill railway carriage, a handwritten Qur`an, old Malays weapons donated by the family of the late Dato’ Haji Fathil Basheer and etc. Divided into galleries dedicated to Penang’s historical communities, as well as particular historical events that took place in Penang, the museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, historical documents, Chinese furniture, embroidery, costumes and other historical relics.

Note: admission fee is RM1 for an adult whereas secondary student is RM0.50. its worth the visit!