Esplanade — Attraction in George Town

Visiting Padang Kota in George Town was a delightful immersion into Penang’s vibrant culinary scene and rich historical legacy. This area, nestled within the Tanjung parliamentary district, offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and local flavors.

Our primary mission was indulging in Penang’s famous mee goreng and rojak, a culinary adventure that did not disappoint. The city square buzzed with life, drawing both tourists and locals seeking a taste of Penang’s gastronomic delights, from aromatic nasi kandar to the refreshing cendol and flavorsome laksa.

While relishing the sumptuous food, the panoramic view facing the sea provided a breathtaking backdrop. From Padang Kota, the iconic Penang Bridge connecting the island to the mainland and the bustling Penang ferries weaving across the waters were visible. We soaked in the colonial legacy that still echoes through the area, particularly evident in landmarks like Fort Cornwallis, where remnants of British architecture and historical cannons stand as silent witnesses to the past.

The city’s allure wasn’t just culinary and historical; the serene sea wall invited us to savor the coastal breeze and unwind. However, caution prevails due to the unpredictable sea conditions, discouraging any aquatic adventures. Past experiences, like the 2004 Tsunami, serve as stark reminders of nature’s unpredictable force.

Navigating through the area was convenient, although traffic congestion heading towards Georgetown City Center and Bayan Lepas was notable during peak hours. Yet, Padang Kota’s cultural charm and culinary treasures make the journey more than worthwhile.

Padang Kota remains a captivating blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, offering an authentic taste of Penang’s diverse offerings against the backdrop of a rich...

The Esplanade is the site on Penang Island where Captain Francis Light, a trader for the British East India Company, first landed on 17 July 1786. Having obtained the island for the British Empire, Light then ordered his ships to fire silver coins into the then forested area to entice immigrants to clear as much land as possible. Fort Cornwallis was also constructed next to the cleared field.

The field, now known as the Padang, was the place where sepoys from India, who were deployed to Penang by the British East India Company, disembarked from their transport vessels.8]

The Padang has been used for recreational purposes since the mid-19th century. A bandstand, donated by Cheah Tek Soon, a local businessman, was erected at the Esplanade, providing a stage for music bands to entertain the public. The Padang was also utilised as a cricket ground; a two-storey pavilion, designed by Wilson & Neubronner, was built in 1908 by the then Penang Cricket Club. Its rival, the Penang Recreational Club, had also erected a similar structure at the Esplanade for its supporters.[2]

However, these structures were destroyed during World War II, when Allied bombers targeted the Esplanade, which was at the time used by the Imperial Japanese Army.[2 The Cenotaph, which had been constructed to honour the Allied personnel of World War I, was also reduced to ruins. After the war, the Cenotaph was rebuilt and...

An open air event location, most of Goverment's event for Penang state are held here. This Esplanade field is also known as Padang Kota Lama. It's waterfront location is in the heart of Georgetown and it's a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Esplanade or Padang Kota Lama is adjacent to Fort Cornwallis and City Hall where Captain Francis Light founder on Penang landed here in 17 July, 1786. This location held annual events like UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bon Odori (Japanese Festival), Chap Goh Meh (15th day or last day of Chinese New Year) and Speaker's Corner (1st of it's kind in Malaysia) and a night market (when no events) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 6pm to 11pm. Close by the shore line a Cenotaph was erected by Allied Personnel to commemorate those who lost their lives during World War I. But it was destroyed during World War II and was re-built and re-opened in 1948. Further down the road beside Port Swettenham (Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal) was the moorish-styled Jubilee Clock Tower at the junction of Light Street and Beach Street built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee. The pictures attached for 3rd to 5th August are the upcoming Merdeka (Independence) Day (31st August,...