Night Stroll in George Town 🇲🇾 Penang Island
I am in an old hotel in George Town, Malaysia - a two-storey building consisting of two wings with a veranda-shaped bridge between them. That veranda serves as a common space where I am sitting now, typing this post. Feel almost like at home -- already 2 weeks here.
The hotel has high ceilings, like 4 meters or so. A pompous chandelier the size of a human is in veranda, hanging over a wide staircase that descends to the ground floor.
At this veranda, I am daily until 5 in the morning (ideally not later). The temperature at night is +25°C, the air is additionally moved by a fan, and there are no mosquitoes here. So comfortable! And so calm in the middle of the night, when I am here alone. Sometimes, I feel so reluctant to break by mug-by-mug hot black tea ceremony and go for a sleep.
I spend the daylight hours sleeping and then online, and around 8 in the evening, I often go out for a photo walk. Below, sharing some night shots from the streets of old George Town.
Many streets of the city have turned into rows of restaurants and bars - usually with great taste, without ruining the old town vibes. But I’m more drawn to photographing something more decaying and atmospheric. And there’s plenty of that in George Town.
Walks alone, in an empty city, in the darkness lit by dim, flickering lights — it feels like a journey into memories. Night is always like that. No wonder all those songs have been written about it.
An extra flavor comes from the fact that I’ve actually been to Penang before a couple of times - in 2011 and 2015 when I was actively traveling.
Some things I remember clearly but some memories need help to float to the surface - details I see here and there in the streets sometimes awaken them.
But no, I have nothing to miss in this city - so, no bursts of nostalgia.
George Town always was just a beautiful backdrop without a play for me, and it’s the same this time.
And I don’t see a problem with it.
Being free of strong emotions from the past means I can focus on the present with a clear mind to enjoy the details like
like cats, my loyal companions whom I meet in each city.
Textures and signs
Cover the walls
To combine into abstracts.
Looks like
I've found a street intersection
To come back many times
As it brings inspiration.
Searching for food in the livelier streets
Prices are double compared to Thailand
But you finally find something cheaper and better
Like Indian food
In some places
Away from the bustle,
You need just two dollars
For a wonderful portion.
Not shabbiness only
Have plenty of places
In perfect conditions
Like the present palaces.
George Town is sweet.
And I love it much better
While having a ticket
To the next destination:
On Julee the 9th,
I am leaving for Neepal.
That makes me intensely enjoy
Being here,
In old and amazing
George Town on island
That once was a home
For dense jungles and pirates
Unless, by the British,
Became peaceful haven
And tradesmen were welcomed
To enter the city.
Ending the story
By writing these lyrics
Don't ask what's the reason
I have no idea.
All photos were taken with a Nikkor 50mm on a full-frame DSLR Nikon D750 by the author in June in 2025 in George Town, Penang, Malaysia
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A very good balance of light and tones with its diverse textures!
And the accompanying text is brilliant!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much, @roswelborges! 😊🌼
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Malaysia looks so old and abandoned compared to Thailand... It's totally different, not many people around too
You going Nepal? I want to see pictures of it
!PIZZA
That's George Town only, and I focused on dereliction. Without that, it looks like just a lovely old town with plenty of restaurants and with many travelers - Asian, like, Malaysians and from China - many Chinese.
Kathmandu and India were the biggest travel impressions in my life. First time is always special but anyway I have big positive anticipations. The Hindu culture really has a connection right into irrationality and fun and creativity. I need its touch.
$PIZZA slices delivered:
davideownzall tipped x-rain
@jlinaresp(15/15) tipped @x-rain
Come get MOONed!
https://www.reddit.com/r/TheNightFeeling/comments/1ljn4dk/love_strolling_alone_through_deserted_streets_at/
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The word that comes to my mind for this exhibition of night photography is: “overwhelming”... Sending big applause 👏 @x-rain friend!!!
!discovery shots
!PIZZA
😊 Always happy to hear praise from you! Thank you and have a nice day, Jesus! ✨
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Ohhh, happy soul, getting poetic! I love the colours in your photos. Wow, Nepal is such a lovely place. :)
😀 Thank you! Yes, a colorful city, and much fun is ahead in Kathmandu - I've been there 10 years ago, always wanted to come back as well as to Varanasi and Kolkata - want to re-visit them too.
A lovely and very good colleague surgeon lived in Kathmandu for 10 years. He operated on people with facial problems, such as cleft lips, etc. He cared a lot for many people there; they are very down-to-earth. Some will probably know him, Mr Richard. My sister also got married to someone from Kathmandu, and the whole family came over for the wedding. We all had a good time!
Dhanyabad means thank you!
Wow it's I nice photo, but a bit scary old structure...
it's look like haunted town it not read the story about it.. amazing photography and the lights effect is good.. Malaysia is a good place to visit many good location also hope one day I can visit there again... I love Malaysian food also some of there dishes I learn cooking about it...
It's look yummy .. what the name of this dish ? By the way @maryam28 new here in @hive
Wow it's I nice photo, but a bit scary old structure...
it's look like haunted town it not read the story about it.. amazing photography and the lights effect is good.. Malaysia is a good place to visit many good location also hope one day I can visit there again... I love Malaysian food also some of there dishes I learn cooking about it...
It's look yummy .. what the name of this dish ? By the way @maryam28 new here in @hive
Hey, @maryam28! Malaysia is cool. I visited KL and Melaka as well but 10 years ago and love local food too. This dish isn't something special, just fried chicken with rice poured with some (random) curry + boiled okra and egg.
George Town is a home for Chinese, Indians, and Malays since the very beginning - more than 200 years - so these cultures have really intertwined here.
I like the vibes of deserted streets in an old city at night - so I focused on them. But George Town is quote lively and colorful, especially at day time. A perfect place for a weekend trip, for example. There are many cute old streets, historical churches, mosques, palaces, many beautiful restaurants. An amazing place.
There is some amazing street art in George Town, I was there when the covey scamdemic kicked off, it was a great place to wander around, loving the night scenes
Those famous street artworks still exist and are also present on T-shirts in each souvenir store. I'll share later.
Thank you!
Nice one , look forward to it
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The hotel really looks old but with the presence of fashion because of its wonderful craft,I love the simplicity and the uniqueness of the place
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STOPWow, George Town, sure has lots of character.
I love the photos you took, it looks like a place locked in time.
I visited Kuala Lumpur and from there I went to Taman Negara, which was an amazing experience.
Looking forward to seeing more of your travels x
I spend 6 months in George Town ! Amazing city, Penang is amazing Island , can't wait to go there after @hivefest this year