Machete Making in the Jungles of Sarawak
5 min read
In the remote village of Long Beku, Penan craftsmen forge parangs from scrap steel—each blade shaped by fire, spirit, and survival.
Tan Sooi Beng: The Revivalist of Dying Cultural Arts in Penang
10 min read
Penang Monthly sits down to chat with her after she recently received the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (BCAA) Lifetime Achievement Award as recognition of her outstanding contributions to dance, music, theatre and musical theatre.
The Painted Cave: Where Ancient Walls Demand Attention
6 min read
Trader’s Cave is a beauty—it made me feel like I just marched into the fortress city of Minas Tirith with giant columns lined at its mouth. After ambling and taking photos over the 200m stretch, we exited, only to be swallowed by the Great Cave.
Tenun Pahang DiRaja: Heading for the Global Market
8 min read
Originating from a small village, Tenun Pahang was worn by royalty, nobles or the chief of state. It later became the gift of choice for guests of the palace, whether they were locals or from abroad.
Postcards and Photos of Penang's Hills
3 min read
*Images from Marcus Langdon Collection.
TWO YEARS AFTER setting foot on Penang Island in 1786, Francis Light set his sights…
ElShaddai Centre: Working against the Tide in Aid of Desperate Refugees
6 min read
*Names changed to protect identities.
I CANNOT IMAGINE the shock felt by Ling* when she arrived back at her staff…
Spotlight on Silambam: An Ancient Indian Martial Art
5 min read
After Malaya’s independence, Silambam flourished; classes were often held in community centres, temples or open-air venues. What many may not know is that Silambam in Malaysia can be classified into two types: sports Silambam and tradition Silambam.
The Andaman: Keeping Fingers Crossed for Penang's New Island
6 min read
WE’VE BEEN WAITING for the emergence of this manmade island off the northeastern coast of Penang Island for years.…
A Japanese Love Affair with Penang
6 min read
THE FUMAKILLA TAUKEH is the owner of this house,” my mother quipped as my father snailed the car past Villa…
Penang Food Flourishing in Our Twin City Adelaide
5 min read
PENANG PEOPLE ARE very proud of their food. As I sat in one of the board rooms awaiting the Lord…
PBAPP Takes on the Difficult Task of Securing Water for the Future
10 min read
RECENT WATER SUPPLY disruptions in Penang have left locals shaken, and questions about water security have become the talk of…
Owning the Profound Art of Batik Making
5 min read
I HAVE A strong affinity to textiles—probably because when I was a wee girl, I would often wan -…