November 2026

Penang Monthly | November 2026 is out now. This month, we journey through Penang’s South Asian links—from the enduring energy of George Town’s Little India to the remarkable restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib. Discover stories of Punjabi cha, Ganesha at the threshold, traditional trades, migration, literature, art and the people keeping living heritage alive across Penang. Because heritage is more than buildings and archives—it is found in the languages we speak, the food we share, the work we do and the memories we carry.

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A publication of Penang Institute, Penang Monthly is the voice of Penang - an inspiring read for the curious Malaysian, featuring stories about the people, ideas, and issues shaping the state's well-being. Sign up for a free account to enjoy unlimited access to all our articles.

Transgenders Continue to Fight for Acceptance

7 min read

Penang-born Regina Ibrahim advocates the rights of transgender persons through her writings and public appearances. But the conservative climate in the country today makes things quite difficult.

by Emilia Ismail

Dancing with Kindred Spirits

7 min read

The Moved by Padi project.Dance and theatre fans know Aida Redza for her extraordinary and fearless performances. While grounded in a firm knowledge of th...

by Gareth Richards

The Evolving Life of a Librarian

6 min read

 Dr Rashidah Begum bt Fazal Mohamed.Picture a librarian. Many of us would imagine her (it’s often “her”) to be spending most...

by Ooi Kok Hin

A Shelter for Strays

5 min read

The story of 4PAWS, a no-kill not-for-profit animal shelter that houses stray and abandoned dogs, began in 2005 when Barbara Janssen, a German retiree, rescued two puppies from the roadside. She did not stop there, and over the years, the number she gave refuge to grew to over 600.

by Emilia Ismail

MAKE A DATE WITH NATURE - Tourism Turns Green with Age

16 min read

 Lined by pristine sandy beaches and covered by flourishing forests overflowing with animals and plants, Penang National Park humbly occupies the nor...

by Andrea Filmer

A Stroll through Fuan’s Wonderland

5 min read

Ethereal glass leaves reach for the sky at Art and Garden.In tranquil Teluk Bahang lies a garden different from any I’ve ever seen. Its creator, Fua...

by Nanda Lakhwani

Nanda Lakhwani

Sensitising Visitors to Mother Nature’s Wealth

4 min read

The Birth of the Butterfly FarmDavid Goh has always been intrigued by butterflies; he has been collecting them since his schooling days. He would preserve the...

by Nanda Lakhwani

Nanda Lakhwani

Making Sure Penang’s Taps Keep Flowing

7 min read

We are a thirsty species. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each person requires between 50 litres and 100 litres daily to meet basic health an...

by Soon-Tzu Speechley

A Market Made Marketable

3 min read

Ch'ng Shi P'ngFor many local residents, flocking to the centrally located Pulau Tikus Market is a morning ritual. It is a popular place for groceries and...

by Chris Lee

Chris Lee

A Water Supply System to Boast About

6 min read

When we talk about heritage in Penang, we tend to focus on George Town’s historic monuments. As it happens, the city’s heritage is in its plumbing t...

by Soon-Tzu Speechley

Enough to Please Most Eyes

7 min read

It is the largest assembly of museum-quality fare on South-East Asian art, with a small selection of 8,000 works that has been borrowed from institutions and pr...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

Within Reach of Nature

4 min read

My first glimpse of Miri many years ago was of a seahorse standing in a roundabout at a busy intersection. It seemed comical to me then to see the seahorse bein...

by Carolyn Hong

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