October 2025

This October, Penang Monthly explores death rituals across Malaysia. From Muslim burials to Taoist and Hindu traditions, we reflect on how communities honour the departed with dignity.

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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.

Heritage Tracking In The Past Decade: The Case of Lebuh Chulia

3 min read

Lebuh Chulia is one of the earliest roads to be built in Penang, constructed shortly after the city was founded in 1786. The street has a diverse cultural heritage, reflecting the influence of the Indian Muslim and Chinese communities.

by Firdaous Bouhassoun

Endorsing Wanderlust: Travel to Live, Travel to Learn

10 min read

A BABY SHOULD cry at birth. It must be traumatic being born, after all. The compressing comfort of the womb…

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Art of Getting Creative and Staying Creative

3 min read

I HAVE AN iPhone 15 Plus Max. It is equipped with the best phone camera in the world and I…

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Modern Choices for Modern Adult Travellers

6 min read

EXPERIENCING NEW CULTURES, discovering fresh perspectives and finding escape—the allure of travel is undeniable. But there remains a divide…

by Samantha Khoo

Lily Cat: The Global Diplomat

4 min read

I WAS BORN in Manhattan, New York, so I am used to island life, though I must admit that living…

by Lily Cat & Neil Khor

Penang Hill and Penang National Park: Lungs of the Island

3 min read

PENANG HILL AND Penang National Park are more than just natural havens; they are the beating heart of Penang’s…

by Vikneswaran Nair & Rami Isaac & Erdinç Çakmak

12 Destinations in 12 Months: A Dream Made True

8 min read

EVER SINCE I was a child, I have dreamt of travelling around the world. Over the years, this dream evolved…

by Silvia Marty

An Ode to a City in Transition

5 min read

I AM WALKING down Jalan Gurdwara towards Hin Bus Depot—and though I have walked this route many times this…

by Miriam Devaprasana

Easy Walkways Promise Endless Benefits: The Case of Batu Ferringhi

4 min read

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IS not a priority on Malaysian roads. Why? According to a Stanford University study, it is because Malaysians…

by Glenn Kho He

Hotel Fees: A Boost For Penang Tourism

3 min read

ONE OF PENANG’S crucial industries is tourism. The state has continuously drawn visitors from near and far, and efforts…

by Kevin Vimal

Off the Beaten Track With WiT’s Yeoh Siew Hoon

5 min read

Trailblazer Yeoh Siew Hoon, the Founder and Editor of Web-in-Travel (WiT), found her niche by combining travel and technology, growing…

by Carolyn Khor

Wise to Have Travel Mishaps, Misfortunes and Misadventures Covered

6 min read

TRAVEL HAS SURELY picked up with the pandemic now in our collective rearview mirror for the most part. The numbers…

by Ivan Ng

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