Arches & Archways in George Town, Penang

The architecture of Penang reflects the 171 years of British presence in the Malaysian state of Penang, coalescing with local, Chinese, Indian, Islamic and other elements to create a unique and distinctive brand of architecture.

My thoughts through the lens

All photos and texts by Calvin Kwok

On this particular photo essay, I chose to focus on the arches and archways found at most of the buildings which have been strongly influenced by the Colonial and other distinct eclectic styles. Some of the images of the buildings may have been documented countless of times but I intend to shed some light as well on some of the ‘lesser-known’ icons and walkways in an artistic yet photo journalistic way.

As I walked around with my trusty Nikon camera in hand, I find the buildings more and more fascinating, even for a local born Penangite like myself. I’ve come to truly appreciate each structure; each archway and each column represents our past and I hope they will forever remain the bulwark of George Town’s rich legacy for generations to come.

An old house off Stewart Lane

Church of The Assumption, Farquhar Street

Wan Hai Hotel, Stewart Lane

In perspective: Sunlight streaking in to illuminate the corridors of Penang Free School

Penang Free School hall corridors, Jalan Masjid Negeri

An outdoor restaurant menu, Love Lane, Penang Georgetown

Colonial inspired arches in Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel, Farquhar Street, Penang Georgetown

A row of archways taken along the interiors of George Town

The façade of Kapitan Keling Mosque which drew inspiration from the Moorish Islamic architecture. This majestic building is located at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

The main gate of Penang Free School (founded in 1816), Jalan Mesjid Negeri

The oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia (built in 1816): The St. George’s Church looking resplendent with its arches and columns.

A trishaw man strolls across a row of archways along Wan Hai Hotel, Stewart Lane.

Born, bred and schooled within the vicinity of George Town; Penang has been my home for over twenty years. As a way of saying ‘Welcome to Penang’, I would like to share scenes of Penang with you from my perspective as a keen amateur photographer. More [+]