FACTS: Old is Gold

When you visit Penang, a common feature you will notice is the pre-war shophouses spread throughout the Island. In Georgetown itself you will find approximately 7,500 of these shop houses.Shop houses combines the functions of a house and a shop.The lower ground is used as a shop and the upper floor is where the family will stay. In some cases the entire house is used as a shop or a home.The standard features of these pre-war shophouses is the high ceiling, large wooden front door and wood-panel windows making it perfect for the hot/ humid climate.("Feng Shui" plays an important part as well). The most interesting fact is that each feature allows natural ventilation and lighting. As you walk along Georgetown, take time to observe these shop houses; the colourful tiles, fine carvings and beautiful plaster work which may come in handy as an example to decorate your own home. Just for your information,the prices of these prewar shophouses have gone up rocket high ever since Penang was gazetted as a UNESCO World Heritage site.. nothing less that RM1million for a shop house! Be sure to check our next blog to view pictures of these shophouses.