Speaking of the most flavorful streets in Penang, there is no doubt that Tuku Street must be on the list. As one of the oldest streets in Penang, it bears the traces of history: the streets are lined with buildings from the colonial period, with a strong British ancient flavor, which is still lingering on Tuku Street. You can have an immersive feeling. When you come to this street, you must give yourself an aimless walk, to follow the footsteps of the street's changes, and to read the stories behind it.

The glorious days

Photo taken from ultimatekldevil

Tuku Street is close to the shore, so it is also named because of the sea: it is called "Beach Street" in English, and "Lebuh Pantai" in Malay. This street, which is only 1.4 kilometers long, was once prosperous and is the most glorious representative street in George Town. Relying on the perfect location near the sea, it has become a major trading office; as early as the 1880s, many large commercial firms, banks, wholesalers, shipping companies and importers and exporters were established here, which is also the origin of the name of Tuku Street ( "Tuku" means "wholesale" in Hokkien).

Another feature that must be mentioned on Tuku Street is that there are so many banks. Back then, there were very few bank branches in other areas, but this street gathered major banks and became the central point for handling banking affairs. Therefore, it is common for people to come and go on this street during office hours; The locals also have a nickname for this - "Bank Street". Although it is no longer the grand occasion of the past, the bank-lined scene is still one of the most special scenes on this street.

Photos taken from Penang Wikia; Wikipedia; EdgeProp.my

History has passed, and what is left is the past; although every building on Tuku Street has undergone some renovations after being included in the heritage, it still reflects the old Penang with the trajectory of historical development. For example, The Whiteaways Arcade, which is now used to hold art activities and exhibition spaces, was formerly the Huiluo department store (WHITEAWAY LAIDLAW & CO) built in 1903. In 1914 (after the department store was relocated), it was used to rent out units to The operator or foreign businessman of the port business. The India House, now used as the office of the tourism company, was once a lending center for Indians. The Logan Heritage Building, which has settled in various restaurants and cafes, was unveiled in 1880 as the first commercial center in Georgetown, Penang. These characteristic European-style buildings have been favored by young people in recent years and have become a popular spot for nostalgic retro wedding photography. With the passage of time, Tuku Street is no longer the all-powerful years, but transformed into today's characteristic pedestrian street, business district and entertainment district. It is the combination of brilliance left by history and modernity, as well as the inheritance of history and the progress of modernity.

Occupy Treasury Street

Address: 10200, 8-16, Beach St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang