MAKE sweet memories with your loved ones when you visit the Esplanade and Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Penang!
To mark the Year of the Rabbit, the state is featuring cute rabbit installations and bright lanterns at these two locations from now until Feb 14.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace) committee hoped to showcase the vibrant side of Penang this Chinese New Year.
“These colourful installations will be lit every evening until Feb 14 to allow people to make memories with their friends and family.
“People from all walks of life can go to the Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth or come to the Esplanade in Penang island to witness these installations,” he said in his speech before launching the lighting up ceremony at the Esplanade today.
Yeoh said Penang is the place to experience the diversity of a multi-ethnic community living together in harmony.
“This season, there are many highly-anticipated Chinese New Year events like the Penang Miaohui; Pai Thnee Kong or Jade Emperor’s feast; and Chap Goh Meh which will be held just a walking distance away from here.
“To capture amazing light scenes, visit the Snake Temple or Kek Lok Si Temple on the island. Alternatively, the public can check out the longest lantern street in Raja Uda,” he said.
Yeoh added that the Thaipusam celebration would also be falling on the 15th day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar this year.
“This will mean that we will be celebrating two festivals, Thaipusam and Chap Goh Meh, on the same day this year!
“Where else should we celebrate these two festivals if it is not in Penang?” Yeoh questioned.
He also welcomed visitors to go for a Michelin Guide-accredited food hunt when they are in Penang.
Also present were the Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Ambassador of Chile to Malaysia Diego Velasco von Pilgrimm, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Datuk A. Rajendran, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, and key tourism industry players.
Story and pix by Christopher Tan