Penang Medical Tourism

* This is a reproduction of my article published in Penang State Tourism Official Website

BY CK Lam

Travelling abroad for seek medical treatment which is term as “medical tourism” is becoming more common nowadays. At the forefront of medical tourism in Malaysia is the state of Penang, where both the central and the state government is actively promoting this industry.

Penang has been listed by several websites as a highly recommended place to seek medical treatment not only because of its competitive price but also for its well educated community. The hospitals are staffed by highly trained doctors and nurses as well as having excellent and modern facilities. Majority of the doctors are educated, trained, and board certified in US, Europe and Australia. For the families accompanying the patients, Penang has much to offer in term of temporary lodging, shopping and getting around.

The healthcare system in Penang is widely perceived to be good when it was first established by the colonial authorities. In the state alone there are six public hospitals and eleven private hospitals and three nursing school serving a population of just over two million people.

Most of the private hospitals and medical centres in Penang have achieved certification for internationally recognized quality standard and accreditation by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). In addition, all private medical centres are approved and licensed and strictly monitored by the Ministry of Health. Most hospitals are fully equipped to deal with the full range of medical conditions ranging from life-threatening illness and injury to chronic medical disorders and maintaining personal fitness.

Island Hospital

The industry got the ball rolling when patients from neighbouring countries, especially the Indonesian city of Medan regularly visit these hospitals for quality treatment because the cost was less compared to places like Singapore. Even the travelling distance to Penang was much nearer. Since then Penang has became the preferred destination for European, US and Australian seeking affordable cosmetic and elective surgery.

Penang Adventist Hospital (accredited by JCI) is part of an international network of some 500 non profitable hospitals, clinics and dispensaries worldwide operating under the Adventist Health Network. Under this network includes the world famous Loma Linda University and Medical Centre in California, U.S.A. They are the first private hospital in Northern Malaysia to perform Micro-vascular, Coronary Bypass, Laser Heart Surgery (TMR) and open-heart surgery.

Penang Adventist Hospital

Gleneagles Medical Centre Penang (accredited by MSQH) is operated by ParkwayHealth, a company that operates sixteen hospitals throughout Asia including the famous Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. It has a fully equipped cardiovascular unit that serves as a regional referral centre for cardiac care. Another hospital that has established an international reputation in Penang is Island Hospital (BS ISO900:2000) which, apart from the usual facilities, also has a heart centre, urology centre, fertility centre and laser vision-correction centre.

Gleneagles

Beside these factors, what else Penang have to offer to the health travellers and probably their accompanying families? Penang can also be said to be a “healing” destination, as after the patient has surgical treatment there is a need to have a comfortable and peaceful recuperation. Penang is a cosmopolitan town, but more laid back than other hustling mega-cities throughout Asia.

It was voted as among the “20 Best Island to Live On” by Island Magazine in August 2007 issue. For the accompanying families, accommodation is not a problem. Hotels like Berjaya Georgetown Hotel in Penang are just practically opposite Penang Adventist Hospital and less than ten minutes drive from Gleneagles and Island Hospital.

Service apartment are available and located nearby the vicinity of the hospitals.  Apartment stay allows cooking and other amenities. There are many apartments near to the markets, banks and shopping centres. For those who prefer to cook, you will be able to practically get anything you need from the market. The supermarkets are well stock with local and international brands of cooking ingredients. Restaurants and street food are also aplenty with a wide variety of food available, including international cuisines too.

Language is never a problem in Penang. Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national language, with English, Mandarin and Tamil widely used too. The staffs in most of the private hospital are fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia – no interpretation or translation required and this will certainly make communication easier for travellers.

Compared to the USA or the UK, the medical costs here are relatively low even compared to other countries in this region. The cost for a heart bypass surgery in the USA, for example, can be 14 times higher than the cost in here, despite using the same current technology and method. Furthermore, the exchange rate is highly favourable and stable.

Against the dollar it floats around US3.50 to one Ringgit and it has been at this rate for a number of years. This mean the cost of seeking treatment here will be made further cheaper. For example the Gleneagles basic standard executive health screening test including examination, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and blood and other tests cost RM455.00, converting to US dollar would only be US130!

The other factors that made Penang the preferred choice is that it is conveniently link by air to all major cities of South East Asia and the infrastructures is advance and excellent. Last but not least, Penang is considered a safe destination without any history of terrorism and the crime rate is low. Penang prides itself as an exotic tourism destination with attractive heritage sites, beautiful beaches, greenish hillsides and pack with uniquely ethnic cultural events and is well known for its warm, friendly and generous hospitality. In 2007, UNESCO awarded George Town as a World Heritage Site.

Penang’s growing reputation as a preferred health and medical destination sees it welcoming visitors from around the world seeking remedies. Together with its warm and generous hospitality, Penang is definitely the first choice.

List of Hospitals in Penang:-

Public Hospitals :

Penang General Hospital or GH
Balik Pulau Hospital
Seberang Jaya Hospital
Bukit Mertajam Hospital
Sungai Bakap Hospital
Kepala Batas Hospital

Private Hospitals:

Island Hospital
Gleneagles Medical Centre Penang
Pantai Hospital Mutiara Penang
Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre
Hospital Lam Wah Ee
Penang Adventist Hospital
Mount Miriam Hospital

Hospital Directory:

Gleneagles Medical Centre Penang
1, Jalan Pangkor, 10050 Penang.
Tel: 604-227 6111
Email: admin@gmc.po.my

Website: www.gleneagles-penang.com

Hospital Lam Wah Ee
Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim,
11600 Penang
Tel: 604-657 1888, 604-652 8888
Email: hlwe@po.jaring.my

Website: www.hlwe.com.my

Island Hospital
308, Macalister Road, 10450 Penang
Tel: 604-228 8222

Website: www.islandhospital.com

Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre
19 & 21 Logan Road, 10400 Penang
Tel: 604-238 8888
Email: Isc@lohguanlye.com

Website: www.lohguanlye.com

Mount Miriam Hospital
23 Jalan Bulan, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Tel: 604-890 7044
Email: enquiry@mountmiriam.com

Website: www.mountmiriam.com

Pantai Hospital Mutiara Penang
82, Jalan Tangah, Bayan Baru,
11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: 604-643 3888
Email: admin@hpm.com.my

Website: http://www.pantai.com.my/site.cfm?hid=5

Penang Adventist Hospital
465 Jalan Burmah, 10350 Penang
Tel: 604-222 7200
Email: AdventistHealth@po.jaring.my

Website: www.pah.com.my

Clan Jetties at Weld Quay, Penang

* This is a reproduction of my article published in Penang State Tourism Official Website

BY CK Lam

Having been a home on stilts on the shores for the Chew Clan community more than a century and is still now, the Chew Jetty has withstood the test of time and a strong testament of living heritage for Penang and the world to mesmerize.

Started merely as a wooden passageway and slowly created into a cluster of houses perch above the sea shores by stilts above the never ending shifting tides, this communal site is locked in a time zone by itself, disregarding the urban development that is taking place around it.

Penang being a heritage town is rich with attractive historic sites and cultural events, but this inimitable settlement stands out as a truly unique living heritage. The Chew Jetty is actually a whole settlement of wooden houses built on silts and the name “Chew” is the surname (the first name) of the residences and that’s where the name was derived. Migrant’s families with this surname would live together in this area.

These clusters of wooden houses were built by the Chinese poor immigrants who work near the port during the nineteen century. These immigrants migrated from the south-eastern coast of China, known as the Fujian Province over here due to the hardship they face in their homeland during that era. Later they brought their families over and made this waterfront their home. The Chew Jetty is still home to hundreds of people living in this area today but many have changed their social and economic lifestyle.

The jetty was initially rows of plank supported by stilts constructed as platform for passengers embarking and disembarking from the boats to the shores and vice versa. Later on, these platforms were joined together to become a jetty. As of today, not many people know the reason why these wooden houses were build on stilts by the side of the jetty. Furthermore, houses built on stilts was not a common practice in these immigrants homeland but more of the South East Asia adaptation. As more houses were built, wooden walkways and alleys branch out from the main jetty to become a cluster of home for these immigrants and their families.

The houses were built on an ad hoc basis and close to each other, with some separated by a small alley to allow sea breeze to pass through for the cooling effect. Some of the plank that runs between the narrow and twisted walkway used today are of the original ones. The jetty houses may look old and depleted but surprising very clean and tidy inside. Water and electricity was installed for them in 1954. You able to find even a well stock grocery store, and most houses has modern amenities like air-conditions, television, fridges – a proof that modernization can juxtapose with traditional lifestyle.

For visitors to Penang, this site is a fascinating and must not be missed out in the itinerary. One step on to the wooden walkways you will be able to “feel” the ambience from the surrounding that exudes a sense of nostalgia in this unique waterborne community. You get a pip of the sea below you as you walk along the wooden platform through the gaps in the floorboard. Walking further down towards the sea will lead you to a world that is half forgotten and serene. Just on your left you will see a contrasting sight, the modern hustling and bustling Penang harbour. At the end of the jetty you are able to capture a panoramic view of the port and the activities between the mainland and the island with also magnificent glimpses of the third longest bridge in the world as you gaze to the horizon of the Straits of Malacca.

In the night the whole scenario changes as the amber lights from the lamp post fall on the wooden houses and the surrounding to give it a warm and cosy atmosphere.

Visitors should come and witness the clan religious activities which are colourful and deep with traditional ceremonies. The most elaborate and grand celebration is the worship of Jade Emperor (Sky God) on the eight day of the Chinese New Year. Every resident would prepare their offering of food by lying them jointly on a 50 meter long alter by the side of the main road. The alter is surrounded by many huge decorated and colourful giant joss sticks. The table sides are tied together with sugarcane and red origami paper hanging from the sugar cane stem. At the stroke of midnight fireworks are let off, turning the street into a magical sight.

Tourists who wish to experience the traditional lifestyle and a layback holiday could opt for a home stay in this settlement itself. The scheme was started by one of the residents thus enabling you to get a firsthand experience in this unique settlement. You could leisurely explore the surrounding which one would normally not be able to do so in a few hours of visit. The hospitality is unendingly friendly and one can experience a sense of the clan kinship within this community that has existed centuries ago. Boat rides can be arranged around the ports and nearby islet and Penang Bridge, if the weather permits. The home is a stroll away to all the heritage sites of inner George Town and the main bus depot of Rapid Penang and the iconic Penang ferry terminal.

There are another five other clan communities similar to the Chew Jetty lining in a row along Weld Quay and together they are known as the Clan Jetties or Weld Quay Jetties. The Chew Clan is by far the largest among the Weld Quay family of clans. Not only are these communities unique and the oldest surviving cluster settlement in Penang, the Clan Jetty is a priceless piece of Penang’s history and significantly contributing to the rich cultural heritage.

List of Can Jetties at Weld Quay
Chew Jetty
Lee Jetty
Lim Jetty
Tan Jetty
Yeoh Jetty
Chap Seo Keo (Mixed Clans Jetty)
Peng Aun Jetty (already demolished)
Koay Jetty (already demolished)

Baba Nonya and Chinese antique furniture and collectibles In Seven Terraces, Penang

BY CK Lam

Located at the heart of the UNESCO heritage zone in George Town Penang is Seven Terraces. This beautifully refurbished boutique hotel on Stewart Lane by renowned hotelier Christopher Ong and Karl Steinberg of Muntri Mews, Clove Hall and the UNESCO award winning hotel Galle Fort in Sri Lanka houses many Baba Nyonya and Chinese antique furniture and collectibles.

Some are beautiful and ornately designed…

This lovely wood carving with hues of bright colours is displayed at The Kebaya restaurant

 

 

An antique bed with mother-of-pearl inlay holds a small table decorated with collectibles 

Eye catching display of a Nyonya head gear 

 A collection of porcelain is displayed in the reception lobby

Wooden door near the entrance of the hotel comes with highly detailed carvings

The entrance to one of the suites on the first floor…

Heritage buildings around Beach Street, George Town

 BY CK Lam

Penang, George Town has plenty of charming heritage buildings, with some dated back to the 19th and early 20th century. One particular street that is lined with many such buildings is Beach Street / Lebuh Pantai and its surroundings.
This part of the downtown area which is the financial district of George Town is jammed-pack during business hours.

 

Penang Islamic Council Building at the junction of Beach Street and Downing Street

 

Beach Street Fire Station at the junction of Beach Street and Chulia Street Ghaut

George Town Dispensary building at the junction of Beach Street and China Street

 

Old OCBC Bank Building

 

Clock tower at Custom Department

The 1886 building 

TTS Building (Thio Thiaw Siat)

 

India House at the junction of Beach Street and Church Street Ghaut

Standard Chartered Bank

Clock tower at Beach Street

Penang Street Art – Hand Painted Wall Murals

 BY CK Lam

This post is on sharing pictures of beautiful wall paintings in George Town, Penang.

Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic was commissioned to paint a series of street art in a project called “Mirrors of George Town” in conjunction with Penang’s Georgetown Festival. The project consists of 6 to 12 eye-catching wall paintings strategically placed within the core heritage zone of George Town.  Here is a look at some of the wall murals:

I managed to take this awesome photo of Ernest at work on the “Reaching Up” wall mural on Cannon Street.

 

“Little Children on a Bicycle” Mural, Armenian Street, George Town, Penang

Mural on Armenian Street, George Town, Penang

“Boy on a Bike” Mural, in Ah Quee Street, George Town, Penang

"Little Girl in Blue" Mural, Muntri Street, George Town, Penang

 

Do not leave Penang without taking memorable moments of these beautiful wall paintings. Locations of these paintings and other steel sculptures can be seen at the map by Penang.

Steel Sculptures around George Town, Penang

BY CK Lam

To mark the city’s Unesco World Heritage Site, a series of of steel sculptures have been installed around inner George Town. Visitors can look forward to the sculptures at Chowrasta Market, Acheen Street, Prangin Road Ghaut, Carnarvon Street, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Muntri Street, Weld Quay and Malay Street.

The sculptures depicting the history of the local community are made from steel rods, and featured cartoons and caricatures by cartoonists like Tan Mun Kian, Baba Chuah, Reggie Lee and Lefty Julian Kam.
Here are just a few of the street murals and sculptures…
The ‘Too Narrow’ sculpture at Soo Hong Lane, near the junction with Armenian Street.

  

The ‘Procession’ sculpture at Armenian Street.

 

The ‘Limousine’ sculpture at Carnarvon Street.

The "Win Win Situation" Sculpture at Muntri Street.

The "Cheating Husband" Sculpture at Love Lane.

 

The "One Leg Kicks All" Sculpture at Muntri Street.

 

The "Jimmy Choo" Sculpture at Leith Street.

The sculptures are put up in stages and will be completed only in the first half of 2013. For more info on the locations, do check out the map by Penang.

Muntri Street, Penang

 BY CK Lam

Images around Muntri Street, Penang.

According to Khoo Su Nin author of the book "Streets of George Town, Penang" the word Muntri or Mentri is related to "minister" and "mandarin". In this street the residential shophouses belongs to prominent and elite Chinese men and many Cantonese guilds and associations. One association that many Penagnite will be familiar with is the Cantonese "amahs" (live in nannies, servants and cook) who only wore black and white uniforms (sum-fu). Lam Wah Ee Hospital also started in one of the shoplots here.

Nowadays, there are aplenty of cafes,boutiques and budget hotels around the vicinity of this street. One well known heritage boutique hotel with a charming cafe is Muntri Mews and its Mews Cafe. Other refurbished heritage cafes are Soul Kitchen, Moon Tree 47 and Behind 50 .

Referance- "Streets of George Town, Penang. An Illustrated Guide To Penang's City Street & Historic Attractions" by Khoo Su Nin