APRIL 2008

Preface
a vision of desirable tropical
lifestyle takes shape
Overview
ariza, avalon, acacia
News & Happenings
exclusive waterside living
Special Article
the finder and founder

KDN No. PP15600/11/2008(020139)


Greetings
It’s the New Year and as always, it crept up
on us unnoticed. Suddenly, we realized that
Christmas was over and we were anticipating
Chinese New Year. By the time you read
this, we will have ushered in the Year of the
Rat. So let us take this opportunity to roll all
our greetings into one and offer you all our
hopes for a joyous and prosperous year.
At Seri Tanjung Pinang, we welcomed
2008 with great optimism. 2007 had been
a busy and fruitful year indeed. We began
by launching The Suites at Waterside, the
premier service apartments that offer
spectacular views of the Straits of Malacca
and the Andaman Sea.
Almost immediately, we were swept up by a
whirlwind of events. Among the most notable
were the opening of our first overseas sales
gallery in Singapore as well as the Lantern
Festival and Deeparaya celebrations which
we organized for the STP community and our
neighbours.
The year ended with the launch of Villas-By-
The-Sea, limited edition villas inspired by the
laid-back culture of the Caribbean.
2007 marked the beginning of great things
indeed. Personally, I think the greatest
thing was to see a real community taking
shape at STP. I look forward to witnessing
this community grow even more in 2008
– not just in size but also in character. And
Watercolour will be there to capture every
glorious moment.
K C Chong
Marketing & Sales Director
E&O Property Development Berhad
1
contents
Preface
A vision of desirable tropical
lifestyle takes shape
02
Overview
Ariza, avalon, acacia
04
News & Happenings
exclusive waterside living
10
Special Article
the finder & founder
28
All materials published remain the property of The E&O Group Berhad. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form nor by any means - graphics, electronics,
mechanical, photocopying, recording - without prior written permission of
the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the credits accurately
comply with the information supplied.
For more information, please contact:
E&O Property (Penang) Sdn Bhd
The Sales Gallery, Seri Tanjung Pinang,
Tanjung Tokong 10470, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
T 604 890 9999 (Sales) 604 891 8000 (General)
F 604 899 1122 (Sales) 604 891 2525 (General)
www.seritanjungpinang.com
E&O Property Development Berhad
Level 3A (Annexe), Menara Milenium, 8 Jalan Damanlela,
Damansara Heights 50490, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
T 603 2093 8888 (Sales) 603 2095 6868 (General)
F 603 2095 0293 (Sales) 603 2095 9898 (General)
www.eoprop.com
The Sales Gallery (Singapore)
E&0 Property Singapore Pte Ltd 198304387-R
39 Stamford Road, #01-13 Stamford House
Singapore 178885
Tel: 65 6337 1680 Fax: 65 6337 1640
All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2008
2 PREFACE 3

Inspired by Penang’s gracious colonial past and infused

with a classic contemporary spirit, Seri Tanjung Pinang
is one of the most desirable residential enclaves on
the island. The good news is that the master planned
community is developing right on schedule – delivering
beautiful homes to delighted residents who are keen to
embrace an elegant tropical lifestyle.

Seri Tanjung Pinang defines contemporary island

living at its best. This 980-acre freehold master
planned seaside estate, located north of Gurney
Drive, offers a range of homes all distinguished by

A vision of
the E&O signature. Whether a villa, semi-detached
home or luxury apartment, a home in Seri Tanjung
Pinang is the gateway to a distinctive lifestyle that
encompasses Penang’s gracious colonial past as well

a desirable
as a classic contemporary spirit.

Designed by internationally renowned architect

tropical
Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, the enclave promises
to be a true international community complete with
the world-class amenities to enhance the residents’

lifestyle
quality of life. RM10 million has been earmarked for
landscaping works which include parks, boulevards
and seafront esplanades.

It’s hardly surprising then that the response to Seri

takes shape
Tanjung Pinang was nothing short of overwhelming,
attracting not only local interest but also investors
from around the world.
4 OVERVIEW 5

Seri Tanjung Pinang’s maiden launch in October

2005, comprised 97 units of Ariza courtyard homes.
Ariza homes are the largest terrace homes on the
island with built up area of up to 3,800 sq feet.
There is even a two-and-a-half-storey option which
features a sunny roof deck.

However, what makes Ariza truly special is the

incorporation of modern interpretations of tropical
Straits architecture, such as terraces, verandahs
and courtyards with large window accesses. The
courtyard was once an essential feature in Malaysian
homes, facilitating cross-ventilation, natural
daylight for cooler, illuminated homes.

Phase 1A was completed end 2006, with the

pioneer group of housebuyers receiving their keys
early in 2007. Phase IB was completed and handed
over at end 2007.

Right; clock wise from top: Landscaping within the

residential parcels, Amenities and parks to enhance
residents’ quality of life, Stringent security measures ensure
peace of mind

ariza Common green belts help foster a sense

of community amongst Ariza residents
6 OVERVIEW 7

This exclusive guarded precinct of only 92 limited

edition semi-detached homes, was launched in
mid-2006. With a floor area of up to 4,000 sq ft
and floor-to-ceiling heights of up to 11 feet, each
three-storey Avalon home offers the luxury of
space and panoramic views.

Avalon homes are contemporary tropical designs

with touches of colonial influence such as red-
tiled gable roofs, overhanging eaves and verandas.
Each three-storey Avalon home boasts an
expansive floor area with floor-to-ceiling heights
of up to 11 feet.

The first 60 units were completed in late 2007

and handed over to buyers.

Right; Lofty ceilings enhance the sense of spaciousness

in Avalon homes. Bottom; Whitewashed walls are
synonymous

avalon Combination of detailed craftsmanship and generous proportions with the sky,
the sun and the fine art of living by the sea.
8 OVERVIEW 9

This precinct of semi-detached homes was

launched in April 2007. Acacia takes a different
approach from Avalon. Here the design ethos
is purely modern tropical with an emphasis
on outdoor living. To this end, Acacia homes
come with a larger garden than most residential
properties in Penang.

The three-storey Acacia homes are wonderfully

spacious with an open-plan layout and floor-to-
ceiling heights of up to 11 feet. The top floor
reveals one final secret – an expansive timber
decked terrace which is just perfect for enjoying
sunsets, sea breezes and stunning vistas.

The first phase of Acacia is expected to be

completed by the end of 2008.

Right; clock wise from top: The wrap round verandah

with timber deck, One room on the entire top floor with
a personal lounge or study, Full-height windows frame
remarkable seascapes,

acacia The modern lines of Acacia are a perfect counterpoint to the tropical setting
10 NEWS & HAPPENINGS NEWS & HAPPENINGS

e xclusive
Waterside
living
E&O launched these luxury service apartments in July
2007. The Suites at Waterside are ideally situated around
the Marina at Waterside, an inner city festive marina, the
first of its kind in the region. Waterside will be the island’s
new destination for seafront lifestyle and living.
12 NEWS & HAPPENINGS 13

The Suites comprise 160 spacious one- and two-

bedroom apartments that offer incomparable
views of the marina. Envisioned as the perfect
seaside getaway, each fully-fitted apartment
features a Mediterranean-style lanai that opens
out from the master bedroom. In addition, The
Suites comes complete with a host of resort
facilities, 5-star service and 24-hour security.

At present, The Suites at Waterside are 35

percent completed and purchasers can expect
delivery of their private seafront haven by 2010
as scheduled.

Right; Ample living spaces to lounge in and a separate

dining area to entertain Bottom; The Suites let you
enjoy the best of seafront living

the suites at
waterside The master bedroom opens out onto a lanai
 NEWS & HAPPENINGS
14 NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Indulge Skye
i n seaside E&O teamed up with Bahrain’s Al Salam
Bank and CIMB-Mapletree Real Estate
luxury
Fund I Sdn Bhd to these grand villas at
end 2007.
Villas-by-the-Sea was imagined as an exclusive
community dedicated to luxury living by the sea. This
prestigious enclave – which is being built on 15 acres of
freehold land facing the vast Andaman Sea and Straits
of Malacca – will provide discerning homeowners with
a haven of privacy, relaxation and tranquility.
The exceptional Villas-by-the-Sea experience begins
the moment one enters the single-entry road that fronts
each villa, which leads to a private seafront footpath
accessible only to residents.
Top: Each of three Villas-by-the-Sea designs is uniquely distinctive yet they share an elegance inspired by Caribbean luxury
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
15
Abreeza Martinique
The three distinctive villas designed to celebrate the
sea, breeze and sky, were inspired by the waterfront
mansions that once graced Penang’s seafront. They
reflect the character of the famed island paradises they
are named after – Martinique, Abrezza and Skye. Each
bungalow sits on plots measuring 5,000 to 15,000
square feet and offers a built up area of between 5,000
to 9,000 square feet.
The launch had many positive responses, from both
the local and international market. A total of 40 units
of the project were launched: 20 units of Skye, 16
units of Abrezza and only 4 units of the very exclusive
Martinique. Construction of Villas By-The-Sea is 55
percent complete and the completion date is expected
to be 2009 as scheduled.
16 NEWS & HAPPENINGS 17

Wrap round verandah with Mediterranean style terracotta tiles Top; The grand dining area
Top right; Martinique’s stand-alone guest pavillion on ground floor
Bottom; Master suite with view of open sea
18 NEWS & HAPPENINGS 19

In September 2007, Seri Tanjung Pinang was lit up

with celebration for the year’s mooncake festival.
This was the first time that Seri Tanjung Pinang
organised such an event for its community, and it
was such a rousing success that there will certainly
be more to come. Over 350 guests of all creeds and
cultures poured in to partake in the day’s festivities.

The guests, who started arriving for registration at

the spirit of
5.00 pm,  were treated to a wide array of delicious
traditional Chinese snacks and delicacies of E&O.

muhibbah
Shortly after, a traditional Chinese orchestra began
performing timeless classics that reflected both
Chinese culture and history. Popular items such
as the Lion Dance, 24 seasons drum performance,
reflected in festivity dragon dance acrobatics, a wushu demonstration, and
cultural dances followed suit and did not disappoint.

What is the secret of the perfectly
serene, highly enjoyable lifestyle of
Seri Tanjung Pinang? The muhibbah
spirit of goodwill that infuses the entire
township with a feeling of total unity
and understanding.
Then on the first Saturday of November, we organised
the DeepaRaya Festival at Seri Tanjung Pinang. Once
again, the turnout was nothing short of overwhelming,
with over 300 guests from the local community,
S T P h o m e - o w n e r s, s c h o o l s a n d o r p h a n a g e s.
The event was held at the Seafront Promenade,
located beside The Sales Gallery at Seri Tanjung
Pinang, from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. The festive
programme reflected the muhibbah theme as
it included silat and gendang performances, a
muhibbah dance and other performances by
students from three local schools, SK Tanjung
Tokong, SK Tanjung Bungah and SK Batu Ferringhi,
as well as the orphanage at Jalan Masjid Negeri.
Guests were also treated to Malay and Indian
cultural dances and musical performances.
 NEWS & HAPPENINGS
20 NEWS & HAPPENINGS NEWS & HAPPENINGS 21

E&O
E&O is one of
Malaysia’s
top 10 property
developers opens 1st
Kuala Lumpur, 30 August 2007 – E&O Property Development overseas
office in
Bhd was the newcomer to the Top 10 of The Edge’s
prestigious Top Property Developers Awards this year. This
is a remarkable achievement for a relative newcomer in

singapore
the Malaysian property scene. E&O Prop has grown from
strength to strength since we made our debut in 2003.

This recognition by Malaysia’s foremost financial publication

is not just prestigious but will add greater value to our
SINGAPORE, 17 October 2007 – E&O Property
products. With E&OProp in this year’s listings, readers of
Development Berhad opened a sales gallery and marketing
The Edge, which comprise local and expatriate industry
office in Singapore in a strategic move that represents our
leaders, corporate heads and businessmen, will be better
first step to offer our products to an international audience. 
informed about the quality of life that we offer and maintain
for our homeowners.
The Singapore market, comprising both Singaporeans
as well as Singapore-based foreign investors, is one of
This award ranks local developments from the consumer’s
our largest groups of overseas buyers. The marketing
perspective in both their quantitative and qualitative
office in the city will help us better understand the
attributes. Data on the quantitative attributes, namely
needs and wants of the local clientele, enabling us to
shareholders’ fund, group pre-tax profit, revenue, gearing
establish long-term and trusted relationships with them.
and cash, and cash equivalents, were compiled by Interactive
Data Sdn Bhd.
The sales gallery will feature scale models of our
development projects. It will also provide customers
The qualitative attributes were judged by a panel of seven
with a convenient and reliable access to information
consisting esteemed members of the industry, namely
on our premier development projects in Malaysia.
International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) past World
President Datuk Alan Tong, FIABCI Malaysia Vice
E&O Sales Gallery, Singapore is strategically located in the
President Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar, FIABCI
Central Business District at 39 Stamford Road, #01-13
Malaysia past Presidents Kumar Tharmalingam and Datuk
Stamford House, Singapore 178885.
Teo Chiang Kok, Real Estate and Housing Developers
Association (Rehda) Malaysia past Presidents Datuk Jeffery
Ng Tiong Lip and Datuk Eddy Chen, and The Edge/The
Sun group executive editor of property and retailing Au
Foong Yee.

From Top The E&OProp Sales Gallery,The Singapore skyline,

Stamford House is perfectly suited to the E&O identity
luxurious urban
Located on Jalan Tun Razak, in the heart of Kuala
LIVING
Lumpur’s central business district, Dua Residency
offers the best of both worlds. All the action and
excitement of the city are right at your doorstep –
but once you’re home, you’re transported away from
the hustle and bustle to a sanctuary above it all.
Dua Residency comprises 288 apartments in two
20-storey towers set on 4.5 acres in the vicinity of
Malaysia’s world-renowned Petronas Twin Towers,
which makes it one of the most desirable addresses
in the city.
The concept is one of clean lines, cool open spaces
and understated contemporary chic. The generously
proportioned apartments boast lofty ceilings and
full-height windows, for a glorious sense of airiness
and light. The facilities exceed all expectations.
In addition to a gym, swimming pool and multi-
purpose room, there is a commercial annexe that
features restaurants, cafes, a food hall, shops and
other amenities.
Dua Residency – who says you can’t
have your cake and eat it too?

For more information on Dua Residency, please call our sales office at 603 2093 8888.
24 NEWS & HAPPENINGS
NCER to boost
The RM 1.7 billion Northern Corridor
Economic Region (NCER) project
property
promises to transform Penang into a
m o d e r n , v i b ra n t c i t y a s w e l l a s a
major logistics and transportation hub.
Projects under the NCER in Penang include
values in penang
the construction of the Second Penang Bridge,
a 150-strong bus network and also monorail
stations placed strategically around the island.
Huge efforts are also being made to re-brand
Penang island as an international tourist
destination, much to the joy of the locals.
Aseambanker has identified E&O as one of
the indirect beneficiaries from the project,
as the initiatives taken under the NCER are
very likely to have a spillover effect on the
property sector. E&O is set to profit from
continuing infrastructure developments,
resulting in more job opportunities,
higher income levels, and  new housing
requirements.
The NCER is said to be compressing
development usually spread out over a
period of 20 years into a five-year time
frame. Improved integrated transportation
systems and job opportunities herald
a 10% to 15% increase in property
prices annually for the next five years.
NEWS & HAPPENINGS 25
THE IWA DISCOVERS
Penang’s past, present and future at STP
16 January 2008 – E&OProp were honoured to play host
to the International Women’s Association (IWA) at a coffee
morning at Seri Tanjung Pinang.
The event provided us with an excellent opportunity to
introduce Seri Tanjung Pinang (STP) to Penang’s diverse
expat community. Our aim was to create an awareness of the
opportunities offered by STP. There are residential options in
the form of Ariza 257 and Avalon that are available for rental,
as well as the Villas-By-The-Sea, perfect for those who love
the sea. The upcoming Waterside retail outlets will provide
entrepreneurial expats with great business prospects.
The programme started with a 30-minute presentation on
“The Past and Present of Penang” by Mr Michael Cheah of the
Penang Heritage Trust. He was followed by Ms Christina Lau
of E&OProp who spoke about STP and the Future of Penang.
Lastly, Mr Victor Tan, also of E&OProp, introduced Ariza and
Avalon that were recently handed over.
The turnout was extremely positive considering that many IWA
members had not yet returned from their year-end holidays.
Our guests were also very positive about STP and judging from
their questions, were keenly interested in
making their home here.
26 NEWS & HAPPENINGS 27

STP WELCOMES THE

YEAR OF THE RAT

Penang, 16 February 2008 – Seri Tanjung Pinang celebrated
Chinese New Year in true Malaysian fashion: the open house.
In fact, we went one better over tradition by beginning our
festivities early. Why? So many friends, so little time.

We organised “An Evening of Chinese New Year Reunion”

for the STP community and friends, on 2 February 2008, five
days before the first day of the Lunar New Year. We invited
the existing purchasers, member of the International Women’s
Association and the Malaysian German Society, the Adventist
Hospital, Dalat International School, guests of E&O Hotel and
Tropical Resort, as well as the staff, managers and directors of
Penang-based multinational companies.

The turnout for our first ever Chinese New Year open house at
the STP Sales Gallery was gratifying indeed. Over 122 guests
accepted our invitation and they were treated to an entertaining
programme that included an exhilarating performance by
the World Champion Lion Dance troupe, Chinese cultural
performances, games and a lucky draw. They also feasted on a
sumptuous spread of Chinese New Year delicacies.

A second lunch event was held on 9 February, for those who

registered their interest in STP in January. Our guests gathered
at the STP Sales Gallery and the Villas-by-the-Sea show units
for Chinese New Year fun and entertainment including another
spectacular Lion Dance performance.

Finally, on 16 February, we had a second “A Chinese New Year

Get-together” open house for STP purchasers as well as our
business associates – panel bankers, panel solicitors, property
agents, suppliers and main contractors. Once again, they were
feted with lion dances and other Chinese cultural performances,
lucky draw, games and fantastic food.

All in all, Chinese New Year was really a hectic time for all of us
at STP. But at the same time, it was a lot of fun and seeing the
pleasure on the faces of all our guests made all our hard work
worth it. We are looking forward to organising more community
events in 2008.
28 SPECIAL ARTICLE 29

The Finder &

Founder
Many people are under impression that the first Englishman to reach
Penang was a certain Francis Light (1740 – 1794), a trader for the British
East India Company who won ownership of the island for British rule. In
actual fact, that honour rightly belongs to a certain Sir James Lancaster
(1554 – 1618), a seasoned seaman and trader.

In 1591, European powers were just discovering the vast and lucrative
trading opportunities that the mysterious East held, and were eagerly
experimenting with ship routes to get there both faster and more safely.
It was in August of year that Sir James Lancaster left Plymouth on his
first great voyage to the East Indies. His fleet comprised three ships, one
of them doomed to be lost off the Cape of Corrientes by September
of the same year.

Undeterred, Lancaster continued on after a brief rest at Zanzibar, finally

reaching a small island near the northern entry to the Straits of Malacca
in mid-June of the next year. This island was Penang. After entering into
friendly relations with the island’s inhabitants, the ships sailed away,
almost directly back to England, for by then the crew was inevitably
plagued with scurvy. By the time they returned to England, only 25
crew members remained.

Sir Francis Light may not have discovered Penang, but he still deserves
all due credit for his integral role in putting it on the world map, which
no doubt helped shape the island, and not to mention the Malay states,
into what they are today.
30 SPECIAL ARTICLE 31

Rooftop Terraces
Nature has been the inspiration of much
poetry, art, dance and music through the
ages. There is something about nature that
is deeply therapeutic; we can all attest to
what a few hours in the gentle sunshine,
warm sea breezes and the caressing sound
of soft rustling leaves can do for the spirit
and mind.

There are not many people who are fortunate enough to live
close to nature, and the residents of Seri Tanjung Pinang are
ideally placed to capitalise on these wonders. A simple and
effective way is to set up a rooftop terrace. With a little thought
and creativity, you can seamlessly combine indoor and outdoor
living.

Choosing a suitable space is the first step on your path

towards a charming rooftop terrace. Bear in mind that since
you are likely to be spending considerable time on the rooftop
terrace, you need to ensure that the spot you pick is neither
too hot nor windy. A sheltered space is a good start as it will be
comfortable enough for you to lounge in – be it to spend a few
hours reading or have tete-a-tetes with your loved ones. If your

“Nature’s peace will flow into you

rooftop terrace is already shaded by a tall building or canopy,
all is well. If not, you can achieve the same level of comfort by
constructing an artificial ceiling by rigging up a simple canvas

as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow canopy or a trellis.

their own freshness into you... while cares will

drop off like autumn leaves.”
- John Muire
Left With a little thought and creativity, you can seamlessly combine indoor and
outdoor living
32 SPECIAL ARTICLE 33

When constructing the walls and floors, use only quality materials and
pay attention to the type of materials used. In our tropical climate, it is
wise to choose a surface that will maintain a cool temperature; otherwise
the flooring may get unbearably hot and impossible to walk on. Do
avoid reflective surfaces in very light colours – you do not want light to
be reflecting into your eyes while you are trying to digest the latest style
advice from your glossy fashion magazine. For walls, go with those that
will filter the power of wind instead of blocking it; this can be in the form of
a trellis, or a hedge of conifer.

In selecting the type of plants for the rooftop terrace, make sure that
the natural environment of the plants you have chosen match the site of
your terrace. If your terrace is shaded, choose plants that thrive in shady
environment. You may consider putting the plants in containers as they
provide you with the flexibility of moving them around to create different
looks to keep your rooftop terraces looking fresh.

Finally, you need to decide on the type of furnishing for your rooftop
terrace, the most common being a dining table or a lounger. The good old
deck chair is perennial favourite for total chill out. Many furniture shops
offer a wide range of good quality outdoor furniture from picnic table with
barbeque sets to natural wood deck chairs that sit perfectly in that garden
of yours.

Right; Clockwise from top

Simplicity is the theme of this rooftop swimming pool area, A neutral colour scheme gives
prominence to the colours of the sea and sky, White wrought iron garden furniture emphasise
a Caribbean theme, A cosy sheltered terrace with trellis
34 SPECIAL ARTICLE 35

Although local, I spent many wonderful years living in Europe, and really
enjoyed my younger days there – it was new, exciting and trendy. For
someone who had grown up in a tropical climate, the changing seasons,
with lazy, hazy summer days when the sun doesn’t set till 9pm were
fascinating, and I still remember the indescribable thrill the first time
I saw snow silently cascading down from the sky.

However, as time moved on, it began to lose its appeal and uniqueness –
the summers, though still beautiful, were too short, and the interminable
winters meant the constant cold began creeping into ageing, arthritic

PENANG
joints. That’s when my husband Mac and I started discussing moving
away from it all. There was just no question about it: Malaysia was our
first choice, and Penang was the place to be.

Like most other cities in Asia, the weather, which is (almost) always hot
and sunny; the food and, despite escalating oil prices, the still relatively

paradise regained
low cost of living more than make up for the not-so-nice side of things
here. Let’s face it, there’s no escaping those: the death-defying kamikaze
drivers, the humidity which can make for unsightly sweaty red faces,
uncomfortable heat rash and runny make-up; the often less than hygienic
conditions, and sometimes chaotic administration.

Article By: Helen Ong Despite all that, living here has brought us a new lease of life, and I
cannot stop going on about it even after six years. Why else would so
many expats choose to retire here under the Government’s innovative
Malaysia My Second Home Scheme?

In sleepy Penang, we have almost everything to hand, without the

ensuing problems of living in a large city, and although admittedly
traffic can sometimes get frustratingly heavy, it’s only for a few days
a year (although we get so spoilt that even a mild jam will have us
grumbling about “foreign cars”). Parking is relatively easy and plentiful,
and it doesn’t take long to get from one place to another, even if it’s
halfway across the island.

There are good international schools available which have produced

respectable scholars, and although people have commented on the
dearth of cultural pursuits, philistine that I readily confess to being,
what few shows, performances and exhibitions there are keep me short
of being a total “jungle wallah”. Should I feel any urgent desire for more
civilised stuff, the Petronas Twin Towers and its world-class Malaysian
Philharmonic Orchestra, together with all the accompanying delights
of Kuala Lumpur, are literally down the motorway. (A couple of hours
the opposite direction and you’re in a different country – Haadyai in
southern Thailand is worth a quick trip just to sample real Thai food
and some quick shopping, and Medan is but a thirty-minute plane
ride away.)
36 SPECIAL ARTICLE 37

The weather, already touched upon, is surprisingly mild much of the year,
especially during the rainy season, and if you are lucky enough to live near
the sea, like in one of E&O Property’s gorgeous new developments in Seri
Tanjung Pinang, then the cooling, natural sea breeze is even better.

And oh, the social life … where does one start?! Being a small community,
it’s easy to meet new people, and everyone seems to know everybody else.
The beauty of it is we have a choice: if we want to go out partying every
night, there’s always something on, either at someone’s home or in one of
the many fantastic resorts, hotels or restaurants in town or by the beach. In
fact, now that we have the time and wherewithal to do so, the only thing
stopping us is the fear of liver cirrhosis and cholesterol!

Mac is having a ball (pun intended) indulging in something that he’s always
enjoyed doing but found difficult to in Europe, partly because of the expense
and partly because of the weather – getting his handicap down. Although
there are only a couple of courses on the island, it’s but a hop, skip and jump
to a fair few on the mainland, and green fees are relatively reasonable.

On a personal front, there is no doubt that life is much more conducive to

… well … living! There are plenty of eateries, hawker centres, kopitiams
and restaurants, both western and Asian, cheap or expensive, conveniently
located at every corner. The malls, if not exactly Starhill or The Gardens, are
good enough that even visitors from all over the world can still find a unique
bargain or two. The beaches and heritage buildings are all just bonuses.

Living in Penang puts paid to the expression, “Having my cake and eating
it”, because frankly, my dear, that’s what we do here.

From left to right

Characteristic Nyonya painted tiles, Traditional Chinese lanterns, A ferry boat, A
sampan, Detail of a trishaw, The city centre, Unloading jackfruits at the market,
Characteristic Nyonya painted tiles, Kapitan Keling Mosque