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Two-Part Talk Series: Uncovering Penang's North Coast with Eugene Quah

MYR 0.00

Join independent researcher and Penang Monthly columnist Eugene Quah Ter-Neng for an illuminating journey along Penang's North Coast — a stretch of shoreline where fishing villages, plantations, colonial beach residences, sacred sites, and resort developments tell interwoven stories of transformation spanning centuries.

Moving from east to west, the first talk covers the adjoining neighbourhoods of Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah, followed by the second exploring Batu Ferringhi and neighbouring Teluk Bahang. Sharing the latest research from his upcoming book, The Illustrated Guide to Penang's North Coast, these talks serve as an introduction to the geography and history of this part of the island rarely written about outside of touristy tomes. Presented in a 'know-your-neighbourhood' style, the sessions are especially useful to residents and enthusiasts of the North Coast.

Throughout both sessions, Eugene weaves together meticulous archival research with vivid storytelling, complemented by rare maps and photographs. These talks offer fresh perspectives on familiar landscapes, inviting both long-time residents and curious visitors to see Penang's North Coast with new eyes.

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Part I · Saturday, 31 January · 10am - 12pm
Part II · Sunday, 1 March · 10am - 12pm

Glasshouse, Tropical Spice Garden
Spice Fam: Free
Public: By Purchase of Garden Entry ticket

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Important Info:
1. Descriptions of the two sessions and the speaker’s bio can be found below.
2. Kindly aim to arrive 15 minutes before the session begins, as there is a short uphill walk involved.
3. Online registration is required for both Spice Fam and public/non-members. Kindly proceed with checkout as normal. Adjust the quantity accordingly if you are signing up for more than one person.
4.Garden Entry tickets can be purchased in-person on the day.
5. For further enquiries, contact 019 420 3797.

Passes:

Join independent researcher and Penang Monthly columnist Eugene Quah Ter-Neng for an illuminating journey along Penang's North Coast — a stretch of shoreline where fishing villages, plantations, colonial beach residences, sacred sites, and resort developments tell interwoven stories of transformation spanning centuries.

Moving from east to west, the first talk covers the adjoining neighbourhoods of Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah, followed by the second exploring Batu Ferringhi and neighbouring Teluk Bahang. Sharing the latest research from his upcoming book, The Illustrated Guide to Penang's North Coast, these talks serve as an introduction to the geography and history of this part of the island rarely written about outside of touristy tomes. Presented in a 'know-your-neighbourhood' style, the sessions are especially useful to residents and enthusiasts of the North Coast.

Throughout both sessions, Eugene weaves together meticulous archival research with vivid storytelling, complemented by rare maps and photographs. These talks offer fresh perspectives on familiar landscapes, inviting both long-time residents and curious visitors to see Penang's North Coast with new eyes.

~

Part I · Saturday, 31 January · 10am - 12pm
Part II · Sunday, 1 March · 10am - 12pm

Glasshouse, Tropical Spice Garden
Spice Fam: Free
Public: By Purchase of Garden Entry ticket

~

Important Info:
1. Descriptions of the two sessions and the speaker’s bio can be found below.
2. Kindly aim to arrive 15 minutes before the session begins, as there is a short uphill walk involved.
3. Online registration is required for both Spice Fam and public/non-members. Kindly proceed with checkout as normal. Adjust the quantity accordingly if you are signing up for more than one person.
4.Garden Entry tickets can be purchased in-person on the day.
5. For further enquiries, contact 019 420 3797.

Speaker Profile
Eugene Quah is an author, independent researcher, and explorer specialising in the rich history of the Straits of Malacca, with a focus on Penang. His upcoming book is titled “An Illustrated Guide to the North Coast of Penang.” As a regular contributor to Penang Monthly and Penang City Eye, he consistently uncovers compelling and often untold stories that connect the region’s past to its present. Through meticulous archival research and engaging narrative non-fiction, he strives to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and local history. A sought-after heritage interpreter, he conducts educational walks for both the Penang Heritage Trust and the Persatuan Pencinta Sejarah dan Warisan Pulau Pinang (Penang Hidden Gems). He is also a member of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society


Part One: Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah

Before international schools and seafront condominiums, these neighbouring settlements harboured some of Penang's oldest traditional Malay fishing villages, plantations, and houses of worship and cemeteries of various faiths and creeds. Eugene reveals how these adjacent promontories evolved from rustic villages into the affluent suburbs we know today.

Learn about the origins of place names around the neighbourhood — Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, Mount Olivia and Erskine, Nyior Chabang, Vale of Tempe, Mariophile, and more. Deep dive into the under-appreciated engineering marvel of the vast Guillermard northern waterworks. Discover the significance and origins of the venerable Hai Choo Su Temple — the oldest on the island and mother temple of Penang's homegrown Tua Pek Kong religion.

Part Two: Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang

Continuing westwards from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi and onwards to Teluk Bahang, this session traces the north coast's transformation from remote fishing settlements to Penang's premier tourist corridor, while exploring the quieter western reaches of Teluk Bahang.

One highlight of the talk is a description of the North Coast from authentic Portuguese documents dated 1699, showing that mariners had long stopped at Penang for water — as alluded to by the name Batu Ferringhi, or "Foreigner's Rock". Learn how in the late 19th century, Batu Ferringhi once hosted an ice factory powered by a hydroelectric plant — the first in British Malaya — and served as the terminus of Penang's first bus service back in 1912. Eugene will also explore Teluk Bahang and the geography and history of the area, covering Tanjung Puchat Muka (Muka Head) — now the Penang National Park — and its century-old lighthouse.

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