21
APRIL 2008 KDN No. PP15600/11/2008(020139) Preface a vision of desirable tropical lifestyle takes shape Overview ariza, avalon, acacia News & Happenings exclusive waterside living Special Article the finder and founder

Seri Tanjung Pinang

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Seri Tanjung Pinang

APRIL 2008

KDN No. PP15600/11/2008(020139)

Preface

a vision of desirable tropical lifestyle takes shape

Overview

ariza, avalon, acacia News & Happenings

exclusive waterside livingSpecial Article

the finder and founder

Page 2: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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 ChongMarketing & Sales Director

E&O Property Development Berhad

GreetingsPrefaceA vision of desirable tropicallifestyle takes shape02

OverviewAriza, avalon, acacia04

News & Happeningsexclusive waterside living 10

Special Articlethe finder & founder28

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-R39 Stamford Road, #01-13 Stamford HouseSingapore 178885Tel: 65 6337 1680 Fax: 65 6337 1640

All rights reserved.Copyright © 2008

contents

1

Page 3: Seri Tanjung Pinang

A vision of a desirabletropical lifestyle takes shape

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 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 as a classic contemporary spirit.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, the enclave promises to be a true international community complete with the world-class amenities to enhance the residents’ 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 Tanjung Pinang was nothing short of overwhelming, attracting not only local interest but also investors from around the world.

PREFACE2 3

Page 4: Seri Tanjung Pinang

Common green belts help foster a sense of community amongst Ariza residents

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.

ariza

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

OVERVIEW4 5

Page 5: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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.

avalonCombination of detailed craftsmanship and generous proportions with the sky, the sun and the fine art of living by the sea.

Right; Lofty ceilings enhance the sense of spaciousness in Avalon homes. Bottom; Whitewashed walls are synonymous

OVERVIEW6 7

Page 6: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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.

acacia The modern lines of Acacia are a perfect counterpoint to the tropical setting

OVERVIEW

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,

8 9

Page 7: Seri Tanjung Pinang

exclusive Waterside livingE&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.

NEWS & HAPPENINGSNEWS & HAPPENINGS10

Page 8: Seri Tanjung Pinang

the suites at waterside

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.

The master bedroom opens out onto a lanai

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

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

12 13

Page 9: Seri Tanjung Pinang

NEWS & HAPPENINGSNEWS & HAPPENINGS

seaside Indulge in

luxuryTop: Each of three Villas-by-the-Sea designs is uniquely distinctive yet they share an elegance inspired by Caribbean luxury

Skye Abreeza Martinique

E&O teamed up with Bahrain’s Al Salam Bank and CIMB-Mapletree Real Estate 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.

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.

NEWS & HAPPENINGS14 15

Page 10: Seri Tanjung Pinang

Wrap round verandah with Mediterranean style terracotta tiles

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Top; The grand dining area Top right; Martinique’s stand-alone guest pavillion on ground floor Bottom; Master suite with view of open sea

16 17

Page 11: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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

the spirit ofmuhibbahreflected in festivity

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, STP home-owners, schools and orphanages.

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 & HAPPENINGS18 19

Page 12: Seri Tanjung Pinang

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Kuala Lumpur, 30 August 2007 – E&O Property Development 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 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 products. With E&OProp in this year’s listings, readers of The Edge, which comprise local and expatriate industry leaders, corporate heads and businessmen, will be better informed about the quality of life that we offer and maintain for our homeowners.

This award ranks local developments from the consumer’s perspective in both their quantitative and qualitative attributes. Data on the quantitative attributes, namely shareholders’ fund, group pre-tax profit, revenue, gearing and cash, and cash equivalents, were compiled by Interactive Data Sdn Bhd.

The qualitative attributes were judged by a panel of seven consisting esteemed members of the industry, namely International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) past World President Datuk Alan Tong, FIABCI Malaysia Vice President Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar, FIABCI Malaysia past Presidents Kumar Tharmalingam and Datuk 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.

SINGAPORE, 17 October 2007 – E&O Property Development Berhad opened a sales gallery and marketing office in Singapore in a strategic move that represents our first step to offer our products to an international audience. The Singapore market, comprising both Singaporeans as well as Singapore-based foreign investors, is one of our largest groups of overseas buyers. The marketing office in the city will help us better understand the needs and wants of the local clientele, enabling us to establish long-term and trusted relationships with them. The sales gallery will feature scale models of our development projects. It will also provide customers with a convenient and reliable access to information on our premier development projects in Malaysia. E&O Sales Gallery, Singapore is strategically located in the Central Business District at 39 Stamford Road, #01-13 Stamford House, Singapore 178885.

opens 1st overseas office in singapore

E&O

From Top The E&OProp Sales Gallery,The Singapore skyline, Stamford House is perfectly suited to the E&O identity

Malaysia’s top 10 property developers

E&O is one of

NEWS & HAPPENINGSNEWS & HAPPENINGS20 21

Page 13: Seri Tanjung Pinang

Located on Jalan Tun Razak, in the heart of Kuala

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.

luxurious urban LIVINGThe 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.

Page 14: Seri Tanjung Pinang

The RM 1.7 billion Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) project promises to transform Penang into a modern, v ibrant c i ty as wel l as a major logistics and transportation hub. Projects under the NCER in Penang include 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.

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 inmaking their home here.

THE IWA DISCOVERS Penang’s past, present and future at STP

property values in penang

NCER to boost

NEWS & HAPPENINGSNEWS & HAPPENINGS24 25

Page 15: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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.

STP WELCOMES THE

YEAR OF THE RAT

NEWS & HAPPENINGS26 27

Page 16: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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.

Founder&The Finder

SPECIAL ARTICLE28 29

Page 17: Seri Tanjung Pinang

“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow

their own freshness into you... while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

- John Muire

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

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

canopy or a trellis.

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.

Left With a little thought and creativity, you can seamlessly combine indoor and outdoor living

Rooftop Terraces

SPECIAL ARTICLE30 31

Page 18: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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

SPECIAL ARTICLE32 33

Page 19: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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 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 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.

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.)

PENANG

paradise regainedArticle By: Helen Ong

SPECIAL ARTICLE34 35

Page 20: Seri Tanjung Pinang

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

SPECIAL ARTICLE36 37

Page 21: Seri Tanjung Pinang