Jewish Cemetery
The Jewish Cemetery in Penang is believed to be the oldest in Malaysia as well as throughout the region. With 70 graves, the Jewish Cemetery is one of the biggest concentration of Jewish graves in one area. The first grave in the cemetery is dated 1805 while the most recent is dated 1976.
The Jewish Cemetery of Jalan Zainal Abidin is a reminder of the small big significant Jewish community that once dwelled peacefully in Penang. They are said to be aligned closely to the Armenians, and arrived in Penang by way of India. The number of Jews in Malaysia decimated after the Independence, as they migrated to other country. As of today, it is not known how many Jews are there still in Penang.
Among those buried at the cemetery was a British officers of Jewish descent who was killed during the Second World War. Despite the tropical weather, most of the graves are in excellent condition. Many are tombs with vaulted lid, made to resemble ossuaries from in Israel. The inscriptions are in Hebrew, or bilingual, in Hebrew and English.
The Jewish cemetery is surrounded by an eight-feet tall wall. Entry is via an iron gate with the words "Jewish Cemetery" on it. The oldest graves are the ones immediately in front of the gate. Surrounding the Jewish cemetery are modern high rise apartment blocks and office skyscrapers, including Menara UMNO.
Getting there
Take the Rapid Penang from Weld Quay Bus Terminal to Jalan Burma. Disembark the bus at the bus stop in front of the former Rex cinema (now Mekio furniture shop). Walk along Jalan Burma to Jalan Zainal Abidin. Turn left into Jalan Zainal Abidin. Walk for another 150 meters. The Jewish cemetery is on your left.
When to visit
It is best to visit the Jewish Cemetery during the dry season, when the grass is shortest. This is between January and March. Temperature around this season is however at the highest.
Stretching your budget in Penang
If you are a prudent traveller, you can spend less than $20 per day in Penang, including your accommodation! Here's some useful tips for budget travellers to Penang, to help you manage your budget and have a great time.
Penang Tour Guides
If you're on a shoestring budget, you can explore Penang using the travel articles in Penang Travel Tips. You may print them out for your own personal non-commercial use. However, nothing compares to having a professional tour guide to show you around. If you need a tour guide, contact me and I'll arrange one for you, according to your schedule and interest. If I happen to be free, I would gladly show you around too. Just write to me at:
Finding Budget Accommodation in Penang
If you're coming to Penang on a budget, you'd be pleased to know that there's quite a number of places in George Town as well as in Batu Ferringhi that offers good clean accommodation without costing you an arm and a let. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood, which happens to belong to a friend of mine. If it is occupied, there are plenty of other places that cost less than US$12.00 per night. Here are some suggestions:
Hutton Lodge, from US$8.25
Baba Guesthouse, from US$7.57
E.T. Budget Guesthouse, from US$6.05
YMCA Penang, from US$6.53
Ali's Ferringhi Guest House, from US$9.63
Despite the best intentions to provide you information that is as accurate as possible, do be aware that prices may have changed and exchange rates fluctuated since I wrote this. So please personally and carefully screen through the available accommodation before making your booking, to avoid any disappointments.
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Jewish Cemetery (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye
Jewish Cemetery Location Map
Jewish Cemetery (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye
Jewish Cemetery (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye
Jewish Cemetery (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye
Jewish Cemetery (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye
Jewish Cemetery (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye
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