Explore a different destination UNESCO World Heritage Site Madrasah Hamid Arabi, George Town

      Earth About Me      Bookmark and Share  Follow me on Twitter


Al-Madrasah Al-Mahmoodiyah Al-Arabia

Madrasah Hamid Arabi, or by its full name Al-Madrasah Al-Mahmoodiyah Al-Arabia, now in a dilapidated state, was once an Islamic religious school and boarding house for Muslim students. It is located along Lebuh Ah Quee (Ah Quee Street) which is at the back of a substantial Indian Muslim settlement, and within a short walk from the Kapitan Keling Mosque.

The madrasah was founded in 1900 by Shaikh Abdul Hamid al-Khahirah, an Indian Muslim jeweller operating from Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, with funds collected from fellow Muslim merchants in the vicinity. The madrasah offered classes in the Arabic language as well as the Quran and Syariah law. At the height of its popularity, in the 1920's, Madrasah Hamid Arabi had an enrolment of about 200 students.

Today the madrasah is in a dilapidated state housing numerous tenants. So far there is no news of restoring it.

Getting there

From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge. Turn left and walk along Pengkalan Weld until you reach the junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right into Gat Lebuh Chulia and walk until the junction of Lebuh Pantai. Turn left and walk along Beach Street until the junction of Lebuh Ah Quee. Turn right into Lebuh Ah Quee. On your left at Lebuh Ah Quee is the longest shophouse in George Town. Following that, you pass the Kew Leong Tong Lim Kongsi. Madrasah Hamid Arabi is located immediately after Lim Kongsi.

What to see and do

The Madrasah Hamid Arabi has beautiful stucco ornamentation all over its facade. The floral decoration is reminiscent of South Indian Muslim style. As it is not in a restored state, the madrasah is not geared for tourists. However, one can still visit it, just to admire it from outside.

Nearby Sights

Madrasah Hamid Arabi is located within the core zone of the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. There are numerous sights around it that you can also visit. Their location is reference to the madrasah. Among them:

  • Lim Kongsi: Immediately to the right of the madrasah. Take note that it is locked most of the time.
  • Nagore Shrine: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, head down Lorong Pitt. The Nagore Shrine is right up ahead, on the right side of Lebuh King.
  • Sri Mahamariamman Temple: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, head down Lorong Pitt. At the junction of Lebuh Chulia, turn left. A short distance down is the junction of Lebuh Queen to the right. Turn right into it. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is on the left side of Lebuh Queen.
  • Teochew Ancestral Temple: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, head down Lorong Pitt. At the junction of Lebuh Chulia, turn left. The Teochew Ancestral Temple is on the left side of Lebuh Chulia, in front of the junction with Lebuh Queen.
  • Masjid Kapitan Keling: From Madrasah Hamid Arabi, turn left and walk along Lebuh Ah Quee until you reach the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Cross the road and Masjid Kapitan Keling is on the opposite side of the road.

    Visiting Penang

    If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!

    Click for list of Penang Mosques and Muslim Sites







    • Madrasah Hamid Arabi (30 January 2006)

    Madrasah Hamid Arabi Location Map







    Front view of Madrasah Hamid Arabi (1 September 2008)


    Madrasah Hamid Arabi (30 January 2006)


    Side view of Madrasah Hamid Arabi (1 September 2008)

    Compare prices of Hotel Room Rates in Penang

    Use this search engine to find the lowest price of hotel rooms from different Hotel Booking websites. You'd be glad to do your homework!


    Local Tours in Penang

    It is often more practical to book your tours online. You have the luxury of time to go through what are the tours you intend to take, rather than having to make a decision on your feet. Check out the local tours in Penang that you can book online. The tours are provided by Viator, a reputable international tour company.

    Arrange Airport Transfer

    If you are coming to Penang, you can arrange airport transfer from airport to city in advance. A van will be waiting for you to pick you at the airport. This service is very useful and cost effective if you are arriving as a group.



    Follow me on Twitter

    Sign up to Tim's Travel Tips, and let me take you to explore the places in Penang, Malaysia and Asia.

    Please link to me!

    If you enjoy exploring Penang and getting to know its places of interest, place a link from your website or blog to Penang Travel Tips. Let Penang Travel Tips be your window to everything Penang! It is as easy as copying the source code below and pasting it on your site:

    Return to Penang Travel Tips homepage

    What's up at my other websites: Asia Explorers, World Greatest Sites, Flowering Garden, and Earth Documentary




    Tim's Travel Tips and globe logo are trademark and service mark of Timothy Tye. Copyright © 2008-2010 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.
    Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms. Tim is a Christian. Click here to know more about his beliefs.