Noordin Family Tomb, also called Noordin Mausoleum, is a mausoleum built in the mid 19th century by prominent Indian Muslim merchant Mohamed Merican Noordin, also known as M.M. Noordin. The Noordin family are Chulias, which are Indian Muslims from Southern India (the name Chulia is related to the word Chola, which is the name of an ancient kingdom in South India). The street where they operated was name Chulia Street, or now, Lebuh Chulia. The Noordin Family Tomb is located facing Chulia Street next door to the original main entrance of the Kapitan Keling Mosque. M.M. Noordin arrived in Penang in 1820. Before long, he was the leader of the Indian Muslim community of George Town. The British authorities made him a Municipal Commissioner and a Justice of the Peace - he was one of the first Muslims to be accorded such an honor.
The Noordin Family Tomb was originally intended for M.M. Noordin's mother. However, Noordin himself was also buried there when he died in 1870.
The mausoleum has a porch that originally had a hipped tile roof. The porch is supported by four pillars. The central pediment is embellished with beautiful ornamental mouldings that is one of the loveliest examples of arabesque stucco artwork in Penang. The two side parapets flanking the central frieze is decorated with arched fan mouldings.
After standing in a run-down state for decades, the Noordin Family Tomb was recently restored. Now it houses the Galeri Seni Lukis Persatuan Pelukis Melayu Pulau Pinang (Penang Malay Artist Association Art Gallery).
Getting there
From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge. Then turn left and walk along Pengkalan Weld until you reach Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right into Gat Lebuh Chulia and walk the distance. At the junction of Lebuh Pantai, Gat Lebuh Chulia becomes Lebuh Chulia. Continue along Lebuh Chulia until the junction with Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Cross Lebuh Chulia to the other side, and then cross Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Following that, continue a short distance down Lebuh Chulia, and you'll arrive at the Noordin Family Tomb on your left.
Nearby sights
Noordin Family Tomb, now used as the Malay Artist Art Gallery, is located in the middle of a very heritage-rich area, within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site core zone. Within close walking distance are the following sights. The point of reference is the main entrance of the art gallery.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple: Turn right and walk along Lebuh Chulia until the junction. Cross the junction, and it is on the left side of Lebuh Queen
Masjid Kapitan Keling:
Located behind the Noordin Family Tomb, it can be reached by the entrance to the left of the tomb. If that entrance is locked, use the other entrance along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. From the tomb, turn right and walk to the junction. At the junction, turn right and walk along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling until you reach the entrance.
Kuan Yin Teng:
From Noordin Family Tomb, turn right, go along Lebuh Chulia until the junction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, then turn left. You will see Kuan Yin Teng on the left side of the road facing Lebuh China.
Nagore Shrine: Turn right along Lebuh Chulia. Go straight ahead, past the Jalan Kapitan Keling junction, and you will find it on the opposite side of the road, on the right side of the junction of Lebuh King.
Lim Kongsi: Turn right along Lebuh Chulia, cross the Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling junction, then turn right into Lorong Pitt. At the end of Lorong Pitt is Lebuh Ah Quee, with Lim Kongsi right in front.
Madrasah Hamid Arabi: Turn right along Lebuh Chulia, cross the Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling junction, then turn right into Lorong Pitt. At the end of Lorong Pitt is Lebuh Ah Quee, with Lim Kongsi right in front. To the right of Lim Kongsi is the Madrasah Hamid Arabi.
Finding Accommodation in Penang
If you're going to Penang, you now have the option of finding accommodation in a hotel, or look for one in hostels and guesthouses. To book a room in a star-rated hotel, use the Penang Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers. To find accommodation in a Hostel or Guesthouse, use the Penang Guide to Hostels and Guesthouses. Each link provides detailed listing of the type of accommodation you can expect in Penang. Be aware that you get what you pay for. If you need a certain degree of comfort, then a star-rated hotel may be an ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you are able to forego a bit of creature comfort, then hostels and guesthouses are clean, safe, and incredibly good value for money. For accommodation in other destinations, visit Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers or Hostels & Guesthouses Accommodation Guide.
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