Pinang Fountain is a memorial fountain erected at the roundabout at King Edward's Place in George Town. The metal structure, 4.8 meters in height, resembles a stylized pinang (betel nut) cut in half. A spray of water comes up from inside the structure. The choice of pinang as the motive for the structure was to reemforce Penang as Pulau Pinang, which translates as the island of betel nuts.
The fountain was put up despite objections and protests from local conservationists, who were concerned that the fountain will be an eyesore and will hamper the chances of George Town being recognized as a World Heritage Site (The city succeeded in obtaining that honor from Unesco on 1 July 2008). Others were worried that it will block the view of the Queen Victoria Memorial Clocktower nearby, a local icon. However, after the fountain was put up, the majority of Penangites surveyed found that the fountain was actually quite attractive, especially at night.
Getting there
From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge. Turn right and walk along Pengkalan Weld, follow the bend in the road to Pesara King Edward. At the end of Pesara King Edward is the roundabout with the Pinang Fountain.
What to see and do
The Pinang Fountain offers a good photography opportunity beside the Queen Victoria Memoriaol Clocktower nearby.
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.
Pinang Fountain Photo Gallery
View of the Pinang Fountain and the Queen Victoria Clocktower (30 January 2006)
Pinang Fountain at night (30 January 2006)
Another view of the Pinang Fountain at night (30 January 2006)
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