Lorong Che Em (Che Em Lane), George Town

Che Em Lane (18 June 2008)


Che Em Lane, or Lorong Che Em, is one of the narrowest lanes in George Town, Penang. It is located off Lebuh Pantai, and connects it with Lebuh Penang. It is one of those quaint alleyways that make the inner city of George Town - a Unesco World Heritage Site - such a charming destination to explore.

Che Em Lane was named after Che Em Chinaman, one of the early Chinese settlers when Francis Light established George Town. Che Em became one of the biggest Chinese real estate owner on the island.

Che Em Lane holds the distinction of being the first road in Penang to be named after a non-European. It is close to Market Street, where Penang's first wet market used to be. It was not surprising therefore that the market spreads into Che Em Lane. During the late 19th century, it was where poultry vendors of the wet market were stationed. Today, of course, the wet market of George Town has moved elsewhere, chiefly to the Campbell Street Market and Chowrasta Market. Over time, as more Indians settled within the vicinity, Che Em Lane becomes one of the sideroads leading into Little India.

Map of Lorong Che Em, Penang

Street Art on Che Em Lane

Nearby Sights

Getting there

From the Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge, and then turn right, walk along Pengkalan Weld till the junction of Gat Lebuh China. Turn left, walk along Gat Lebuh China until junction of Lebuh Pantai. Cross Lebuh Pantai, turn left, walk along it until you reach Che Em Lane on your right.

In Other Words ...

Che Em Lane was known in Malay as Lorong Ayam or "Chicken Alley". The Hokkien also adopted a similar name, Beh3 Kay3 Hang2 ("Chicken-selling Alley"). In Tamil, it was known as Koli Kadai Sandhu ("Poultry Market").

Che Em Lane (18 June 2008)


Lorong Che Em roadsign (12 November 2008)

List of Streets in Penang and Streets in Malaysia