If you are keen to explore off the beaten tracks of old Penang and survey the activities of the local Penangites, Air Itam may just be one of the best choices we have for you in this issue. Air Itam, an old suburbia of Penang, is nestled within the central valleys of Penang Island and is approximately 7 km southwest of George Town. Geographically, its location between Batu Lanchang Hill, Bukit Penara and Penang Hill is highly suitable for agricultural ever since the 18th century. To this day, vegetables and fruits are grown at the hills surrounding this valley where fresh produce are then brought to the wet markets around the island.
Air Itam, meaning black water in Malay, got its name from the murky waters of the Air Itam River. Since the arrival of British East India Company led by Captain Francis Light, the exploration to revitalise the area for agriculture and other sustainable efforts have brought more families and labourers inland.
Tucked in the hustle bustle of an everyday Penangite’s life is the view of the Kek Lok Si Temple atop a hill. Known by the Hokkiens as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, it commands an impressive view seen from afar and is now one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Visit to Penang would never be complete without a view of the subliminal Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy that reaches a height of 99ft (30.2 metres).
Another striking main draw to the temple which became an important pilgrimage for many around the region is the seven-storey Pagoda of Rama VI (Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas) decorated with 10,000 alabaster and bronze Buddha statues.
For more breakfast options and one of the more ‘scenic’ view of an everyday Penangite, Air Itam wet market remain as the place to explore the variety of breakfast options, food shopping and even if its only for a coffee on a stool to watch the morning ‘action’. Today, it is a congested market famous for its local ‘laksa’ located at the junction of Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Pasar.
Apart from the more touristy Penang Hill, the Air Itam dam provides the opposite atmosphere of the hustle and bustle of the market, the honking of a local cart and crowd. Located 700 ft above sea level, this water catchment area is surrounded by Penang Hill and Paya Terubong. Construction for the dam began in 1958 shortly after the independence of Malaya and became the first major engineering project undertaken by the City Council of George Town. Check this out enroute from Kek Lok Si Temple via public transportation. The Rapid Penang bus 201, 203, 204, 206 and 306 all go to Air Itam town.
Located at the corner of Jalan Masjid Negeri and Jalan Air Itam is the Brazilian-inspired Penang State Mosque. Designed by Filipino architect Efren Brindez Paz, its architecture is the pristine combination of Western Modernist inspired by Oscar Niemeter’s design of the Cathedral of Brasilia in Brazil.
If you are planning a visit to Air Itam, make sure you have a whole day at hand to explore this inner suburbia. Tourist should be aware that there will be bumpy roads and regular walking not suitable for babies and people on wheelchair.
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