Photoessay: Esplanade Penang Reflections

It’s not often I call a place my current favourite hangout, because I don't believe there should be one as we should be open to explore every location with the fresh eye and highest curiousity.

Morning Run by the Fort

But the newly refurbished Esplanade Penang has definitely earned that title. What makes it special isn’t the shiny upgrades or tourist appeal—it’s the way nature has been preserved and integrated seamlessly with the surrounding heritage architecture. In my opinion, it’s the most well-preserved part of Penang, where both history and greenery breathe together.

This photoessay is a continuation of my casual observations, pieced together frame by frame. Every corner felt like a reminder that progress doesn’t always mean erasing the past—it can also mean protecting it.

Tree and Human

Old Trunk

Pocket of light

A man's hobby

A tight glance

Night safe - The Chartered Bank

Facades

Ongoing Construction

Life beyond the hole

Bird's eye view

Only the birds are truly free

Walking through the esplanade, I found myself constantly looking at how the trees, pathways, people and waterfront views all sit comfortably beside colonial buildings and local textures. The balance is rare, and it’s exactly what makes the space feel alive without feeling forced.

Alongside the images, I also put together a captioned POV-style video under my 1 Minute Behind the Lens series. It’s not just about showing the photos but giving you a peek into the back of my brain—the thought process, the framing, and the little details that caught my eye.

For me, this wasn’t just another Esplanade Penang stroll—it was about recognizing a place that has been given the care it deserves. A place that feels honest, balanced, and, most importantly, preserved.

So here’s my question: when you revisit familiar spaces, do you see what has changed, or do you notice what has been preserved?

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