Light Street living up to its name

GEORGE TOWN: Those visiting the Esplanade promenade will surely find it hard to miss the enthralling new LED installation.

Penang’s latest attraction features luminous lights of different hues adorning trees along Light Street, which evoke a whimsical feel.

Penang Island City Council Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said they wanted to create an enchanting and mystical feeling for both locals and visitors.

“The site is known as an English garden and has a history. It is mystical and Penang is an enchanting state.

“We want to boost tourism in the area as well,” he said, adding that the initiative is a unique way to entice first-time and repeat visitors.

Rajendran said the LED lights, which were imported from China, cost RM261,000.

“The concept took about three months to plan.

“Installation works were carried out through an open tender process.

“We tried it out previously on a smaller scale,” he said.

Rajendran said feedback has been positive and that from his visits, families seem to love the lights.

“I have visited (the display) several times since it was installed… The majority of visitors really enjoy gathering there,” he said.

“Many people have taken photos at the site… It is a good attraction.

“We are looking to install such lighting at several other places.

“We just need to look at the cost and create different types of lighting, as we do not want it all to be the same. Then it would lose its charm,” he added.

Stressing that the aim is to retain its uniqueness, Rajendran said that there are always other products that can be used.

“Even the lights at the Esplanade can change colours.

“We will do this after several months to provide fresh appeal,” he said.

There was a similar attraction dubbed Penang Avatar Secret Garden, where LED lights were strung from a tree near the Tanjong Tokong Tua Pek Kong temple to create a neon fantasy.

The place has since closed down.