Travelfish correspondent Mark Thompson

Originally from the northeast of England, Mark studied classical music and worked for five years in London as agent and manager to a bunch of temperamental orchestral conductors.

In 2008 he swapped the London music scene for a much more peaceful existence in Galle on the south coast of Sri Lanka, where he was finally able to indulge his inner grammar geek and divide his time between EFL teaching and writing.

After authoring a book on the history of Galle Fort, he continued his inadvertent tour of UNESCO world heritage cities and moved to George Town, Penang in 2011. Mark’s efforts to research and write his next book on the history of Penang have been hampered by too much time spent discovering George Town’s burgeoning arts scene and fabled food culture.
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Posts by Mark Thompson:

• George Town Festival, Penang

  First published: 22 May 2013
  

  July 7 marks an important anniversary for Penang. On this day nearly five years ago, the island’s capital Georgetown was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, confirming its position as one of Southeast Asia’s best preserved and most culturally significant historical towns.  On the back of this distinguished accolade, it has since established a strong … read the full post

• Buses in Penang

  First published: 15 May 2013
  

  It would be fair to say that Penang is not known for the efficiency or convenience of its transport, and if you want to venture out of central Georgetown, it’s not quite as easy as jumping in the nearest rickshaw. Car taxis are expensive relative to the cost of living, and unlike other Southeast Asian … read the full post

• Penang Botanic Gardens

  First published: 09 May 2013
  

  Even in the centre of Penang’s Georgetown, nature is never that far away. Just beyond the suburbs, the encroaching jungle blurs the boundary between urban and rural Penang, and if you want to experience Malaysia’s rainforests without straying too far from the sanctity of the city, you need go no further than the Botanic Gardens. … read the full post

• Escape theme park, Penang

  First published: 02 May 2013
  

  Penang is a green island in more than one sense of the word. Beyond the concrete suburbs that hug the eastern and northeastern coasts, much of the island is in fact covered in jungle and the local government is keen to promote its environmentally conscious side. The ‘Cleaner Greener Penang’ campaign is visible everywhere, and … read the full post

• Review: Chuan Bee Cafe, Penang

  First published: 24 Apr 2013
  

  Chuan Bee Cafe has become something of a living legend in Penang. The story goes that an Australian couple once chanced upon it, loved it and spread the word about it, and in-the-know travellers have made their culinary pilgrimages here ever since. This only goes to prove the power of the backpacker grapevine, because unless … read the full post

• Malaysia eats: Eating char kway teow in Penang

  First published: 17 Apr 2013
  

  Ask anyone from Penang which dish they would most readily associate with their home island, and the answer is quite likely to be char kway teow. While the likes of Penang laksa or Hokkien mee might be more obvious indigenous contenders, char kway teow holds a very special place in the hearts of locals, and … read the full post

• Little Penang Street Market

  First published: 09 Apr 2013
  

  Upper Penang Road is best known as Georgetown’s party street, but if your Saturday sundowner session spirals into an all-night bar crawl, you may stumble out of a club the following morning to find yourself face to face with a whole different type of street party, in the form of the Little Penang Street Market. … read the full post

• Exploring Penang’s clan jetties

  First published: 22 Mar 2013
  

  Just when you thought you had explored every last corner of Georgetown and walked all of its historical streets, you might be pleased to learn that there is, quite literally, a whole new side of town waiting to be discovered. Beyond the shoreline that runs along Pengkalan Weld, Penang’s other-worldly clan jetties jut out over … read the full post

• Review: Mews Cafe, Penang

  First published: 07 Mar 2013
  

  Many restaurants in Penang have attempted to take the relaxed continental cafe vibe and transfer it to the Asian setting, but none more successfully than Mews Cafe. With excellent coffee, a simple but stylish interior, varied menu and personable service, it gets the balance just right and successfully combines the best of European and Asian. … read the full post

• Review: Roommates Guesthouse Penang

  First published: 27 Feb 2013
  

  Hostels in Georgetown are undergoing something of a renaissance at the moment. As attention moves away from the tired establishments along the traditional backpacker row, Lebuh Chulia, a host of more happening hangouts are beginning to emerge, and Roommates Guesthouse on Lorong Chulia is one of the most recent new kids on the block. Located … read the full post