In and around Jalan Pantai

Located around a western stretch of Butterworth known as Jalan Pantai are a number of sites that today echo in stillness the heydays of their past. Though isolated and visibly aged, the buildings from the British colonial era do not fail to exude with their nostalgic architecture the bygone fervour of the town’s yesteryears.

Quaintly enough, the breezy seafront that was once here is also no more. The scenery is now landlocked by virtue of a modern coastal reclamation project, as though reflecting on the disappearance of past glories that have vanished along with the sandy beaches.

In contrast with the quiet melancholic appearance of the old colonial buildings is the vivacious and colourful Rope Walk flea market at the southern end of Jalan Pantai. With its vibrant commercial trades thriving just a stone’s throw away from the age-old colonial quarter, Rope Walk paints a distinct dichotomy between Butterworth’s past and present, between memories that are fading and aspirations that are alive and kicking in this historic yet promising old town.

Jalan Pantai

Colonial bungalows and memories of a shorefront

Jalan Pantai

Extending northward from Rope Walk is the narrow and isolated Jalan Pantai (which in Malay means ‘Beach Road’) where the shoreline once was before being reclaimed. A number of colonial bungalows and quarters still exist here till today, although their appearances reflect the loss of their former glory.

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Rope Walk at Taman Selat

Curios, novelties and everyday items in one flea market

Rope Walk at Taman Selat

Cosy, colourful and full of surprises, this is a truly unique  flea market. Hidden within the commercial complex of Taman Selat, some 600m north of the ferry terminal, Rope Walk reveals a fascinating spectrum of offerings, both mundane and exotic.  

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Dataran Pemuda Merdeka

Historic venue of nationalist and patriotic fervour

Dataran Pemuda Merdeka

At the heart of Butterworth is the majestic Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi building which is serenely fronted by a large open field named Dataran Pemuda Merdeka. While the building, which has a hall within, was built recently in 2007, the field has seen historic events in the more distant past.

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St. Mark’s Church

The landmark first Anglican church of Seberang Prai

St. Mark's Church

When originally consecrated in January 1885 as a small wooden church near the police headquarters in Jalan Bagan Luar, the modest St. Mark’s emerged as the first Anglican church in Province Wellesley.

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