|
Batu Kawan is an island
with a small town in the area of Penang,
Malaysia. The island is situated off Seberang Perai, which is on the
mainland.
Batu Kawan was long considered a quiet backwater, noted for sugar-cane,
coconut and rubber plantations in the 19th century, before changing to oil
palm plantations in the middle 20th century, which have now mainly fallen
into disrepair.
It was
among the oldest towns in Penang,
accessible only by ferry from Bukit Tambun. Development of the island has
come under intense scrutiny after the government chose Batu Kawan as the
mainland site for the Penang Second Bridge. The island is also the
location for the Batu Kawan Stadium (Penang's state stadium). The tiny
island has many hidden historical gems, dating back to the days of the
British colonial masters.
There is a
project underway to build what is expected to be the most expensive
mixed-development golf project in the state. This is a cooperative project
with Korean investors. It is expected to be completed in 2013.
|
