Penang trishaws

Wednesday, February 08 2012

THERE are many ways to see Penang, and one of the more interesting manners would be on a trishaw. Also known locally as the beca or rickshaw, it is a quaint mode of transport that ferries passengers through the streets of Penang at a leisurely pace. (Read here for more on the general design of a trishaw)

An added bonus to the ride would be the trishaw peddlers who would at the slightest prompting, regale any passenger with fascinating tidbits about their city. The peddlers also immaculately decorate their trishaws with individual flair in order to attract passengers. View slideshow below for photos of the gaily-decorated trishaws in Penang.

Reputedly born in Japan as the "man-powered vehicle" or jinrikisha, the rickshaw later metamorphosed into the cycle-rickshaw and in parts of Asia is still the true developing-world taxicab (see Chasing Rickshaws below). Trishaws in Penang are currently mostly operated as a tourist attraction. Rapid urbanisation has increased the demand for more efficient public transport, resulting in dwindling trishaw numbers in the state. Fortunately, with the current WHS status, many steps have been taken by the state and local heritage enthusiasts to preserve this intangible culture. Read here for more on the legacy of trishaws in Penang.

Trishaws are not localised to Penang only. This tricycle-type transport can be seen in many places around the world, especially South and South East Asia, in various forms and structure. Known as the samlor in Thailand, traysikel in Phillipines, saika in Myanmar, becak in Jakarta, this human powered transport was once an important economic contraption that transported goods and people around their cities. Its significance has since given way to motorised vehicles and has but remained a journey to be taken when one is in a nostalgic mood. Read here and here a more insight on trishaws around Asia.

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