Before we start talking what is Penang Photography tour, let me introduce to you a bit about Penang. Penang - THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT, is known to the world as a beautiful, exotic holiday destination, she is Pulau Pinang – a virgin paradise that got her name from the abundance of betel nut palms scattered across her soft, sandy beaches. The Island measures a modest 285 sq. km. And is inhabited by slightly over a million people who hail from a diverse mix of cultures and religions.
Penang has always been a popular tourist destination, both domestically and internationally.In 2009, Penang attracted 5.96 million tourists, ranking third in tourist arrivals in Malaysia. Penang is known for its rich heritage, multicultural society and its vibrant culture, its hills, parks, and beaches, shopping, and good food. Penang enjoys a year-round tropical rainforest climate which is warm and sunny, along with plentiful rainfall, especially during the Southwest Monsoon from April to September. The climate is very much dictated by the surrounding sea and the wind system.
Penang has been ranked by Yahoo! Travel as one of the "10 Islands to Explore Before You Die" and listed in Patricia Schultz's best-selling "1,000 Places to see before you die" travel book. Beside that it also a top 5 destination for a comfort retire living.
Our tours are designed by photographers for photographers. That means that we’re up early and enjoying the best light of the day as the sun rises and sets. This tour is a Custom Tours led by a photographer, local English/Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking photographer. The photo locations have all been checked out before the tour. The tours are run at a relaxed pace, with time for individual exploration. The itinerary is flexible, and we can adjust the schedule to optimize photo opportunities. Traveling in a small group with like-minded people means that you can relax and totally indulge yourself in your photography.
This tour can be booked at just about any time, Cost decreases as size of group increases. This photo tour includes the most beautiful natural and Heritage sights of Penang Island. If you are keen to explore the rural side of Penang and the best places for landscape, seascape, architecture…etc, you name it we plan it. Your wishes are our commands. You can contact me to discuss it further.
Testimonial
"I am so pleased that I came across Jordan Lye’s website and got in touch to book a photography tour. I had a great time exploring Georgetown with Jordan; he is professional, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and willing to work with the weather to make the most of your tour. He showed me many sights that were off the regular tourist trail, including some local eateries, a treat for all the senses. The experience was invaluable. I cherish the photos I took and can’t wait to go back to Penang, where I hope to catch up with Jordan again for further photography advice and travel tips." ~ Penny Hayden, Australia
I am a photographer with 30 years experience, when I had a trip to Penang I wanted to make sure I saw the best of this beautiful city, and at the right time of the day with the best lighting. I didn’t want the same old boring tourist shots I wanted something edgy and different. I looked at many websites to find my guide, and it wasn’t hard, Jordan's work stands shoulders above the rest, and I wasn’t sure if he would have the time to take me out. I was absolutely estatic when he could fit me into his busy schedule at short notice. It was the best 3 days of shooting I have had in years. We were up at dawn for sunrises, crashing through the bush to find waterfalls, and playing with butterflies. Their was the unexpected addition of the best local street cuisine. I can highly recommend Jordan Lye Photography as your tour guide, regardless of your ability. He showed patience and intellect that is rare in the tourist industry. - Vanessa Jones Photography, Australia
"My friend and I had a wonderful few days in Penang on a photo shoot with Jordan in September 2013 Thank you Jordan for taking us to places we would not have gone to or known about. I am no expert in photography but with your expertise and keen eye for a shot, I am now very excited about learning a whole lot more. Thanks for you patience and help with everything" ~ Chris Smith, Australia
"Thanks for an amazing photographic adventure" ~ Warrant Marshall, Australia
"Thank you Master Jordan Lye for providing valuable advice and guidance on this workshop. It was great and I've learned so much about landscape photography technique; and yet explored many photography opportunities around Penang such as captured this awesome view from one of the location." ~ Steven Hoe, Australia
"I have surely picked up alot of essential skills during the photography workshop by Jordan Lye. He has not only taught me how to take more proffesional shots through a practical, hands on shoot but also enlightened me on the more technical aspects of photography through his theory lessons. During the workshop, jordan also brought me to explore the many beautiful sights of penang! All in all, it was a great experience and i would surely recommend any novice photographer to attend his workshop!" ~ Jingwei, Singapore
"I was on holiday in Penang and asked Jordan to take me around to photograph Georgetown and other parts of Penang Island. In retrospect, I cannot imagine a better way to have a photowalk in Penang. Jordan is friendly and easy-going. He picked me up in his car before the crack of dawn and dropped me back at night – and the time in between was packed. Jordan is both a professional photographer and a local. This means he will know where to take you and when to be there for the right light. Jordan’s photographic advise comes from his knowing the scene and having taken all the angles in all possible conditions before. You get to see nooks and corners of Georgetown that you won’t find on the tourist map. Jordan will also point out the hidden gems off the map. You also discuss the photography techniques and get to share ideas and try out different tricks. Jordan strikes the right balance between a full agenda and a relaxed going, with no compromise on excellence in photography." ~ Nassim Abed, Lebanon
"While California is now my home, Penang will always have a special place in my heart. Recently, I decided to revive my childhood memories by visiting Penang. Very fortunately, I was able to connect with Jordan, Penang’s famed photographer, who also has an intimate knowledge of local landmarks, eateries, culture & history. Although a Penangnite, I had been away for so long that I really needed a professional guide to optimize on my visit. Jordan was more than happy to customize my tour, flex the itinerary to ensure a memorable visit, with superb photography to boot. He was prompt, obliging, worldly, fun to be with, as well as compassionate, even toward stray animals. He will be a great fit for a proactive visitor with defined points of interest as well as a belief in photography as a narrative tool. Jordan strikes me as an artist, doing what he enjoys, taking pride in the virtues of his upbringing and the beauty of his hometown. Based on my recent tour, I highly recommend his services. " ~ Lily Sieux, California, USA
"Prior to embarking on a family holiday to Penang in July 2014 I came across Jordan’s website and arranged a day’s photography with him. Having never been to Penang before I found him to be professional and an excellent guide to some amazing sites around Georgetown and Penang. Jordan took into consideration a minor illness to my young child and he was flexible in spreading the tour over two days. This meant I was able to get the best of both worlds a sunrise and a sunset on the beautiful island of Penang. Highly recommend Jordan to any other photographer of any level of experience and would definitely join him again next time I am over that way."~ Andrew Fowler, Australia
"I had a weekend in Penang before a conference in early December. At short notice Jordan was able to accommodate my request for a photography tour for the day. As a single woman who had never before been to Malaysia, I was a little concerned about my welfare but his reviews were good. I was soon put at ease by Jordan’s pleasant and quiet manner, a caring family man. I had a great time despite the heat and humidity, and Jordan was very attentive insuring I had plenty to drink and also insisting on carrying the tripod he leant me. He was very polite and accommodating and gave some helpful tips to ensure I got some great shots. He was willing to take me to any sites I wanted to go but also to great photographic spots. We even went to the rural area to the west of Penang Island where I was able to get some superb shots rice paddies and locals fishing in the creek. I also really enjoyed tasting the local food at restaurants not on the general tourist map where Jordan was particularly keen for me to try foods but also aware that the food may be a little spicy for my tastes. He made a point of ensuring I was happy with the food. Overall I had a great day out with a pleasant and professional photographic guide and would recommend him to anyone wanting personal service." ~ Rosie J, Australia
"Jordan was very friendly and helpful throughout the entire photo expedition. He was also flexible in his program and will adjust to your needs. Anyone who wishes to capture the Spirit of Penang will benefit from Jordan’s intimate knowledge of Penang. Highly recommended!" Karl Tan, Australia
"Went on a 2-day tour with Jordan and had a very good time in Penang. Most people only know Penang for its wall murals and food.
Not many will know that Penang has some excellent beaches for landscape photography, a beautiful Penang Hill, and a hidden waterfall to boot. Thanks to Jordan for his well thought out itinerary!" Teo Chin Leong, Singapore
I engaged Jordan's services in early May 2017 for just about 2 full days. father and I were blown away by the very scenic places that Jordan brought us to. Needless to say, we would not have known of such locations if not for Jordan and we never knew that Penang is so pretty. Jordan has fantastic skills and a creative eye. He's not pushy and most patient. Thanks again, Jordan! Collin Choo, Singapore
Thank you for a great day of chasing the perfect moment in time. Your local knowledge, patience and expertise were greatly appreciated. I've come away with some sensational landscape images, authentic local portraits and memories of an indulgent day I'll never forget. I would highly recommended your services to anyone wanting to spend a day photographing Penang's hidden gems with a professional photographer. Tania Pile, Australia
Hi Jordan. Wife and myself wanted to say a big thank you to you for such a memorable time in Penang. The morning breakfast of local ‘Dim Sum’ and prawn noodle ‘Hei Mee’ was itself so tasty and blending in with the locals was so enjoyable. Trips to the heritage area of Penang is a must for all tourists and would highlyrecommend to all intending visitors. Jordan local knowledge brought us to visit sites that we would not have been able to find or know that it exists. My highlight of the tour was the visit to the local fisherman shed and jetty at Jelutong. We made two visits to this site, one during the hours of early morning sunrise and one in the middle of the day. I will treasure the photographs taken at this fisherman jetty, knowing that in time to come these will soon disappear from the landscape as there is currently a land reclaimation project along this coastline. Once again, thank you Jordan and take care. Jim Kuan, Australia
Thanks for a fantastic mini tour, I just wish I had more time. Got some lovely photos which I'm really happy with and will be great to look back on. Massive thanks. Kristy McWhirter, Scotland
"I found Jordan’s website and arranged a photography day with him. There were a few aspects that made the experience with Jordan so remarkable and memorable.
First was the sad fact that our photo day was two days after the worst monsoon rains floods in Penang for 30 years, so the day almost did not happen. We were curtained on where we could go, but nevertheless Jordan's local knowledge ensured we were busy and active with never a dull moment.
The day started at a street diner with morning breakfast of local ‘Dim Sum’ and other delicacies I cannot recall. They tasted good! We went to sites and places that I did not know existed, let alone even try and find on my own. It was a great experience, just wish the circumstances could have been a bit kinder, but that is how nature goes...
Jordan is a gentleman through and though and also a professional photographer and guide - his local knowledge, patience and expertise were just fantastic. I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone wanting a good local photographic experience. If we are fortunate enough to return to Penang, I would most certainly book with Jordan again to see other parts of that wonderful island." John Couvaras, Australia
I had a great time in Penang and thank you a lot for showing me so many great places to photograh Penang. No complaint, just praise. Nico Fernandes, Macau
We explored the whole island of Penang today and found cityscapes at dawn, mountain-top panoramic views, a durian (google it) stand overlooking bays below, this little riverside shack (for sale - cheap?) and a peaceful bay for just us at sunset. THEN, the beach seafood dinner that left us all in awe! Thank you Jordan Lye for a heck of a day and night ✰✰✰✰✰ 5 stars!! Becca Bly Wong, USA
We had a great day out and it is good to see a side of Penang that we wouldn’t ordinarily see or taste! Sharon is still amazed at the images taken of Jessica on the blue stairs at Khoo Kongsi clan house and I think Jessica’s favourite part of the day was your friend’s patisserie!! For me I think the fires at the dump certainly made the start of the day interesting especially also seeing the river otters. Many Thanks Again Steve, England
"Jordan's photo tour was the highlight of our stay on Penang. My girlfriend and I are relatively inexperienced photographers, but Jordan directed us to great spots at the right times to help us take great shots. He also made sure we had the right settings to capture important blue-hour photos before sunrise.
"The selection of locations was great not only for the quality of photos but also for seeing another side of Penang, away from the tourists. Jordan took us to fishing villages, a rice paddy, and a quiet beach. We ate very well, with a nice selection of special local dishes across the island. Jordan was also gracious enough to snap a few photos of my girlfriend and me together. It was a memorable day on Penang, and I came away excited and confident to shoot more photos." Steve Effron, USA
“Very good English
Knows the good spots
Flexible in the schedule
Knows the good spots for food
Brings additional equipment if needed”
Karsten, Switzerland
Thanks again for a really good morning in Penang! I enjoyed the whole experience, from the photography to the meals!
Since coming home I’ve had fun editing the photos (all 400 of them!) and plan to do a photo book of the trip. Jack Rodgers, Scotland
I certainly enjoyed my time in Penang. These behind the scene photos are so cool, so nice to actually be able to “see” myself in action!
And thanks for the wonderful photo tour, and of course the all the amazingly delicious food!! Richard Han, Singapore
Thank You so much!!! I had a wonderful time on Sunday! Thank you so much for all your help and expertise Jacki, USA
Sorry for taking soooo long to thank you! Thank you for a fun day out with you! I enjoy being the ‘plus one’ for Jacki’s birthday treat. Loved seeing your amazing photos.Thanks again. Lydia, Australia
Hi Jordan, many thanks for today's excursion n the food. These are places that I have not venture. Lillian, Singapore
Thanks Jordan for the private photography tour, brought me to explore the new places in Penang. I wish I had more time here. Thanks for your patience and spent your time to teach me photography skills, really appreciated. Audrey , Malaysia
"I'm happy that I found Jordan's tour and decided to go for it. I wanted to learn how to take better photos and what better way than spending a day with Jordan who shared with me useful tips. The morning was spent walking around Georgetown, going to the clan jetties, eating local food and visiting a quaint cafe. In the late afternoon, we went off the beaten track, had durians and explored a fishing village. The price for the tour was affordable for one person. It was a fun experience and I wholeheartedly recommend taking a photography tour with Jordan when you visit Penang. - AL Singapore"
I just came home from my holiday and wanted to thank you again for the lovely tour. It was really nice to see a whole different side of Penang. Although I thought it was going to be more lessons about photography, I am still very happy about how the pictures turned out. Therefore the tour was an absolute success. :) - Julian, Germany
Wow, Jordan - what a fantastic 1.5 days in Penang. Not only did we see some of the most beautiful places on Penang but we also ate at all the best places. In between we took photos of giant lizards swimming, fishing boats, tiny crabs fighting, snails crawling toward beautiful spider webs, and more. When the view from the top of Penang Hill at dawn was totally engulfed with rain and clouds, you found the fog and taught me how to frame beautiful photos using it. When the fog disappeared, you found the spiderwebs and the snails. We were at the ocean at sunset, on the Clan jetties at dawn. I learned a lot about landscape photography (which was my goal) and made a friend in Malaysia. And to top it all off, I was able to take some wonderful photographs by myself in the wet market and at the Jamek Mosque at dusk. I am coming back - and I encourage any other photographers who want much more than just a day of going to the "right" spots to give you a call. Thank you so much!! - Amy, USA
“In January my wife and I had an opportunity to spend the day with Jordan Lye on a photo tour of Penang. I have been on several similar tours around the world, but Jordan ‘out classed’ all of the others. First and most important … Jordan is an excellent commercial photographer. As such, I highly appreciated any suggestions that he had for me, either technically or in composition. Our tour began when he picked us up at our hotel at 6:00am and went straight through until he dropped us off at our hotel at 9:30pm. The day absolutely flew by. We covered a variety of different areas on the island and had opportunities to photograph a diverse group of subjects in town and the surrounding countryside. I came home from the tour with approximately 800 images ! All of this would make this photo tour great. What makes it exceptional is Jordan himself. He has a wonderful personality and is a great ambassador for Penang. Whatever you do, don’t eat before the tour. We had amazing meals with Jordan throughout our tour. At our last dinner together, he even remembered that my wife said how she liked both prawns and duck. Guess what showed up on our table ? Yep. In retrospect, we both summarized our day as having felt like we had just spent the full day with a good friend, had some amazing food, learned a lot about Penang … and happened to take some amazing photographs. If there was one suggestion for Jordan, it would be to be a bit more assertive in providing feedback and suggestions on technique and composition. His comments and observations are excellent and more is better. If you are interested in improving your photography skills, finding some great subject matter, and having an opportunity to learn more about Penang from a good friend … spend a day with Jordan.” - David, USA
Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. Your patience & sense of humour & thought in catering to our needs & interests was appreciated. I’m not sure I’ve done very well in justifying your efforts but Bob I think has some lovely images especially from the afternoon. We should have been better prepared in the morning but not to worry, we put that down to our ineptness, jet lag & of course our age!!!!we wish we were going to be here longer & could do it again. Lastly whilst we enjoyed breakfast dinner last night will remain in our memory as one of our best meals!!!! Many thanks - Jenni & Bob,England
"Jordan, sincere thanks for a really enjoyable day of photography. It was great to tap into your local knowledge of when and where to go to capture some great images. I really appreciated the way you tailored the day around the topics/themes I like to shoot. Your guidance on technique also extended my skills with the camera. Of course the day was not just about photography, I really enjoyed learning more about aspects of Penang's history and trying some of the fantastic food which Penang is famous for. Hard to pick a winner in the food department, since it was all good, but the moon cake in George Town deserves a special mention and the fish curry we had on the south of the island was superb. All round a fantastic day and one that I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone visiting Penang who enjoys using their camera." ~ Geoff, Australia