Lebuh Bakau, Jelutong

Lebuh Bakau, Jelutong (20 December 2008)

Lebuh Bakau is a minor road in Jelutong, George Town. It presently forms an "L" connecting Jalan Sungai Pinang with Jalan Jelutong. It also forms a junction with Lorong Bakau.

The name Lebuh Bakau means "Mangrove Street". In the early part of the 20th century, Lebuh Bakau was the centre for the making of firewood and charcoal. These were made from the logs of mangrove trees growing along the coast immediately behind Lebuh Bakau. There are a few types of bakau trees, perhaps the most common being the Api-api (Avicennia species) and the bakau Kurap (Rhizophora species).

Firewood for making charcoal at Lebuh Bakau (20 December 2008)

When Francis Light arrived on Penang Island, the entire eastern coastline of the island was sheltered by a line of mangrove forest. Today most of the mangrove has been cleared, not sparing those in Jelutong. In its place is a major expressway, the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and new urban development.

Although the making of charcoal is still being carried out at Lebuh Bakau today, the industry is in great decline, with many charcoal makers moving away to less urban environments. There are only a couple of families still engaged in the charcoal-making industry. In addition there are also a few mechanic workshops, a car repainting workshop and machinery workshops.

Getting there

The nearest bus stop is along Jalan Sungai Pinang. It is served by Rapid Penang bus 303.

Lebuh Bakau roadsign (20 December 2008)

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