Relau

 

Overview

Relau is a neighborhood located in Bayan Lepas on Penang Island. Bordering it are Paya Terubong (north), Sungai Ara (west), Bayan Baru (south) and Bukit Jambul & Sungai Nibong Kecil (east). Translated from Malay, relau means furnace and is believed to be named after the charcoal kilns that used to be there. 

Property Development

The locals were mostly farmers and the land was agricultural until the 1980s when development resulted in a decline of agricultural land. Today, there are a large number of residential properties here, including, but not limited to apartments: Desa Indah, Desa May, Taman Seri Sari and Taman Sri Angsana, condominiums: Relau Vista, Golden Triangle, Taman Desa Relau 1 & 2, Relau Indah and  Marina Tower, and housing estates: Riverside Residences and Sentral Greens both with 3-storey terraces and semi-detached.

Places of Attraction

Relau Villa and its hill-side temple, Shrine of the Jade Emperor (originally used as a site to discuss private business matters) were built for Kapitan Chung Thye Phin. Only the grounds and temple are open for visitors. Relau Metropolitan Park with landscaped gardens, fountain, pond, gazebo and children's playground provides a sanctuary to unwind and de-stress. The manicured lawn, reflexology path, exercise square and children's playground in Therapeutic Garden also serves the same purpose as the Metropolitan Park. For war enthusiasts, a historical sight is the Relau Pill Box, a remnant of World War II. Jump Street in D'Piazza Mall offers a unique recreational activity where you can let loose your inner craziness. It features 4,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines, dodgeball courts, trampoline basketball lanes, Olympic-spec trampolines, vertical running walls and two giant air bags.

Amenities and Facilities

On the educational front, there are several schools in the vicinity including SK Seri Relau, SRJK (C) Min Sin, SK Sungai Ara, SMK Raja Tun Uda, Chung Hwa Chinese Secondary School and Straits International School. For retail needs Bukit Jambul Complex, Relau Market at Kompleks Sri Aman and Happy Mart are the closest but Sunshine Square, Queensbay Mall, D’Piazza Mall and Giant Hypermarket offer more shopping options and are located less than ten minutes away. Healthcare is provided by Hospital Pantai Mutiara, Hope Children Hospital and a multitude of clinics. Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple, is the primary Chinese Taoist temple for local devotees. Other amenities and facilities within a 5 minute radius include You Yuen Fen Food Court & Wet Market, Bayan Baru Police Station, Bandar Bayan Baru Post Office, Penang International Sports Arena, Penang Golf Club, Georgetown Baptist Church, banks, petrol stations, hotels and several restaurants.

Accessibility and Transportation

It can be accessed via Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway and then Jalan Tun Dr. Awang which leads to Relau. Jalan Paya Terubong also leads to Relau.