GEORGE TOWN: Although the international borders remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Penangites could enjoy "travelling" to some of the popular tourist attractions around the world right here in Esplanade.

Various sets of lanterns and sculptures depicting scenes and popular tourist attractions of eight countries including China, Australia, England, India, France and the United States were lit up at the Esplanade on April 27.

Among the "travellers" was a 37-year-old housewife, who goes by the name Law, and her two kids, who were in awe with the brightly lit sculptures and found that the taller buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty to be the most attractive.

Law told Bernama that it took them around 30 minutes to "travel" across the eight countries.

She said that although she is still afraid to actually travel overseas considering the ongoing pandemic, she really missed travelling to neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore.

"The kids would also love to travel to other countries to see these tall buildings in real life as well," she said.

Meanwhile, marketing executive Atikah Suhaimy, 28, found the whole lighting ceremony a pleasant surprise for her and her family while they were breaking their fast in the form of a picnic at Esplanade last night, right before the whole lighting ceremony.

"What's pretty amazing was that it was our first time breaking our fast out here and we were in awe when all the lanterns lit up at around 8 pm," she said, adding that her favourite set of lit sculptures was the United Arab Emirates' Burj Khalifa.

The lighting ceremony was one of the Penang government's initiatives known as "Penang Brings The World to your Doorstep", which would be displayed until the end of June.

Penang exco for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin said that the state has invested RM400,000 into the project.

"Depending on the public feedback, we may consider extending the campaign for the public to enjoy," he added.

-- BERNAMA