Pulau Tikus, Penang. The name means “the island of rats”. The strange thing is that it is actually not over-run by rats and it is also not an island! Located on the island of Penang, it is actually an area consisting of affluent neighborhoods and more importantly famous for its street market and known to be a good place to try the Penang food fare at any time of the day. I have no idea why it got its unusual moniker. I wonder if there is any place called the island of bushy-tailed tree rats. Ah, but I digress.
This is a great place to sample the daily lives of the locals and to taste some great food.
Realm of the Lone Grey Squirrel 
Fabulous market. I can taste the Penang curry just looking at it.
PULAU Tikus, or Rat Island , in Penang is neither an island nor is the whole area infested with rats or mice.
The Pulau Tikus area is said to be named after an actual Pulau Tikus isle – a small rocky island shaped like a mouse, located about 2km away from the north-eastern coast of Penang island.
I totally want to visit!
Oh, to be able to walk thru that market. So much good food.
Mr. Charleston,
I am sure you would enjoy it. Have you been out this way before?
Mark,
That’s what I thought too but couldn’t get any confirmation from some of the locals. Their explanation is more in the line of “that;s what we’ve always called it!”
Riot Kitty,
Gladly take you around on a food trip.
Joyce,
Markets are great fun no matter where you are in the world. Nothing like seeing fresh produce!