Air Itam is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Penang. In the past, it was once an area used mostly for agriculture, but has now developed into a bustling and lively area. This is mainly due to urbanisation and tourism, as the Kek Lok Si temple and Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill) has continuously drawn locals and tourists alike to the area. Situated within the heart of Penang, Air Itam is surrounded by hills on its West, with Balik Pulau on the other side, and also on its South, separating the town from Green Lane.

There are a number of housing estates in the area, with some of the older ones being Thean Teik estate, Hye Keat Estate, Kampung Melayu, Rifle Range and Reservoir Garden. New developments have also been mushrooming around the area, mainly in the area which is now known as Farlim, where there are a number of modern condominium residences and commercial complexes.

Housing developed in the area have mostly catered to those in the lower-middle class income range, given that the community in the area were mostly farmers in the past. This is slowly changing as developers begin to turn their target to the younger, working class generation, as seen with the development of the Farlim area which has brought modern hypermarkets, retails outlets, food and beverage outlets and even a McDonald’s to Air Itam.

Figuring out what or where to eat in the town of Air Itam is not a problem. Home to some of the most famous Penang dishes such as asam laksa and curry noodles, there is also a wide variety of hawker food, hawker centres, homely restaurants and even fast food outlets in the area. Many other amenities such as banks, pharmacies, clinics and laundromats can also be found in the area.

Accessibility wise, Air Itam is about 20 minutes away from Georgetown via Jalan Air Itam, which is one of the main roads leading into the town. Air Itam is also accessible by Jalan Paya Terubong and Batu Lanchang lane, which has been widened throughout the years to accommodate the increased traffic to the area.

However, given the high population density in the town, along with the many tourists who visit the attractions in the area, traffic can become quite a hassle. This is especially during peak hours when residents leave for work in the mornings around 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., and return from work around 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Traffic can be even worse during public holidays or weekends when there is an increase in tourists to Kek Lok Si temple and Bukit Bendera.

In spite of that, Air Itam offers life within reach of many convenient amenities surrounded by green hills, fit for those who appreciate a little old world charm in the ever-urbanising island of Penang.