Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading post in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.
The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.
The Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5 km, links the two land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry service to the mainland. On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seem to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.
The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya cuisines to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.
Soak in the sun or unwind on the beach while you enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from wind-surfing to canoeing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try parasailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky.
As the sun sets, Batu Ferringhi comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere with an open-air bazaar selling anything from ornate curios to enticing souvenir items.
Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik-painting. Dubbed the Feringghi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions.
Key Tips
A short taxi ride away is the Spice Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden with a little coffee house (delicious cakes!) and short jungle trail attached.
How to get there
Taxi
Your best option to get to and from Batu Ferringhi to Georgetown and back is by taxi. Buses are infrequent and it's just too far and too hot to cycle.
Who to contact
For more information, please contact the Penang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +604 2643494/ 263 4941 Email: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
Accommodation Overview
This popular stretch of beach is famous for its range of 4 and 5 star hotels lining the beach. However, there is also a good choice of backpacker's places.
PENANG- CHEONG FATT TZE MANSIONRescued from the perils of development in the 1990s by a small group of Heritage preservationists led by Laurence Loh, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion possesses splendid Chinese timber carvings, Gothic louvre windows, russet brick walls and porcelain cut & paste decorative shard works, art nouveau stained glass panels, Stoke-on-Trent floor tiles and Scottish cast iron work.Its layout is based on feng-shui principles, and filled with rare a collection of sculptures, carvings, tapestries and other antiques.
In 2000, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion received the inaugural Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award, selected as the 'Most Excellent Project' in the Asia Pacific Rim following its RM7.6 milllion restoration works.
Key Tips
Today, visitors have the chance to stay at the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion as its doors are open to visitors who wish to experience and absorb the aura of 19th-century architecture. Tours of Cheong Fatt Tze mansion are available at 11.00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.
How to get there
By Foot or Taxi
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is on Lebuh Leith, in between Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Who to contact
For more information, please visit http://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/
Accommodation Overview
This destination is a boutique hotel in its own right. If you choose to stay elsewhere in town, Penang has a wide range of accommodation available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.
PENANG - GODESS OF MERCY TEMPLEThe Goddess of Mercy Temple, or Kuan Yin Temple, is the first temple ever built in Georgetown, Penang, by Chinese settlers. The temple honours Kuan Yin, a devout Buddhist who was said to have attained the coveted state of Nirvana but had chosen instead to remain on earth in order to provide guidance and help to those who are themselves striving to reach Nirvana. The temple interior is usually filled with the scent of sandalwood incense, burnt by devotees who visit the temple to pray and seek guidance from Kuan Yin.
The temple also honours Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers, who was highly regarded by the Chinese settlers, many of whom had travelled great distances, crossing the seas from China to Penang.
Enjoy the temple's many beautiful features like the dragon-entwined pillars, carved from a type of green stone, which support the temple's high roof. Also look for the statue of Kuan Yin, located in an inner chamber, which depicts a woman with 18 arms, who has a countenance which exudes inner peace and worldly contentment.
Key Tips
The Goddess of Mercy's feast is celebrated on the 19th day of the 2nd, 6th and 9th lunar months each year. These events denote Kuan Yin's birthday, her initiation and the event of her attaining the state of Nirvana. If you happen to be in Penang during these times, you will be able to observe Chinese operas and puppet shows.
How to get there
By Foot or Taxi
The temple is in Central Georgetown on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt) in between Lorong Stewart and Lebuh Farquhar.
Who to contact
For more information, please contact the Penang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +604 2643494 / 263 4941 Email: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
Accommodation Overview
Penang has long been a popular stopover on the traveller's trail and, as such, a wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.
PENANG- SRI MAHA MARIAMMAN TEMPLEThe Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in George Town is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang. Its beginnings can be traced back to as early as 1801, when it was a small shrine.
Penang's rapid growth as a trading hub especially of goods such as nutmeg, clove and pepper attracted traders from Europe, America, Arabia, India and China. These traders eventually settled down in Penang.
At the same time, seeing the need for a proper worshipping space for the increasing Indian community on the island, the shrine was expanded into a proper temple. It was then enlarged into a temple in 1833. This year is significant as it is noted as the year the temple was founded.
It was decorated by artisans and built in elaborate South Indian architecture. Statues of Hindu Gods, goddesses and sacred animals adorn the temple throughout. There is also a priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam, the revered Hindu deity, adorned in gold, diamonds and emerald finery.
Throughout the years, the Sri Maha Mariamman temple is also known by several names: Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple, Sri Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple. These names refer to the same temple.
The temple is easily recognisable, from its intricate gopuram (sculpted wall tower), and visitors are encouraged to observe the prayer sessions carried out by the temple priests. This temple is located at Little India in Georgetown at the junction of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Queen.
Key TipsPlease take your shoes off when entering a place of worship. Photography is allowed in the temple grounds, but not in the inner sanctum. Opening hours: 8.00 am - 12.00 noon and 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm
How to get thereOn foot or taxi
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is located in Central Georgetown on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt), in between Lebuh Pasar and Lebuh Chulia.
Who to contactFor more information, please contact the Penang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +604 2643494 / 263 4941 Email: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
Accommodation OverviewPenang has long been a popular stopover on the traveller's trail and, as such, a wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.
PENANG - FORT CORNWALLISThe fort's walls, roughly 10 feet high, are laid out in a star-shape formation. A stroll along the perimeters takes roughly 10 minutes. Inside the fort, you can still see some of the original structures built over a century ago, including a chapel, prison cells, ammunitions storage area, a harbour light once used to signal incoming ships, the original flagstaff and several old bronze cannons, one of which is a Dutch cannon called the Seri Rambai, dated 1603. An interesting note about the Seri Rambai is that some locals believe that this particular cannon can have a positive effect on a woman's fertility.
Today, this privately managed historical site is popular among visitors. It is equipped with a tourist information kiosk, a cafe, an open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery, a souvenir centre as well as guides who can take you around the fort grounds and provide you with a glimpse into the fort's history.
Key TipsFort Cornwallis offers the service of friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, dressed up in smart, red colonial soldier outfits, who can give you a quick and insightful tour of the fort grounds for a small fee. Without the aid of a guidebook or background knowledge of Fort Cornwallis' history, engaging these guides to take you around will be well worth the money. Opening hours are from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm daily.
How to get thereBy Foot or Taxi
Fort Cornwallis is on the edge of Central Georgetown on Jalan T. S. S. Barakbah off Lebuh Light.
Who to contactFor more information, please contact the Penang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +604 2643494 / 263 4941 Email: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
Accommodation OverviewPenang has long been a popular stopover on the traveller's trail and, as such, a wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels
PENANG -MUSEUM & ART GALLERYOnce you set foot inside the museum building, you will see why the State Museum located along Jalan Farquhar in Georgetown is reputed to be one of the best state museums in the country. Divided into galleries dedicated to Penang's historical communities, as well as particular historical events that took place in Penang, the museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, historical documents, Chinese furniture, embroidery, costumes and other historical relics.
On the first floor where the Art Gallery is located, works of local artists and paintings of old Penang are on display, namely those by William Daniels and Captain Robert Smith. From time to time, special exhibitions are held here.
Key TipsOpening Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (Lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm). Fridays from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (Lunch from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm)
How to get thereBy Foot or Taxi
Penang Museum & Art Gallery is in Central Georgetown on Lebuh Farquhar, in between Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt) and Love Lane (Lorong Cinta).
Who to contactFor more information, please contact the Penang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +604 2643494 / 263 4941 Email: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
Accommodation OverviewPenang has long been a popular stopover on the traveller's trail and, as such, a wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.
PENANG - KAPITAN KELING MOSQUE
Surrounded by a low wall, this white-washed mosque is adorned with yellow Moghul-style domes and turrets. A madrassah (a place where religious classes are held) can also be found within the mosque's compound. The tall minaret, once used by the muezzin to deliver his call to prayers, is located on the corner of Buckingham and Pitt Street.
Key TipsVisitors are welcome into the Kapitan Keling Mosque grounds. However, do remember to remove your footwear and wear modest clothing before you enter the mosque building.
How to get thereBy Foot or Taxi
Kapitan Keling Mosque is on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt) in between Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Buckingham.
Who to contactFor more information, please contact the Penang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +604 2643494 / 263 4941 Email: mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
Accommodation OverviewPenang has long been a popular stopover on the traveller's trail and, as such, a wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.
PENANG- KHOO KONGSIOne of five clan houses still standing in Georgetown, the Khoo Kongsi clan house takes on a remarkable resemblance to a mini clan village. One of the grandest clan houses in Penang, the Khoo Kongsi features tall thin columns supporting a gently sloping, red tiled roof, topped with carvings of dragons, phoenixes, mythical animals and various scenes from popular Chinese legends.
The clan house also has a grand hall adorned with resplendent and intricate carvings and richly ornamented pillars which are said to have been crafted by master craftsmen from China. Other major Hokkien clan houses that can be found in Penang are the Cheah Kongsi, Yeah Kongsi, Lim Kongsi and Tan Kongsi.
Key TipsOpening hours: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.
How to get thereBy Foot or Taxi
There are two entrances to the Khoo Kongsi. One is on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt), in between Armenian Street and Lebuh Aceh. The second entrance is on Lebuh Pantai, also in between Armenian Street and Lebuh Aceh.
Who to contactFor more information, please visit http://www.khookongsi.com.my/
Accommodation OverviewPenang has long been a popular stopover on the traveller's trail and, as such, a wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels.
