About PenangBefore Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, was known to the world as a beautiful, exotic holiday destination, she was Pulau Pinang – a virgin paradise that got her name from the abundance of betel nut palms scattered across her soft, sandy beaches.
Literally translated, Pulau Pinang means the “Isle of the Betel Nut” in Malay – Malaysia's national language. Steeped in history, “Penang” was born when charismatic English captain Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang to the British East India Company.
In 1786, Light landed on what is known as the scenic Esplanade today. Local folklore tells of how he fired gold coins into the surrounding jungle to induce his men to clear the area. Fourteen years later, the Sultan of Kedah further ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel to a very persuasive Light.The state of Penang then comprised of an island originally named Prince of Wales Island, after George V, and the strip on the mainland which was christened Province Wellesley, after the Governor of India. The former was later named George Town, after King George III.
In 1832, Penang formed part of the Straits Settlement with Malacca and Singapore. The Penang maritime port was among the busiest in the region, attracting rich merchants involved in the lucrative trade of tea, spices, porcelain and cloth.
Settlers and fortune-seekers from the all over called Penang home and it was from this interesting mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Siamese (to name a few) cultures that Penang became a melting pot for hybrid communities – the most famous being the Baba Nyonya, Jawi Peranakan and Eurasians.For more than a century, the major trading post remained under British colonial rule until 1957, when Malaysia gained independence. George Town was accorded city status by Queen Elizabeth II on January 1, 1957, thereby becoming the first town in the Federation of Malay – after Singapore – to become a city.
Although she is Malaysia's electric and electronic manufacturing hub, Penang has successfully retained her old world charm. As recognition of her rich heritage, George Town, together with Malacca, was listed as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.
Penang, one of the Malaysia’s 13 states is considered as the “Pearl of the Orient” of the Malaysia Peninsula. Penang is derived from the local word “Pinang,” which means betel nut. Thousands of tourists visit Penang to witness its unique heritage in culture and its breathtaking sceneries.
One of the most popular Penang attractions is the Georgetown Attractions. Georgetown is rich with Penang’s local tapestry of culture. This is Penang’s capital city where you can visit the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery. This museum features Penang’s local heritage tracing back to its early years. You can see a large collection of photos, documents, maps, antique pieces, costumes and other notable historical relics. In Georgetown, you can also see the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, Khoo Kongsi, Kek Lok Si Temple, and St. George’s Church among many others.
Batu Ferringhi is also one of Penang’s attractions. Teluk Bahang, its neighboring town boasts of rich nature-based sights to see. Penang’s Cultural Centre, Batik Factory, and Yahong Art Gallery are only a few of the notable places to visit.
Tanjung Bungah on the other hand houses the Floating Mosque and the Toy Museum. The Floating Mosque or Masjid Terapung was newly built in 2004 as a replacement for a mosque, which was destroyed by a tsunami. This is the first mosque in the country, which was built on the sea. The Toy Museum on the other hand, holds over 100, 000 different types of toys, collectibles and other figurines. It is hailed as the largest toy museum in the world.
Bayan Lepas, also a Penang must-see attraction, houses the War Museum, which depicts Malaysia’s past and war history.
Gurney Drive is also one of Penang’s pride and it houses two very remarkable and beautiful temples, the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram and the Dharmikarama. Way Chaiya Mangkalaram is a Thai temple, which is a home to the Reclining Buddha Statue. Dharmikarama Temple, on the other hand is a Burmese temple, which is Penang’s first Burmese temple.
Penang also houses beautiful beaches and virgin islands on its northern part of the island. It has also taken care to preserve its nature, which makes it ideal for those who seek nature trips on their holidays.
Truly, Penang is just one state of Malaysia which holds true to its reputation of being a country with rich cultural heritage and attractive tourist spots.
1 – Take the Walking Tour of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site
George Town in Penang is recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site as one of the “Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca”, the other being, Malacca. Visit the popular attractions such as Fort Cornwallis, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, The City Hall, Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee clock tower, just to name a few to witness colonial buildings from the British era.
2 – Visit Nearby IslandsBesides Penang Island, the nearby islands such as Pulau Jerejak, Pulau Aman and Pulau Betong, which offers a more peaceful atmosphere as compared to the developed Penang Island, are worth visiting.
3 – Check Out Juru Highway Auto-City
Drop by Juru Highway Auto-City in Juru, whether it is for international cuisine or just for a cup of coffee, this is the place to be. With over 30 F&B and entertainment outlets, banks, auto showrooms and service centers, fashion boutiques and more, you can never leave Penang without stopping by this place.
4 – Shop Endlessly at Flea Markets, Night Markets and Shopping MallsFrom the traditional flea markets and night markets (pasar malam) to the modern shopping complexes, Penang has it all. Visit Little India or drop by the largest mall in Penang, Queensbay Mall for great shopping experience.
5 – Cross Penang Bridge
Don’t forget to cross Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Asia as it offers spectacular view of Penang Island. Connecting the mainland to Penang Island, Penang Bridge is also the host to the annual Penang Bridge International Marathon.
6 – Go on a Ferry Ride from ButterworthRide the Ferry from Butterworth to Penang Island and enjoy the scenery view of Penang. The ferry houses both vehicles and passengers, where passengers who drive can also enjoy the ride.
7 – Visit Kek Lok Si, the Largest Buddhist Temple in Southeast Asia
Kek Lok Si Temple, located in Ayer Itam, Penang, is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. The best known temple in Penang, Kek Lok Si houses a seven storey pagoda, a bronze statue of Kuan Yin, several large halls for assembly and prayer, statues of Buddha.
8 – Take the Train Up to Penang HillPenang Hill (Bukit Bendera in Malay) is a popular tourist spot in Penang, where tourists are able to view the entire Penang Island from the peak of Penang Hill. The most convenient way up to the peak through Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway which has been in service since 1923!
Batu Ferringhi Beach is a popular beach in Penang that is well-known for its beautiful beach and scenery. It also houses large hotels, restaurants, pubs and night markets.
Tanjung Bungah, which is also a popular tourist destination for its beaches, is the cheaper alternative to Batu Ferringhi.
10 – Sample the Popular Hawker Fare in Gurney Drive
Gurney Drive boasts of some of Penang island best street food from Char Kuey Teow to Asam Laksa, from Ice Kacang to Rojak. Penang is known for its food haven and the hawker food here are among the best in the world.
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