Introduction
Also known as Penang Island or Pulau Pinang, Penang state is situated off the northwest Coast of Malaysia. This place with its natural scenic splendour is also known as "The Pearl of the Orient". Its largest city is Georgetown, Malaysia's main seaport.

What to do
Penang spells warm seas, golden beaches, lush greenery, delicious cuisine, and interesting people. In spite of being a cosmopolitan place, the legacy left behind by the mixture of races that lived here in harmony, since the eighteenth century, can be felt till today. Sightseeing in Penang, with its modern skyscrapers and quaint old buildings is an intoxicating mix of various cultures, sights and sounds. Take a conducted tour, or better still, you can walk around at your own pace with a camera in hand to absorb all the intricate details this place has to offer.

City at a Glance

Latitude 5°25'N Longitude 100°19'E Area 285 sq km Population 10,64,200 Language Malay, Chinese, Indian Religion Christianity, Hinduism, Islam Telephone Code 04

History
The Portuguese discovered the island the island of Penang during their exploration of Asia and ever since the island was knows as Pulo Pinaom or Pulau Pinang (Betel Nut Island). It was a possession of the sultans of Kedah, until the eighteenth century when Captain Francis Light landed on the island and saw the possibility of establishing a local trading base. He founded a British colony here, in 1786. It became a British trading center; but then it proved to be disappointment owing to food shortages, competition from traders in north Sumatra, Burma, Thailand, and northwest Malaya.

Over the next 100 years Penang experienced a period of economic prosperity. World War II did not have much impact, either. However the post 1945 era saw a new trend emerging in this part of the world, which was to a great extent, influenced by political activity in neighbouring countries. This came to be reflected in the form of an active freedom movement in the island of Penang. The struggle bore fruit, and very soon British control in Asia came to an end and Malaya became an independent country in 1957. Penang joined the federation of Malaya in 1957. It became a state of Malaysia in 1963.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Penang has an equatorial climate with uniform climate over the year. Humidity is high, and rainfall evenly distributed over the year. It is better to avoid this place from September to November, as these are the wettest months, unless you want to get drenched and enjoy the island of course.

Attractions
Georgetown City
Georgetown, Penang's historic centre and fort, is a beautiful city that blends the old and the new. The architecture is proof of the diversity of the cultures that exist in the island. It has its own Chinatown and Little India. The British, Thai, Burmese, and Chinese influence can be seen throughout.

Clock tower
Erected in 1897, this tower marks the historic centre of Georgetown, and was erected, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

City Hall Esplanade
The city hall featuring Corinthian columns and huge windows is a stately colonial building, and a fine example of British Palladian Architecture.

Fort Cornwallis
The fort was built on the site where Sir Francis Light first landed on the island in 1786. It is a rectangular concrete structure built by a convict labour, with several cannons protruding from its ramparts. Within the fort is an open-air amphitheatre, a handicraft and souvenir centre, and a bunker.

Komtar Tower
This 65-storey complex, known as Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak houses departmental stores, commercial offices, shops and restaurants, theatres, and squash courts. This tower located in the central district of Georgetown offers a panoramic view of the island.

Temples, Mosques and Churches in Georgetown
The diversity of Penang's religious beliefs can be seen in the temples, mosques and churches found throughout Georgetown. St. George's Church, Kuan Yin Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, the Kapitan Kling Mosque, Acheen Street Mosque are worth a visit.

Penang Bridge
This bridge is known to be the longest in Asia and third longest in the world. The construction took three and a half years to complete.

Temples Outside Georgetown
Some of the island's most impressive temples are situated outside Georgetown.

Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Temple
Located at Lorong Burmah. It has the third largest reclining Buddha in the world.

Kek Lok Si Temple
Placed in the hills of Air Itam, it is reputed to be the largest temple complex in South East Asia. Its seven-storey pagoda is a blend of Thai, Chinese and Burmese architecture.

Snake Temple
Located at Sungai Kluang this temple is decorated with several live vicious pit vipers that lie around the altar.

Penang Botanical Gardens
Located in a valley surrounded by lush greenery, this park is more popularly known as 'The Waterfall or Monkey Gardens'. The park is a treasure trove of tropical plants, and there are charming streams and rivers flowing through it.

Penang's Beaches
A visit to Penang is not complete without going to its breathtaking beaches. The northern shoreline is famous for beaches like the Tanjung Bunga, Batu Ferringhi, and Teluk Bahang. The stretches of sand interspersed with coves hidden under granite rocks with clean patches of water, where one can swim, are a perfect hideout for the privacy seeker.

Resorts of international standards with water sports facilities have mushroomed along the famous shorelines.

Other
Other worthwhile stops for the nature buff are: the Penang Bird Park, the romantic Penang Hill, the Penang Butterfly Farm, and Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Penang celebrates the main religious festivals such as Hari Raya Puasa, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, Vesak Day, Deepavali and Christmas. In addition there are celebrations for the National Day (31 August), the Birthdays of the King and Penang's Governor. In November and December the annual Pesta Pulau Pinang, or Penang Island festival is held which sees a riot of cultural events, parades and carnivals. Moreover, the International Flora Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival are the other important festivals here.

After Hours
The pasar malam or the night market is a good place to soak up the atmosphere. Food, clothes, accessories - name anything and you'll find it here at a cheap bargain. The blaring music and the hustle bustle of the markets will keep you hooked. Moreover there are other shopping complexes that are open till late in the night where one can go and spend some great time shopping and enjoying the general lifestyles of the inhabitants in this part of the world.

SHOPPING
Shopping in Penang is fun. You will find modern air-conditioned complexes to quaint old shops where you can get rare antiques and collectibles. Colourful open-air bazaars, and the night markets or pasar malam are a must visit while at Penang.

The main shopping areas are concentrated in Julan Penang, Lebuh Campbell, Lebuh Kapitan Kling, Lebuh Chulia, and Lebuh Panti. Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) is a good place to start shopping. Departmental stores and shopping complexes are usually open till late in the night.

Penang is an antique lover's paradise. Here, you will find a myriad collection of goods - from exotic curios, jewellery, souvenirs, clothing, fabric like batik, pewters, vases, ashtrays, baskets, mats, and other handicrafts to the latest hi-fi electronic equipment.

WHERE TO STAY
Penang has a wide variety of accommodation to suit every pocket.

The Georgetown Area and the Bayan Lepas Industrial area offer both first class and business class accommodation. Most famous ones being: the Shangri-la Hotel, Sunway Hotel, and Hotel Equatorial.

The tourist belt of Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, and Batu Ferringhi is lined with resorts and apartments of international standards.

Cheap accommodation can be found on the Lebuh Chulia area, and Georgetown too.

WHERE TO EAT

Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia. Apart from Chinese, you will get to savour Malay, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and Western cuisine. The Penang food is so famous that visitors from other places are known to come here specially to savour the delicacies.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals of the region. It is directly connected with Singapore, Bangkok, Hadyai, Phuket, Maden, Xiamen, and Madras, operated by Malaysian Airlines. The Bayan Lepas International Airport is located about 20 Km from the city centre. Taxis ply to and from the airport and various destinations.

Land and Water
By Road
The opening of the Penang Bridge linking the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia to Penang Island has facilitated driving to Penang.

By Rail
Taking a train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth is a good way to see the countryside. First and second-class passengers travel in comfort in the air-conditioned coaches.

By Ferry
From Butterworth, it is necessary to take the ferry to Penang Island. The ferry service is available around the clock for both passengers and vehicles.

Local Transport
Penang has an efficient public transport system. Moving around in taxis, buses or trishaws is fun as they enable you to catch a better sight of the city. The trishaw is an open-fronted three-wheeled vehicle; and is the best way to look around the city as it lets you move at your own leisurely pace, stop anywhere, pick up souvenirs or click photographs. Besides, there is also the option of trying one of the many car rental services.

Buses ply between various routes of the city and other destinations of the island. Motorcycles and bicycles offer fun and inexpensive ways to explore the island.

There are also many tours and cruises available that take you to beautiful landmarks, around the island.