PENANG INSIGHT - PEARL OF THE ORIENT

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Penang, or commonly known as the Pearl of The Orient, is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. The island has long been known as one of Southeast Asia's finest destinations. Penang’s rich history, diverse culture, delicious food, outstanding beaches, beautiful resorts and exotic sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region. Penang gets its name from the Malay word “pinang”, in reference to the areca plant which grew on the island in abundance. The nut of the tree, commonly called betel, was chewed habitually throughout the East. Therefore, the name “
Island of the Betel Nut” or Pulau Pinang in Malay was given to the island.

Brief History
Penang was founded by Captain Francis Light in 1786. It joined the Straits Settlement when it was formed in 1932, in which consists of 2 other states, Malacca and Singapore. Penang became its capital for 3 years before it was taken over by Singapore in 1835. At the end of WWII in 1945, Penang has since been developed into a contemporary metropolis with modern infrastructures and booming of multinational corporations.

Geographical
Penang is located at North West of Peninsular Malaysia. It is made up of the Penang Island and Province Wellesley on the mainland, separated by the Straits of Malacca.

Population
Approximately 1.23 million people which consists of 3 major races. Chinese, Malays and Indians

Religion
Islam as the official religion, followed by Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism

Climate
The climate is between 25^oC to 30^oC with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. See the local weather report here.

Currency
Ringgit Malaysia (RM) – Find the exchange rate here.

Accommodation
There are many hotels located within Georgetown city, airport and along the beautiful beaches

Mode of Transports
Taxi, bus, trishaw and ferry (between the island and mainland)

Famous Landmark
- The Penang Bridge which is 13.5km in length links the Island and the mainland.
- Tunku Abdul Razak Complex (KOMTAR), which is the tallest building in Penang.

Places of Interest
You can get more information from Tourism Penang. Here are some of the interesting places you might be interested to visit:

Heritage Trail
It’s a must-not-miss experience to study the cultural, historical and architectural heritage of Penang.

Chinatown
Chinatown on the island stretches from Weld Quay to Lebuh Stewart, Lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh King. Chinatown is so large and well-preserved that you will sense and feel the lifestyle of Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s. Visitors will be intrigued by many clan houses, shop houses and temples found along these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind.

Little India

Colourful saris, fragrant spices, and glittery jewellery gather in Penang's Indian enclave to give visitors a multi-sensory experience. The old-world charm of Penang is romantically captured in traditional trades like astrology and betel nut-peddling.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
The “Blue Mansion” as it has been commonly known, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion has received the UNESCO “Most Excellent” Heritage Conservation Award in 2000.

Penang State Mosque
Completed in 1980, this huge structure stands on 4.5 hectares of land.

Penang Islamic Museum

Located along Lebuh Armenian, this museum was the former home of Syed Mohamad Alatas, a pepper trader from Acheh. It houses some very rare relics of the Islamic community.

Kek Lok Si Temple

The temple which is also known as the 'Monastery of Supreme Bliss' was built in 1890. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and one of the finest in South-east Asia. Next to the temple is a huge bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy which was completed in 2003.

Penang Hill
Above 830 metres (2,730 ft.) above sea level, offers a panoramic of Georgetown and the mainland. Visitors can ascend to the top of the hill by either hiking up using Moon Gate or road track next to Botanical Garden or by the funicular railway which has been operational since 1922.

Botanical Gardens
This is a place where there are lots of nice landscaping, floral and fresh air. You can see different species of monkeys lingering around the garden.

Wat Chayamangkalaram
It is a Thai architectural Buddhist temple famous for its large reclining Buddha believed to the third largest reclining Buddha in the world measuring 33 metres in length.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
This is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang which features fascinating sculptures of Gods and Goddesses over its main entrance as well as facade.

Kuan Yin Temple
Kuan Yin Temple also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy is the oldest temple in Penang. The temple reflects the splendour of an ancient Chinese architecture, decorated with intricately crafted dragons and stone sculptured dragons.

Kapitan Kling Mosque
This mosque was built around 1800 with the influence of the Indian Islamic architecture, and boasts a dome-shaped and well placed minaret.

Khoo Kongsi
This Khoo clan temple has carved beams made from the finest wood and unique architectural design.

Tanjung City Marina
The marina is the first inner city marina in the country. It was completed in October 2005 and is now fully operational. It is strategically located on the waterfront of George Town, occupying 1.6ha of the coastal land adjacent to the Weld Quay ferry terminal. The marina is within walking distance from the heart of the city.

Fort Cornwallis
Located on the Esplanade, this 200 year-old fort marks the spot where Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang, first landed in 1786.

Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
This 18.5 metres clock tower was built in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

Snake Temple
This temple was built in 1850 to dedicate to the deity Chor Soo Kong. The temple is a sanctuary for the pit vipers said to be 'servants' of the deity. These poisonous snakes coil round pillars, beams and potted plants throughout the temple in a comatose state, made drowsy by the burning incense.

Batu Ferringhi Beach
This is a well known beach retreat stretch with lots of bustling water sports activities. It is an ideal getaway for holidays. There is also a long stretch of night market activities nightly.

Penang Butterfly Farm
The first of its kind to be built in the world, the farm is home to more than 400 species of butterflies and insects. Butterflies flutter about under a huge net in the 0.8-hectare area. A lily pond, artificial waterfalls, and gardens peppered with exotic flowers add to the landscape.

Penang Bird Park
This park houses many different species of local and foreign birds in a 5-acre area. It is located in Seberang Jaya on the mainland.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion
This mansion is a typical home of a rich Baba a century ago and it offers a vast collection of antiques and collectibles. It has a 19th century architecture structure and was the former home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee.

Toy Museum
This museum houses more than 100,000 toys, models, dolls and other collectibles. It is the largest in the world.

War Museum
The museum was originally the British military fortress built in the 30’s to protect the island from the enemies. It sits in a rainforest located in Batu Maung, South East of Penang.

Tropical Fruit Farm
This Agro Farm covers an area of 25 acres. It is located at the hilly terrain of Teluk Bahang. It has more than 250 species of fruit trees from the region as well as throughout the world.

Tropical Spice Garden
There are more than 500 varieties of exotic from Malaysia and other region.

Teluk Bahang Recreational Forest
The recreational forest in 32-hectare of land with a forestry museum located within the vicinity. It makes an interesting introduction to the Malaysian forest.

Penang National Park
The Penang National Park (previously known as Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve) is the first protected area legally gazette under the National Park Act of 1980, signifying the State and Federal Governments' efforts in protecting the environment. The Park's ecosystem is a diversity of habitats with hills, sandy and rocky beaches, streams and coastal forests representing much of the natural habitats of Penang.

SHOPPING
- Queensbay
- Gurney Plaza
- Island Plaza
- Prangin Mall-Komtar
- 1-Stop Midlands Park
- Bukit Jambul Complex
- Mega Mall
- Tesco
- Carrefour (Mainland)
- Makro

ENTERTAINMENT
- Upper Penang Road
- More Entertainment Outlets

RECREATION AND SPA
- Listings for recreation and spa

FOOD
Penang Eating Guide
- Malay Cuisine
- Chinese Cuisine
- Indian Cuisine
- Nyonya Cuisine
- Vegetarian Cuisine
- Seafood Cuisine
- International Food
- Bar, Lounges & Café
- Hawker
More Food Outlets

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
- Listing

References:
- Tourism Penang
- Visitor Malaysia
- Virtual Malaysia
- Travel Penang
- Oomph
- Penang Web
- Wikipedia

Disclaimer:
This compilation is solely the recommendations of the author and is provided for informational purposes only. All actions taken are solely based on the readers’ own decisions. The links in this site are provided as is and without warranties of any kind either expressed or implied. The listing does not warrant that the links or any of its functions will be uninterrupted or error free, It also does not warrant or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the materials in this site or in third-party sites in terms of their correctness, accuracy, timeliness, reliability or otherwise.