Downtown Penang

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, George Town, 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.

Komtar Penang

KOMTAR (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) was named in honour of the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdul Razak bin Hussein. When this skyscraper topped out, (reached full height during construction phase of 232 metres or 761 feet) it was the tallest building in Asia.read more

Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis, named after the Governor-General in Bengal in the late 1700s, Charles Cornwallis, is one of the most interesting historical landmarks in George Town. It is located close to the Esplanade, next to the Victoria Memorial Clock.read more

Kuan Yin Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple)

The Kuan Yin Temple was built in the 1800s by early Chinese settlers of the Hokkien and Cantonese communities. The temple was originally named Kong Hock Keong temple (Cantonese-Hokkien Temple) and was once used not only for religious but also for social functions within the Chinese community. However, the temple lost some of its importance when the current Chinese Town Hall was constructed in the 1880s.read more

Kapitan Keling Mosque

The Kapitan Keling Mosque was first erected by the troops of the East India Company who were some of Penang's first Muslim settlers, in the late 1700s. Several years later, the growing Indian Muslim community required a more permanent mosque. In 1801, the community, led by their leader, Cauder Mydin Merican or also referred to as 'Kapitan Keling', was granted with an 18-acre lot. Made of brick, the original mosque was a single-storey structure, but over the years, the mosque has seen plenty of renovation works.read more

Sri Mariamman Temple

In the heart of Little India in George Town, on the corner of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Queen, lies the Sri Mariamman Temple. Sri Mariamman is the oldest and, arguably, most famous Hindu temple in Malaysia.

Decorated in the colourful and distinct style of South Indian architecture, the temple is adorned with nearly 40 statuettes of Hindu Gods, Goddesses and sacred animals. Many of the statuettes are mounted on the impressive facade of the temple which rises over 23 feet high. read more

Tropical Spice Garden

Opened on 27 November 2003, TROPICAL SPICE GARDEN is an agrotourism project showcasing over 500 varieties of exotic and endemic tropical flora, particularly spices, spread over eight acres of secondary jungle. This project is endorsed by the Penang State Government and privately funded by Bertam Consolidated Rubber Co. Ltd., a company involved in palm oil estates in Malaysia. The main focus of the Garden is to create awareness of the natural environment and the importance of plants through its vital programmes of conservation, education and research.read more

Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi, situated along the coastal road north-west of George Town and lined with a string of international-standard resorts, is the most popular beach in Penang.

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. read more

Penang Hill

On Penang Hill you can escape the heat of tropical George Town. The hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, is 830 meter high (2,750 foot) and it's much cooler than in the city below. It's about 3 degrees cooler than the places near the coast.

The station to get to the top is located in Air Itam. From George Town, take a Transit Link bus No 1, or No 101, or Lim Seng bus No 91, or minibus No 21 from Lebuh Chulia to the Air Itam Terminal. Penang Hill has a population of about 1000 locals.. read more